Surfing is one of the best things we can do mentally and physically. It is why there are so many people that flock to the beaches. With social distancing still in place and summer upon us, there are some general etiquette tips to always keep in mind, pandemic or not.
- Spread out
- Share waves and show respect, especially if you are a visitor
- Don’t hog or steal waves
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t lose your board
- Surf within your skillset
- Have fun
Cape May County
Ocean City:
- 7th Street – This beach break has both left and right coming off the north and south jetty and is one of the few surfing beaches in Ocean City during the summer. It can get incredibly crowded but is a great spot for beginners and becomes a great spot when there is swell in the water. This is a guarded spot and a leash and beach tag are required. Metered and paid parking lots are nearby but fill up quickly in the summer season.
- 1st Street – This spot can provide a great right-hand wave off the jetty and sometimes other peaks pop up further down the beach. During the summer this is a swimming only beach during guarded hours.
Strathmere:
- Sherman Ave – This is a very user-friendly wave but crowded, especially in the summer. The spot handles both lefts and rights. Parking can be difficult during the busy season. No beach tag required.
Sea Isle City:
- 36th to 42nd street – There are several peaks that pop up between these streets and a really good left shows up off the jetty on a northeast swell. The beaches, line up and parking can get crowded during the busy season and you will need a beach tag and leash.
Stone Harbor:
- Nun’s Beach – This is a sandbar break that is consistent and fun. It works best with a southeast swell. Similar to the rest of the surf breaks, summer can be crowded.
Avalon:
- 26th to 30th street Pier – This stretch of beach offers several peaks with both lefts and rights. During the summer you can surf all day on the north side of the pier. The waves are usually fun and beginner-friendly. Beach tags are required but there is free parking near the beach.
Wildwood:
- 2nd to 10th street – No beach tags required here! The are plenty of peaks to be shared along these beaches with both left and right waves. The crowd is usually easy going and you can surf all day long making this spot great for beginners. There is street parking available.
Cape May:
- Broadway Beach – One of the more popular spots to surf in Cape May, this beach has super fun lefts and rights and is suitable for all types of surfers. While you cant surf here during the summer months during guarded hours, it is still a great spot to check out.
- Queen Street – Another great spot for beginners, Queen Street is a fun break that you can surf all day long in the summer. This spot is also great for bigger, overhead swells when the crowd size decreases.
Atlantic County
Brigantine:
- Brigantine Jetty/Seaside Road – This spot works both left and right. There is free parking about a 10-15 minute walk from the break. During the summer beach tags and surf leashes are required. This spot works the best when the swell is under 6 foot on a south swell with west winds.
- The Seawall – Works well on a smaller day with both left and right. You can surf and park here all day in the summer but beach tags and leashes are also required.
Atlantic City:
- Crystals – This spot should be left to experienced surfers and not just because it is in a sketchy neighborhood. The break only has one peak and shines when a big nor’ easter hits. Beach tag not required.
- States Avenue – This spot has many different peaks and spots to sit, it works well in most swell sizes with both left and rights to be found. The best lefts can be found off the groin in the middle of the spot. The spot can get crowded and a bit competitive but also another spot where you don’t need a beach tag.
Ventnor:
- Ventnor Pier- Ventnor Pier works the best at 3-5 feet where you can find both left and right-hand waves. The wave is typically user friendly unless there is a lot of swell in the water. The spot can get crowded in the summer and beach tags and leashes are required. There is street and metered parking nearby.
Margate:
- Margate Pier- Similar to Ventor Pier, the pier in margate also works best at 3-5 feet and can be pretty consistent with both lefts and rights. It is a great spot for all types of surfers. The spot can get crowded during the summer and parking can be hard to find. Don’t forget your leash and beach tag.
Longport:
- 32nd Street – This spot works best on a northeast swell and is a great left-hand wave. The wave is typically user friendly but can get crowded in the summer seasons where you will once again need your beach tag and leash.