Massachusetts
Here's how the next 5 days are shaping up at Abels Hill, Massachusetts. Each day is rated based on breaking wave height, swell period, and wind — updated hourly from the latest NOAA GFS run.
Sat, May 16: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 1-2ft and poor conditions with 10mph SW winds. Winds do pick up a bit by the afternoon to 14mph.
Sun, May 17: 2–3ft, 7s period, rated Poor - Fair. Aim for the middle of the day — 2-3ft on SSW swell at 6s with light SW winds. It's a bit wonky first thing but settles down.
Mon, May 18: 1–2ft, 7s period, rated Poor. Pretty quiet out there — 1-2ft and mostly poor with 7mph E winds.
Tue, May 19: 1–2ft, 9s period, rated Poor. Not the most exciting day — 0-1ft and poor conditions with 9mph SW winds.
Wed, May 20: 2–3ft, 6s period, rated Poor. Aim for the middle of the day — 2-3ft on S swell at 10s with 12mph SW winds. Morning is a bit bumpy but things clean up by late morning. Don't wait too long — the wind comes back up after lunch.
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Abels Hill is a mellow beach break located on Martha's Vineyard's south shore, offering forgiving waves ideal for learning and progression. The sandy bottom creates soft, rolling waves that peel consistently during northeast swells, while the exposed northwest-facing beach attracts clean conditions during southwest winds. This quiet spot provides a relaxed vibe with manageable crowds, making it perfect for beginners seeking quality practice sessions away from busier Massachusetts breaks.
Wave heights shown are breaking wave heights — the actual rideable wave size at this spot.
The current wave height at Abels Hill is 1-2ft with a 9.05s swell period. Wind is SW at 9mph and conditions are rated Poor. The forecast updates hourly so you can plan your session around the cleanest windows.
The current breaking wave height at Abels Hill is 1-2ft, produced by a 2ft SSE primary swell at 9s, a 0.8ft SW wind swell swell at 2s. Breaking wave height is the actual rideable wave size at the shore — calculated from offshore swell data using this spot's coastal bathymetry — not the raw buoy reading.
Based on the current 5-day forecast, the best window to surf Abels Hill is Sunday from 6 AM to 9 AM with 3ft waves, a 6.35s swell period, and conditions rated Fair. Check the hourly forecast for updates as conditions can shift.
Abels Hill works best with a NE swell and SW winds. Offshore winds groom the face of the wave, while onshore winds turn it sloppy. Cross-offshore conditions usually produce the cleanest shape.
Tide plays a big role at Abels Hill. Mid tide works for most beach breaks, while reef and point breaks often prefer higher or lower stages. Use the tide chart above to line up your session with the swell peak.
Abels Hill is a beach with a sand bottom, suited to beginner surfers. Abels Hill is a mellow beach break located on Martha's Vineyard's south shore, offering forgiving waves ideal for learning and progression. The sandy bottom creates soft, rolling waves that peel consistently during northeast swells, while the exposed northwest-facing beach attracts clean conditions during southwest winds. This quiet spot provides a relaxed vibe with manageable crowds, making it perfect for beginners seeking quality practice sessions away from busier Massachusetts breaks.
The prime season at Abels Hill is fall, when swell direction, wind patterns, and water temps line up most consistently. Outside the peak season you can still score, but you'll need to watch the forecast closely for the right windows.
Common hazards at Abels Hill include shorebreak during larger swells, seasonal rip currents, cold water temperatures. Always check conditions before paddling out, respect local etiquette, and never surf alone if you're unfamiliar with the break.
Our Abels Hill forecast uses NOAA GFS and other weather models combined with spot-specific bathymetry to calculate breaking wave heights. Short-range (1-3 day) forecasts are most reliable. Extended forecasts show general trends. See the forecast accuracy card above for per-spot and regional performance metrics.
