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Dynamic shot of a surfer riding a wave in Hilo, Hawaii during a sunny day.
📷 Daniel Torobekov · Pexels

First Bay

3.6 — based on 21 community signals
4.2 12 species 26 contributors

First Bay is a year-round surf destination in the United States with consistent waves and active community documentation.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendlyBeginner

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner

Map

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First Bay location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
8.7 kn
Wave
2.02 m
Water
27.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (28%)
Now: ENE (75°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.79m

Today: High 10:00 (+0.78m), Low 19:00 (+0.42m)

+1.0 m+0.2 m
▲ 10:00 · +0.78m ▼ 19:00 · +0.42m ▼ 21:00 · +0.41m ▲ 22:00 · +0.42m Now +0.3m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV8.35 · very high Air PM2.58 · good 06:07 18:19
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 9.4 2.08 8 5mm
09-19 8.9 2.2 8 7mm
09-20 11.5 2.16 9 5mm
09-21 12.2 2 8 1mm
09-22 8.5 2.64 8 34mm
09-23 7.6 2.62 8 46mm
09-24 11 2.54 6 59mm

About this spot

First Bay delivers accessible surf across all seasons, making it a reliable choice for paddlers seeking regular swell without seasonal gaps. The spot hosts an engaged local community, evidenced by twelve documented species observations and three community videos that capture conditions and marine encounters. The break sits outside protected marine areas, allowing flexible access for surfers of all backgrounds. The area supports diverse marine life, recorded through community observations that reveal what shares the lineup. Video documentation from locals provides current snapshots of wave quality and conditions, helping visiting surfers plan sessions effectively. This combination of year-round opportunity and transparent community intel makes First Bay a practical stop for coastal road trips. Access remains straightforward with no permit requirements tied to marine protection zones. The spot's consistent seasonal patterns mean you can time visits around your schedule rather than chasing narrow windows. Whether you're a passing traveler or planning a longer stay, First Bay's stable conditions and documented resources support solid planning.

📖 Guide: Diving in the United States: 87 Sites From Springs to Open Ocean

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 11743km · ~2701kg · €49

FAQ

Can you surf First Bay year-round?

Yes. First Bay produces consistent swell across all seasons, so you can plan trips anytime that suits your schedule without chasing narrow seasonal windows.

What marine life is present at First Bay?

Twelve documented species observations are available through community records. Check local video documentation to see what's active during your planned visit.

Do I need permits or permissions to surf First Bay?

No. First Bay sits outside marine protected areas, so access is unrestricted for surfers. You can paddle out freely without special authorization.

How current is the information on conditions?

Three community videos provide recent snapshots of wave quality and conditions. These firsthand reports offer better real-time intel than forecasts alone.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

25 records · 21 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Feb 2024
×1records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Mar 2022
×1records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Jan 2020
×1records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Mar 2014
×2records

Cryptodromiopsis tridens

Malacostraca · Dromiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Aug 2013
×1records

Cerithium atromarginatum

Gastropoda · Cerithiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Aug 2013
×1records

Pseudorca crassidens

false killer whale
Mammalia · Delphinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
13 Aug 2008
×1records
Depth:
0 m

Chondrochelia dubia

Malacostraca · Leptocheliidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Jun 2002
×1records
Depth:
14 m

Syllidae

Polychaeta · Syllidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Jun 2002
×1records
Depth:
1 m

Calappa gallus

Malacostraca · Calappidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Jun 2002
×1records
Depth:
20 m

Sympagurus dofleini

Malacostraca · Parapaguridae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 Feb 1984
×1records
Depth:
1140 m

Polychaeta

Polychaeta
OBIS
Last seen:
31 Jul 1976
×1records
Depth:
660 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Hurricane Frank Hits The Vans U.S. Open of Surfing

Stab: We like to surf
💬 3 top comments
  • So fun to be part of this show, next time trying to be a little more on the safe side 😂

    @Tristan_Guilbaud · 👍 4
  • Stab makes the best content on youtube.

    @markmarino7641 · 👍 5
  • super cuts in hb on Beach actually really sucks haha

    @MagicgerG · 👍 3

First Peak

SURFER
💬 3 top comments
  • Ah man. Hits so hard. The Inlet is where I learned how to surf. Beginning in 91 through 95 the inlet was my go to spot. Why surf anywhere else with a wave that good? I remember so vividly middle of July in 92 just a meager trade swell about 1-2 foot, but low tide first peak would transform that into a shred fest. Perfect wedging A frames that would connect through to second peak offering a ramp fo

    @jacobsmith4284 · 👍 6
  • All I had to hear was "Army Corps of Engineers" and I knew that wave had been destroyed.

    @timanctil8225 · 👍 17
  • the best thing about Sebastian , for me, is that while everybody else ran up there to be "seen", I was catching wave after wave elsewhere. Longer waves, at all tides,going left and right, reconnecting waves from way out back to the inside. Thank goodness Sebastian was so highly thought-of; I was surfing, instead hassling/hustling and harassing others for waves...Thank you Sebasatian Inlet !!

    @jimsweeney1134 · 👍 7

CT Surfers' First Look @ Strickland Bay, Rottnest Island

Stab: We like to surf
💬 3 top comments
  • Looks like a more condensed version of Main Break but with a good left.

    @nottherealChickenJoe · 👍 14
  • Without their comp shirts and heat commentary look like surfers at my local

    @darrenodonnell4138 · 👍 5
  • They need more lefts on tour

    @shano1587 · 👍 10
wind peaks Mar-Jul-Aug, calmest Dec-Sep-Oct.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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