While historians believe surfing to be an ancient Hawaiian and Polynesian practice, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that it became popular in the United States. And Ocean City, New Jersey, has been one of the nation’s most vibrant surfing spots since the sport’s official inception — in fact, OCNJ is the birthplace of several famous pro surfers, including Rob Kelly and Andrew Gesler.
With 8 miles of clean, well-maintained coastline and some of the best waves in the region, there’s no surprise that Ocean City, New Jersey, is the East Coast’s premier surfing destination. This guide will give you everything you need to know about surfing in Ocean City, New Jersey, from helpful visitor tips to typical surf conditions.
When it comes to surfing conditions, Ocean City is similar to most other East Coast beach towns. Its jetties create consistent waves regardless of the overall weather conditions, though breaks tend to change throughout the season due to nearby sandbars.
Most of the year, temperatures in OCNJ are fairly cool. Peak season temperatures range from the upper 60s to the lower 80s, while the off-season temperatures can drop to the 40s. Water temperatures typically peak in August but are comfortable from the spring through the fall.
You can check the conditions before setting out with one of these popular real-time surf forecasting apps and websites:
If the weather happens to turn sour one day, the city has plenty of indoor activities to keep you and your group busy and entertained!
While there are plenty of beaches to choose from in Ocean City, only three are designated exclusively for surfing. Water activities other than surfing are off-limits at these beaches during the day, giving you and your group plenty of space to enjoy the waves.
All three surfing beaches have lifeguards on duty throughout the summer, and the guards typically end their season around Labor Day. You can also surf at any beach south of 36th Street as long as the lifeguard stands are three blocks apart.
Need help deciding where to go? Here’s a quick overview of the designated Ocean City, New Jersey, surf beaches.
Waverly Beach in OCNJ is close to the northern tip of the island, just off Waverly Boulevard and East Atlantic Boulevard. As the quietest of the three designated surfing beaches, its hundreds of feet of golden shoreline provide endless hours of enjoyment for surfers of all skill levels.
Surfing here is best when offshore winds from the west and northwest combine with southeast swells, creating long-lasting, ridable waves with clean angles. The main drawback to the Waverly Boulevard beach is that, since it’s off the beaten path, you’ll need to drive or walk to get to any of the island’s Boardwalk attractions.
Here’s what to know before you go:
The 7th Street surfing beach is OCNJ’s original surfing area, with a legacy spanning over half a century. Although the beach’s profile has changed significantly over the years as a result of various beach restoration projects, it’s been a mainstay of the OCNJ surfing scene since the sport became legal in the city in 1967.
The beach itself is exposed, with a reef break that creates a consistent surf on good days. However, the three outfall pipes extending into the break can create an intense current and steep drop on rough days. Always check the forecast before setting out for the day.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect at this historic beach:
If you still want to be near the excitement of the Boardwalk but enjoy a slightly more laid-back vibe, head to the beach on 16th Street.
The surf here is fairly consistent thanks to the exposed sandbar break, which combines with both distant and local winds to create even waves. Conditions are optimal when the swell comes in from the southeast and combines with a northwestern wind.
Here’s what you need to know about surfing:
Whether you should surf at a guarded or an unguarded beach depends on your group, your skill level and your comfort in the water.
Guarded beaches have lifeguards on duty from the late morning until the early evening on weekdays during the summer season, which spans from late June to Labor Day. On the weekends, daily guard duty typically goes a little later. You can check here for specific information on guard patrol hours.
Some beaches remain guarded at the beginning and tail ends of the season, though none of them are designated surfing beaches. Unguarded surfing means riding the waves when there aren’t any lifeguards on duty.
The risk associated with surfing at unguarded beaches is significantly higher — which is why the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) strongly encourages all beachgoers to surf and swim only at guarded beaches. If you want to try catching some waves at one of the unguarded beaches, make sure you have an experienced surfer in your group who knows how to handle emergencies.
OCNJ is a laid-back, family-friendly beach town with plenty of activities for visitors of all ages, from carnival rides to aquariums and everything in between.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to consider while you’re planning your trip:
Want to know more about taking an OCNJ surfing trip? Here, we answer some of the most important questions surfers ask.
Whether you had to leave your board at home or you’re completely new to surfing, OCNJ has you covered. You can rent boards by the hour, day or week at one of the many surf shops in town. While you’re there, you can also pick up the following essential equipment and accessories:
Check out our business directory for a complete list of all the shops and surf schools on the island.
Yes, you can surf on any of Ocean City’s unguarded beaches. Due to the increased risk, though, we recommend checking in with yourself and your skill level.
Some popular spots for unguarded surfing include:
No, swimming is not allowed at any of the three designated surfing beaches. Waves that are great for surfing are rarely safe for swimming, and being in the water near fast-moving surfers can put you at risk of injury. All water activities other than surfing are also off-limits, so surfers can ride the waves without having to worry about causing an accident.
Check out our surfing page for more information about designated beaches and important regulations.
Surfers of all ages and experience levels are more than welcome to catch a wave at OCNJ. Kids and new surfers can take lessons at any of the island’s surf shops or surf schools, and the OCBP will ensure your kids remain safe while you’re surfing on any of the designated beaches.
Note that only children aged 12 and up need a beach pass to be on the beach during the summer. Children younger than 12 can enjoy the beach for free.
In the event your kids find that they don’t like surfing, there are also plenty of fun things to do on the beach to keep them entertained.
A surfing trip to Ocean City can be as affordable or as costly as you make it. For example, cooking meals at your lodgings will generally be cheaper than eating out every night.
That said, the exact cost to surf at one of our beaches will vary depending on what you already have and what you’ll need to get started. For example, weekly beach passes will cost more than daily passes. Taking surfing lessons will add to your expenses, as will renting or purchasing equipment.
We recommend planning your trip and jotting down any of the purchases or rentals you’ll need to get a good idea of the overall cost before you travel.
Here in Ocean City, we’re proud of our reputation as one of the country’s top surfing destinations.
So, are you ready for an awesome beach adventure? From clean, consistent waves to mouthwatering eats and family-friendly entertainment, OCNJ has everything you need for a vacation you’ll remember for ages.
Download our free visitor’s guide to get started planning your trip to one of the beautiful surfing beaches in Ocean City, New Jersey, today.
