Dawn patrol surfing in Queens

Queens, New York

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Queens means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:45 AM
First Light: 6:15 AM

Day length: 12h 32m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:45 AM

First light: 6:15 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Last light: 7:47 PM

Data from Rockaway Beach – 90th St · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:43 AM

Sunset

7:18 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:41 AM

Sunset

7:19 PM

Day Length

12h 38m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:20 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:38 AM

Sunset

7:21 PM

Day Length

12h 43m

Best dawn patrol spots in Queens

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Featured Beaches(2)

Rockaway Beach – 90th St

Intermediate

Beach 90th Street in Rockaway is a bustling beach‑break with jetties creating punchy lefts and rights. The zone draws everyone from novice longboarders to seasoned shortboarders and gets its best shape on south‑ and east‑swell hurricane pulses with an offshore west or northwest breeze.

Rockaway Beach – 98th St

Intermediate

Just down the boardwalk from 90th Street, Beach 98th has similar punchy peaks. Jetties create multiple take‑off spots and the wave suits lower‑intermediate to advanced surfers on south and east swells with light offshore winds.

Dawn patrol access guide for Queens

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Rockaway Beach – 90th St
beach
lower-intermediate

Beach 90th Street in Rockaway is a bustling beach‑break with jetties creating punchy lefts and rights. The zone draws everyone from novice longboarders to seasoned shortboarders and gets its best shape on south‑ and east‑swell hurricane pulses with an offshore west or northwest breeze.

Early access

Walk directly from the boardwalk or the subway stop; jetties mark the surfing zones so choose a peak and paddle straight out.

Parking

There is a parking lot at Beach 90th and limited street spots; arrive early because spaces fill quickly in summer. Public transit via the subway makes access easier and avoids parking headaches.

Rockaway Beach – 98th St
beach
lower-intermediate

Just down the boardwalk from 90th Street, Beach 98th has similar punchy peaks. Jetties create multiple take‑off spots and the wave suits lower‑intermediate to advanced surfers on south and east swells with light offshore winds.

Early access

Paddle out between the groins; the paddle can be tricky at low tide due to rip currents.

Parking

Street parking is scarce—take the A train to Beach 98 or ride a bike to avoid tickets and crowded lots.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Queens

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Queens

Dawn patrol in Queens typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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