Manasquan Inlet Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SSE, SE
Wind
W to WSW.
Surf Height
Thigh high to double overhead.
Tide
Low-mid generally best.
Manasquan Inlet Surf Guide
Manasquan Inlet is the northern equivalent to Sebastian Inlet. With a similar jetty setup, waves bounce off the rocks and their power is corralled into a steep right wedge. But where Sebastian tends to lack distance, Manasquan can produce lengthy rides. One of the best-known breaks on the East Coast, the Inlet can take almost anything the Atlantic can dish out. With a SE swell, it can handle up to 20-foot faces with two fast, bowl-shaped peaks and the occasional quality left. It's often the only show in town; any ripple refracts off the jetty to create a workable wave. With a rip running next to the jetty, the Inlet is an easy paddle, even on bigger days. Therefore all types of surfers can easily stumble onto the peak.
Local Vibe
On the heavy side, especially on tropical swells.
Crowd Factor
Heavy, especially on good swells.
Spot Rating
One of the better-known spots around for a reason.
Shoulder Burn
Depends on the swell but can break pretty far out.
Water Quality
Pretty clean overall.
Hazards
Crowds, grumpy locals, fishing lures, rocks.
Access
Street parking is free but difficult to find in the summer or on good swells. There are several parking lots that require a parking pass. Access the beach over a non-commercial boardwalk. Multiple wheelchair accessible points. This is the designated surf beach. Beach Badge required during guarded hours in the summer.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
September through March.
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