Do You Need a Wetsuit for Surfing on LBI?
Famous for its sun-kissed beaches, shopping, and vibrant culture, Long Beach Island is a popular surf spot for locals and visitors alike. Long Beach Island offers many thrilling watersports, such as paddle boarding, tubing, boating, and surfing. While planning your visit, you might be wondering, do I need a wetsuit to surf? South End Surf n’ Paddle can help.
Changing Seasons and Water Temperatures
The ocean at Long Beach Island is yours to enjoy all year round, whether you are a swimmer, paddleboarder, or surfer. However, water temperatures do shift depending on the time of the year. It is important to know what gear is best for each season. During the summer months, temperatures generally sit at an average of 72.1 degrees Fahrenheit. From June to September in LBI, the water temperature does not drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The ocean cools during the spring and fall months. In the spring, water temperatures average about 49 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the fall, 65 degrees. However, during the winter months, the temperature average can reach as low as 43 degrees.
When Do You Need a Wetsuit?
Wetsuits are generally recommended in temperatures below 65 degrees. It is important to find a well-fitted wetsuit that insulates your body so you can stay warm and comfortable while surfing in Long Beach Island during the colder months. While a wetsuit may not always be necessary for surfing in the heat of the summer months at LBI, many surfers still choose to wear one, as there are many benefits to wearing a wetsuit. There are also alternatives to the full-body wetsuit that many visitors at Long Beach Island might find more suitable for warmer waters, such as spring wetsuits and rashguards. Luckily, here at South End Surf n’ Paddle, we can help you find the perfect wetsuit and gear for any season.
Other Benefits of Wearing a Wetsuit
Wetsuits are great for keeping surfers, swimmers, and other water sports enthusiasts warm in the water. More comfort means surfers are able to stay in the water longer and have an overall better experience riding the waves at Long Beach Island. However, warmth is not the only benefit. Thanks to their neoprene construction, one of the many benefits of wearing a wetsuit is increased buoyancy. This means you will have an easier time floating in the water, which is especially helpful for beginner surfers who may not be as used to the sport. Wetsuits are also great for injury prevention. They can help protect from the harsh sun, wind, and even jellyfish. There are many benefits to wearing a wetsuit aside from warmth.
Different Types of Wetsuits
Depending on the time of year you are visiting Long Beach Island, your gear needs may change. Full-suit wetsuits are fully enclosed suits that usually range in thickness from 4/3 mm to 6 mm. These suits may come with or without a hood to provide even fuller coverage. These wetsuits are best for water temperatures at or below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the transitional seasons of fall and spring, surfers may elect for a spring suit. A spring wetsuit is usually thinner than a full suit and is made to have shorter legs. Other swimwear that visitors surfing, swimming, or paddleboarding at Long Beach Island may find comfortable, especially in the summer months, include rashguards and wetsuit jackets.
Beginner and expert surfers alike, if you’re looking to enjoy the waves at beautiful Long Beach Island all year round, look no further than South End Surf n’ Paddle. We offer paddleboard and surfboard rentals, as well as unforgettable experiences like surf lessons and surf camps. At our storefront located in Beach Haven, NJ, we can help you find the perfect wetsuit and swim gear to help you enjoy your visit to Long Beach Island to its fullest.
