Bay Head Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SSE, SE.
Wind
W
Surf Height
Waist high-2X overhead
Tide
Low-mid generally best.
Bay Head Surf Guide
Bay Head isn’t a specific break but a series of breaks over 1.5 miles in the town of Bay Head. This stretch of beach tends to magnify swells and have some of the biggest waves in New Jersey, handling the larger and longer period swells with hollow barrels. This is a series of short jetties and ever-shifting sandbars that see the best surfers from the East Coast on the right swell (specifically south and southeast) which is very intimidating to newcomers. Best winds are west, but it can handle a certain degree of southwest.
Local Vibe
Can get heavy, has trended heavier over the past several years.
Crowd Factor
Heavy, especially on south swells.
Spot Rating
Almost world-class on the right day, smaller swells usually not that good.
Shoulder Burn
Mellow most of the time with rips forming around the groins on bigger days.
Water Quality
Pretty clean overall.
Hazards
Shallow sandbars, crowds, groins.
Access
Parking in the street here is free but during the summer very limited. Designated surf beaches are at the south end of town and north end during the summer, beach badge required during guarded hours in the summer.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September through March.
Do you have local knowledge about Bay Head?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]