Find Big Waves At These Mass. Beaches During The Summer

We're in a brief reprieve from last week's sweltering heat wave, but we've still got a lot of summer to come. One of the best things about living in Massachusetts is that we are not far from the coast, and if you love the ocean, we actually have some solid spots for big waves.

Mass. beaches are not exactly known for gnarly surf, outside of a storm rolling through, but there are a handful of places where you can actually catch something worth riding. Here is where to go if you want real waves this summer.

Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet is probably the most well known spot for it. Serious surfers head here regularly, and after you are done in the water, you can grab a drink at the Beachcomber, the beach bar right on site that surfers have been hanging out at for years.

If you are newer to surfing or ride a longboard, check out Nantasket Beach in Hull. Waves usually run two to four feet with a northeast wind. Marconi Beach, also in Wellfleet, can get you three to six foot swells on a good day. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is another solid option, but be careful there, the rip tides are strong. Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester rounds things out with waves usually in the two to four foot range.

A few other towns worth knowing about if you are chasing bigger surf: Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Scituate, Plum Island, Salisbury Beach, Ipswich, Gloucester, Lynn, Nahant, and Manchester by the Sea. Lynn holds a special place for me since that is where my roots are, so it is always fun seeing it show up on a list like this.

Just remember the ocean does not care how experienced you are. Respect the water, know your limits, and always be careful out there.