Bodyboarding is an enjoyable activity that you can do on the beach. However, you will need to find a good beach that has quality waves to be able to get the best out of the watersport. Plus, you surely don’t want to arrive all geared up only to find a beach that has tiny swells or completely calm waters. To prevent this from happening, you need to find a beach that has great waves that you can depend on.
If you’re from Florida or traveling there soon, you can check out our previous post on the Best Places in Florida to Bodyboard. But if you are looking for more places on the East Coast where you can enjoy bodyboarding, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are giving you a list of the top beaches on the East Coast that you can visit if you want to go bodyboarding. This way, you won’t be disappointed because all of these beaches offer wonderful waves for bodyboarders.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City is a seaside town on the Eastern seaboard. It is one of the most popular breaks for bodyboarders and surfers. To be able to check out this beach and enjoy bodyboarding, you will need to have a “beach badge.” They offer daily and seasonal badges there. However, the summer months here are usually packed with tourists, making it challenging to go bodyboarding. If you want to fully enjoy your bodyboarding experience here, it is the best time to visit during the fall season because the crowd begins to thin out in that time.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras is located along the coast of North Carolina. It is the epicenter of East Coast bodyboarding and surfing. This place is also nicknamed “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because its overabundance of storms and strong currents has sent lots of ships to the bottom of the sea. It has swells coming in from just about any direction, making it a good spot for bodyboarding. Therefore, when you happen to visit North Carolina, check out Cape Hatteras for a fun bodyboarding experience.
Montauk, New York
This beach is also known to the locals as “The End.” It is a wonderful getaway beach for bodyboarders who are looking for other places aside from more well-known beaches in New York. Swells from south, east, and west make for good waves here. It is also one of the most consistent breaks to bodyboard and surf in the area. But you need to be prepared here because the waves on this beach can go from pounding to flat in a matter of weeks, days, or even just hours. Also, bring a thick wetsuit because the water here can get chilly.
Cisco Beach, Massachusetts
This is another good spot to go bodyboarding on the East Coast. However, beginners should be wary because the swells here are usually big. This place is suitable for intermediate and experienced bodyboarders. It has rougher waves and a bit more wind. But no worries because there are lifeguards stationed along the beach to keep everyone safe while having fun. They also offer rental gear if you happen to forget something like wetsuits and more.
Ruggles, Rhode Island
If you are looking for the best spot for big waves to bodyboard on, then try visiting Ruggles, which is located in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s ironic because it is the smallest state in America but has the largest waves. However, it is only best for intermediate and experienced bodyboarders. You can also enjoy bodyboarding through barrels here, which other beaches can’t offer. You can slide right through its famous waves at the farthest point on this beach. It is a perfect place for bodyboarders who do not mind colder waters. There are also superb ocean views here that you can enjoy while bodyboarding.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
The beaches in South Carolina are not as intense as those in North Carolina. But you can visit Folly Beach as it still offers a great spot for bodyboarders. This place is called “The Washout” because it brings bodyboarders and surfers from all over for the storm swells. This place is also just 20 minutes away from Charleston. The position of this beach along the coast sets it up with a wind that whips up excellent, rolling waves for bodyboarding.
White Crest Beach, Massachusetts
The White Crest Beach in Massachusetts is on Cape Cod. The beaches here are usually overlooked when it comes to bodyboarding. But if you are looking for the best, you shouldn’t skip this beach. White Crest Beach is also called “surfer’s beach” because a lot of surfers also go here. But even bodyboarders and all types of surfers will have fun at this spot. There’s also colder water on this beach, so don’t forget to bring your wetsuit.
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
The popular Outer Banks of North Carolina with give you ample bodyboarding sports. You really can’t go wrong with this place. But if you want to visit one of the best spots for East Coast bodyboarding, then Kitty Hawk is the best beach to see. It is one of the best in Outer Banks because it is located in the middle of it. It is very accessible and features easy parking and access to shops, rentals, and food. And most importantly, it offers wonderful waves. If you are searching for huge waves, then visit this place after a storm. Any day during the summer and early fall will provide you waves that are perfect for bodyboarding.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
This is an addition to the best bodyboarding spots in the southern part of the East Coast. Cocoa Beach is located in Florida. It is actually a popular spot for surfing but also perfect for bodyboarding. It features easy and reliable waves that are great for beginners. But bodyboarders of all experience levels will also enjoy the clear water of this awesome beach. However, during the summer season, this beach can get pretty crowded. But no worries because you will still have plenty of space to ride the waves.
These are some of the best places that you can visit on the East Coast if you are looking into bodyboarding. Some might say that the East Coast can’t stand up to the waves of the West Coast and Hawaii, but these places can prove that wrong. We hope this list will help you find the perfect spot on the East Coast to bodyboard.