So you wanna know the best places to surf on the East Coast of the US? If you are a serious surfer, you definitely want to try your skills on the best waves.

1. REEF ROAD, FLORIDA
You can't visit Palm Beach, Florida and not experience the waves of Reef Road. This area can hold a swell of almost any size. It is basically the only location in Florida where you have the opportunity to ride a 15-foot swell. Winter is the best time of year for surfing the waves that roll ashore on this exposed beach. With the offshore winds blowing from the west, most of the swells occur because of the groundswells and the ones that come from the west are the best. It is also best at low tide, but you have to be wary of sharks and the sharp rocks.

2. SEBASTIAN INLET, FLORIDA
Many know Sebastian Inlet as a state park, but it is also a premier surfing destination about halfway down the Florida coast, 15 or so miles from Melbourne Beach. Surfers have named the distinct waves that occur on this beach. The waves are named for their proximity to the jetty, such as First Peak, Second Peak and so on. First peak is the one with the highest waves and offers one of the best opportunities for longboarding.

3. CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA
Located on a narrow strip of land on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Hatteras is one place where you will find forceful swells hitting the beach. The area pulls in the large swells from the Atlantic Ocean. There are many breaks, but the most famous one of all in this location is known as the Lighthouse. With over 70 miles of access to the water, you can basically pick and choose your breaks because they will occur no matter what the wind direction is.

4. INDIAN RIVER INLET SOUTHSIDE, DELAWARE
Located within the boundaries of Delaware Seashore State Park, Indian River Inlet Southside is only designated surfing beach in the area. It is one of the locations for surfing competitions that are held on the US East Coast. The breaks off the jetty are fairly consistent and are excellent for longboarding. Surfing is restricted on the south side of the inlet to the daylight hours when there are lifeguards on duty. There have been many injuries here because it is a challenging surfing location.

5. MANASQUAN INLET, NEW JERSEY
Manasquan Inlet is a destination for experienced surfers. The waves are best closest to the jetty and are hollow and fast. They normally run for 50 to 150 meters, but on a good day they could run for 300 meters. The best time of day for surfing here is at high tide or when the tide is rising. The swells start at about 3 feet and can rise to a height of 12 feet.

Learn more about this author, Frances Stanford.
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