Ship Bottom Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S to ENE can all work but combo swells are best
Wind
NW
Surf Height
Waist high-2X overhead
Tide
Low-mid on average swells, mid-high on big days
Ship Bottom Surf Guide
Rich in New Jersey surfing history, Long Beach Island is an 18-mile stretch of sand that can supply some of the best and most diverse surf in the state. From the north end to the south end and everything in between, LBI holds something for every level of surfer. With one of the widest swell windows in the state, if there is swell in the water, there will be waves. That being said, the surf quality for most of the island has been downgraded since most of the jetties and groins have been covered by large beach replenishment projects. That has left only a handfull of consistent spots that are often crowded on any decent day - even in the winter. LBI can do well on almost any type of swell the Atlantic can throw at it. But if you luck into a shorter-to-mid period combo swell with NW winds, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All surfers in the summer, intermediate to advanced otherwise.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Plenty of room to find your space, except for a handful spots.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Hit-or-miss, crowded in the summer but empty in winter.
Spot Rating
Fun
One of the better stretches of sand for surfing in the state.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on the swell and sandbar - ranges from easy in summer to very hard in winter.
Water Quality
Clean
Pretty clean overall.
Hazards
Shallow bottom, rip currents, wildlife.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Hit-or-miss street parking depending on the town but plenty of beach access.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
September through March
Do you have local knowledge about Ship Bottom?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]