Best Time to Surf in Long Beach Island, NJ

Surfing is a popular pastime for both those who live near the beach and those who travel long distances to get there. It has been popular in Hawaii since the early 1900s and has captured the minds and hearts of young Americans since the 1950s and 1960s. What started in Hawaii has spread worldwide, including the beaches of New Jersey. What is the best time to surf in Long Beach Island, NJ?

Skill Level

One crucial idea to consider before choosing a time to go surfing in Long Beach Island, NJ, is how proficient you are with a surfboard. Regarding surfing, larger waves are certainly more appealing than smaller ones. However, larger waves are also more dangerous, especially to those who need help maintaining their balance or are not strong swimmers. Those waves can take you down as quickly as they lift you on a surfboard.

If you are a beginner or novice surfer, you should probably consider the summer months, such as June, July, and August, which tend to have smaller waves. There is no shame in starting small. These months usually coincide with vacation times for those not living close to Long Beach Island. The summer months are a win-win for beginning surfers, and you can expect plenty of people around who can help you get started in this wonderful pastime.

Available Time

In addition to surfing and swimming ability, your available time is another essential factor in deciding when to go surfing on Long Beach Island. If you must travel a long distance to get here and only have significant time off during summer, June provides a slightly better ocean temperature for surfing. Any month can have the wave height disrupted by incoming storms, but on average, June has about a foot higher waves than either July or August.

If you can slip away for a spring or fall break, the best times to go surfing are closer to the colder months. On average, April provides waves about 2 feet taller than June, and September and October provide similar surfing experiences at Long Island Beach. If you can choose between the two, September and October are generally warmer than April, which may provide a better overall surfing experience.

For Experienced Surfers Only

The highest waves in Long Beach Island, NJ, occur in December and January, opposite the summer months. While these waves provide the most surfing opportunity of the year, they also coincide with some of the coldest temperatures and sometimes stormy weather, which makes the water too dangerous for surfing. Storm winds turn healthy riding waves into choppy messes you cannot navigate on a surfboard. Some days during winter break, surfing may be an option, provided you have the proper swim gear to keep you warm, but often the weather will not cooperate. Only the most proficient swimmers and surfers should attempt surfing during these months.

Many beaches close during these winter months, so planning surfing excursions during these peak wave times may be unrealistic. With problematic weather patterns, stray winds may break the waves anyway. While these months have the potential for high waves, they equally have the potential for disappointment.

Plenty of Options

Overall, the best times of year for surfing in Long Beach Island are September, October, or April. March typically has waves similar to October, but the temperature tends to be colder in the spring than in the fall, so the overall conditions are not as good. Suppose you plan a surfing expedition to New Jersey’s Long Beach Island or live nearby and want to take advantage of this beautiful sport. In that case, your best option is to plan around early to mid-fall season and get the best overall experience.

At South End Surf N Paddle, we can help you plan and prepare for your best surfing experience at Long Beach Island in New Jersey. Our company has been helping people enjoy surfing, paddle boating, and stand-up paddling for over a decade. We have expert surfers on staff who can help you get the proper gear and the right training and plan the best excursion out into the ocean as you ride the waves of Long Beach Island. Contact us today for information about how we can get you surfing soon.