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Martha’s Vineyard is famous for postcard-perfect villages, gorgeous sunsets, and, if you know where to look, some seriously fun surf. The island’s south and southeast shores face the open Atlantic, producing punchy wave breaks when the swell is up, while the west and north-facing beaches serve up mellower conditions for beginners, SUP, and longboarding. Below you’ll find the best Martha’s Vineyard beaches to surf, the wind and swell directions that work best at each, where to rent boards and take lessons, and smart safety tips to keep every session fun and low-drama.
The best surf beaches on the Vineyard (and when to go)
South Beach (Edgartown)
South Beach (aka Katama) is the island’s most popular Atlantic-facing beach. It is long, sandy, and capable of producing fast-breaking waves and a decent swell. It’s the place locals go to for bodyboarding and easily accessible surf sessions.
When to surf: Best on consistent Atlantic swells (fall and winter produce the most reliable bigger waves), or after a strong offshore storm-run swell. Expect crowded parking and summer crowds; early morning sessions are best.
Ideal wind direction: South Beach faces roughly due south, so offshore winds are from the north / north-northeast. Onshore winds from the south/southwest will groom the waves poorly; a light northerly breeze gives the cleanest faces.
Notes: The beach is long and shifts frequently, producing sandbars that can create both fun peaks and rip currents. Please be careful of the rip currents.
Wasque / East Beach (Chappy)
Wasque and East Beach on Chappaquiddick are a wild, exposed barrier-beach coastline with expansive sands and powerful surf when conditions align. They are dramatic, less-developed stretches of shoreline. The Trustees of The Reservation manage access and caution that currents can be strong.
When to surf: When there’s a solid easterly to southerly swell hitting the southeastern corner of the island, so fall storms and winter swells again supply the best surf.
Ideal wind direction: Wasque faces east–southeast, so offshore winds come from the west and northwest. An easterly onshore wind tends to make conditions choppy and less good.
Notes: There are fewer facilities, and currents can be hazardous. Always best to go with someone who knows the area.
Moshup / Lucy Vincent / Philbin Beach/ Squibnocket (Aquinnah & Chilmark)
The Aquinnah/Chilmark coast (Moshup, Lucy Vincent, Philbin, Squibnocket) serves up scenic breaks and can produce the best quality waves on the island. Some of these beaches are dramatic particularly Zach’s Cliffs at Squibnocket Pond Reservation and better suited to advanced surfers who read local conditions well.
When to surf: Surf tends to pick up with consistent Atlantic swells. Expect variability; these beaches can be perfect one day and totally flat the next.
Ideal wind direction: These spots face broadly southwest to west; offshore winds are usually northerly to northeasterly depending on the exact beach orientation.
Notes: Access and parking can be restrictive at some. Lucy Vincent, Philbin and Squibnocket have resident only parking in the summer and Squibnocket Pond Reservation (a Land Bank property) requires pre-reservation of parking.
Menemsha (Chilmark)
Menemsha’s public beach (and nearby west-facing points) is a favorite for mellow sunset sessions and longboard rides when the wind and swell cooperate. The west-facing orientation offers exposed points that can peel nicely on the right swell.
When to surf: Summer and early fall can offer long, small to medium peelers; fall storms sometimes pack a punch.
Ideal wind direction: Menemsha faces west, so offshore winds are eastward. An east or northeast breeze will hold the waves up.
Notes: Menemsha also has harbor areas that are calm and perfect for beginner SUP or a softer surfboard; be mindful of rocks and boat traffic near the harbor.
Lambert’s Cove & Vineyard Sound spots (West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven)
Lambert’s Cove and the Vineyard Sound beaches are typically calmer so are perfect for beginners, SUP, and longboard sessions on small swell days. They’re more about glassy sunrise paddles than heavy Atlantic surf.
Ideal wind direction: These west and northwest-facing coves favor east or southeast winds.
Where to rent boards and take lessons
Martha’s Vineyard has several local operators offering lessons, rentals, and SUP/surf instruction.
- 6K6 Surf School — Lessons, youth programs, SUP, wetsuits, surf boards and gear. They offer group and private lessons tailored to the Vineyard. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners.
- Wind’s Up (Vineyard Haven) — A one-stop shop for sail, surf, paddle and windsurf gear; they rent SUPs, kayaks and can point you to sheltered launch sites. Excellent for non-surf watersports and pleasanter days.
Tip: Summer weekends are busy so you should call ahead or reserve gear/lessons in advance.
Safety first: Vineyard-specific precautions
Surfing the Vineyard is fun, but the island has a few unique hazards to respect.
- Respect rips and changing sandbars
South-facing beaches like Katama are barrier-beach systems and sandbars shift and rip currents form suddenly. Learn to spot rip currents (a channel of churning, discolored water moving offshore) and avoid paddling straight through them. If you get caught in a rip current, don’t fight it — swim or paddle parallel to shore to exit, then head back in.
- Strong currents & variable access at Wasque / Cape Poge
The Wasque/Cape Poge area is breathtaking but can be hazardous due to shifting channels and strong currents; The Trustees explicitly advise caution. If you’re unfamiliar with the break, consider taking a local guide or choosing an easier spot.
- Cold water & wetsuits
Even in summer, Vineyard water can be chilly early or late season. Bring an appropriate wetsuit (3/2mm in summer, 4/3mm or thicker in shoulder seasons and cold-water winters) and know how hypothermia signs look.
- Know the rules and access limitations
Some beaches restrict access, have resident-only parking, or close for shorebird nesting. Lucy Vincent, Squibnocket and Lambert’s Cove have special access notes at times. Check town websites or signage before you park.
- Surf with a buddy and heed lifeguards
Many Vineyard beaches have seasonal lifeguards but many don’t and there are no lifeguards off-season. If you go solo, tell someone your plan and estimated return time. Local surfers often keep an eye on each other so try to tap into that community when you arrive.
- Boats, rocks, and harbor traffic
At places like Menemsha, be aware of boats and rocky sections near the harbor. Keep sessions in open water away from boat lanes and docks.
Local etiquette & stewardship
Treat the beaches and wildlife on Martha’s Vineyard with respect.
- Pack out what you pack in. Leave no trace.
- Observe shorebird nesting areas and posted roped-off sections. These protections exist for species that rely on the island’s beaches.
A sample day: how to plan a surf session on the Vineyard
- Check swell and wind: Use a surf forecast app for swell direction and period (longer period = punchier surf). Match the swell to the beach orientation.
- Choose your spot: If it’s big and raw, Squibnocket or Wasque. Small and clean then try the Sound-facing beaches.
- Rent or bring gear: If you didn’t bring a board, reserve one at 6K6 Surf or the MV rental shops. Grab a wetsuit if it’s off-season.
- Arrive early: Parking fills quickly in summer. Early morning also minimizes wind and crowds.
- Warm up and scan: Stretch, scan the lineup for rips, currents, and other surfers. Check for posted warnings.
- Have fun, stay aware: Surf strong, wear sunscreen, respect the environment, and if conditions worsen, paddle to shore.
Final thoughts
Martha’s Vineyard may not have the endless reef breaks of tropical destinations, but what it does offer is character: dramatic beaches, variable Atlantic surf that rewards timing and local knowledge, and friendly surf communities happy to show newcomers the ropes. Whether you’re chasing hollow autumn swells at South Beach, exploring the wild face of Wasque or Squibnocket, or enjoying a mellow Menemsha sunset, the Vineyard’s variety keeps every session interesting. Respect the water, follow local guidance, and you’ll have memorable rides.
Safe travels,
Simon
