From James McMahon, of Bridgehampton’s Salty Sessions:

The Local Breaks

For average surfers, all the Hamptons beaches have similar setups. Flat beaches, quick-breaking waves, usually short rides — maybe 20 seconds tops.

Montauk is different. It has rock bottom instead of sand. The waves break in the same spot, are a bit longer and more consistent, but it gets extremely crowded. I’d rather surf a quicker wave with no one than a long wave with a hundred friends.

If you’re in Bridgehampton, Sag Main is great for amenities. Lifeguards, showers, ice cream guy — you can post up there all day. Scott Cameron Beach to the west has “the cut” where they open Mecox Bay to the ocean and create a little river that makes good sandbars. More local surfers from Southampton hang there, but if you’re respectful, you’ll get waves.

Sandbar Science

Amagansett beaches like Atlantic and Egypt have similar styles. It really depends on the sandbars. Some years, certain beaches are the spot, others aren’t. The sand here is thick and moves a lot. Without sandbars, waves don’t break properly — they just close out on the shore.

This year we have excellent sandbars because of beach restoration in front of the mansions. It has positives and negatives for the ecosystem, but it helps surfers.

On Local Knowledge

Yes, there are secret spots — but most of them are just better sandbars that locals know about. If you're driving the beaches, you figure out where it's working. In Montauk there are some more localized breaks along the cliff line and coves.

Professional Approach

Our beach, Ocean Beach, has no lifeguards. My staff and I make saves when needed. We know what we’re doing, and people at the beach might not. We spread knowledge, make rescues, and signal for help if needed. If you’re coming to my beach to work with me, you’re working directly with professionals.

Inside Tip 📌

If you're new to the area, spend time watching the beaches. The sandbars shift constantly, and knowing when and where they’re breaking best is half the game.

Contact

🌐 Salty Sessions

About Salty Sessions

For over a decade, Salty Sessions has held the only license for Ocean Road's breaks in Bridgehampton.

Founder James McMahon staffs the school with lifeguard-certified pro surfers who speak three languages and teach students from ages 3 to 75+.

Small group lessons, sunrise privates, and summer camps draw families from across the East End.

The reason is simple: safe, fun instruction that adapts to every student's needs.

Lead-in Image

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