The July issue of Surfer Magazine rated Montauk number eight on its list of the top 10 surf towns in the country. That list also included towns in Hawaii and California, so I was thrilled to see that we were on it. With that in mind, here’s my guide to the best surf, sand and scenery the Hamptons has to offer to recover when back on land.

AMAGANSETT
Overview: Indian Wells always has a little sandbar, so it’s worth the trip.
After-surf eats: La Fondita (74 Montauk Hwy., 631-267-8800; lafondita.net) is the way to go. And let’s not forget about The Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main St., 631-267-3117; stephentalkhouse.com), a surfer’s party if I’ve ever seen one. It’s one of the last spots for live music, and it even books big-name bands.

BRIDGEHAMPTON
Overview: The beach breaks here can get really good if the sand is set up right. Straight Beach is your best bet.
After-surf eats: World Pie (2402 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-7999)

EAST HAMPTON
Overview: This happening beach has three jetties that you can get all the time. There are beach breaks as well, which can set up nicely. Localism is on the rise here, so be respectful.
After-surf eats: The Blue Parrot (33A Main St., 631-329-2583) for a bite and a party.

HAMPTON BAYS
Overview: Dune Road is a barrier island, so it’s all beach break and sandbars. The boys here have an old-school mentality that’s pretty simple: If you don’t live here, don’t surf here. But that’s only a problem when the surf is really pumping; if you go, just be cool.
Surf shop: Slo-Jack’s Drive-In (212 W. Montauk Hwy., 631-728- 9601)—it’s the best in the Hamptons. Old-fashioned takeout, mini-golf and a surf shop—all in one!

MONTAUK
Overview: It’s the Malibu of the East Coast—you can find it all in Montauk. Ditch Plains is one of the most famous surf spots in the country, but it’s overcrowded with beginners. It also has more wannabe posers than you’ll ever see in your life. From soft-tops to pros, you name it, they’re there.
After-surf eats: Herb’s Market (778 Montauk Hwy., 631-668-2335; herbsmontaukmarket.com) for good food at good prices, and the Montauk Yacht Club (32 Star Island Road, 668-3100; montaukyachtclub.com).

SAGAPONACK
Overview: Sagaponack is not only the best zip code in the country, it also features one of the best sandbars around. Sagg Main Beach is the place to be.
After-surf eats: Townline BBQ (3593 Montauk Hwy., 631-537-2271; townlinebbq.com) is the spot.

SAG HARBOR
Overview: Sag has no surf but plenty of surf culture.
Surf shop: Flying Point Surf & Sport (34 Main St., 631-725-0705; flyingpointsurf.com) also has a stronghold on this town. Anything you may need on your way to the beach is there.
After-surf eats: I think every surfer in the Hamptons hangs out at La Superica (1 Main St., 631-725-3388): tacos, tequila and Coronas—perfect.

SOUTHAMPTON
Overview: Southampton has a few tricks up its sleeve, but I’ll never tell. They’re not too hard to find with a little effort. Also, Southampton is really the last of the club scene, so the young bucks can be seen out and about mingling with supermodels. Surfers always get right into all the clubs—velvet ropes and all.
After-surf eats: Schmidt’s Market (120 N. Sea Road, 631-283-5777), Annie’s Organic Cafe & Market (56 Nugent St., 631-377-3607; anniesorganiccafe.com) and Barrister’s Restaurant (36 Main St., 631-283-6206; barristersouthampton.com), to name a few. I go to Sant Ambroeus, but I think I’m the only surfer who does.
Surf shop: Flying Point Surf School (116 N. Sea Road, Southampton, 631-283-1507; flyingpointsurfschool.com) has opened a board shop in an old barn next to Schmidt’s Market, which is an old-fashioned “surf club.” It’s the spot for the latest in board design, local shapers, used boards and stand-up paddle boards. There’s also its sister stores, Flying Point Surf & Sport (69 Main St., 631-287-0075) and Flying Point Surf Boutique (65 Main St., 259-2893) for women, which are both on Main Street. And we can’t forget Sunrise to Sunset Surf & Sport (36 Hill St., 631- 283-2929), the first surf shop on the East End.

WATER MILL
Overview: Water Mill really only has one surf spot, and it only breaks when Mecox Bay drains into the ocean. It can be very crowed when it’s on, with a very small lineup.
After-surf eats: Suki Zuki (688 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-4600), which also has the best sushi in the Hamptons, and Muse Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge (760 Montauk Hwy., 631-726-2606).

WESTHAMPTON BEACH
Overview: Westhampton has a series of jetties that at times get really good. The downside is that it’s hard to find parking, and newcomers are usually not welcome.
Surf shop: The boys at Island Surf (121 C&D Main St., 288-4155; islandsurf.net) have it locked down; everything you need is there.
After-surf eats: John Scott’s Surf Shack (545 Dune Road., 288- 5810). It’s right on Dune Road, so you don’t have to go very far.

BY CRISTINA GREEVEN CUOMO
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARILI FORASTIERI; RUSSOPHOTOGRAPHY@MAC.COM (DANNY FULLER)