The Surf Window

Manasquan

New Jersey, USA

Beach breakIntermediate

The surf mecca of the New Jersey Shore, Manasquan Inlet focuses and amplifies south and northeast swells into one of the East Coast's most consistent and powerful beach breaks, with a proud surf culture that dates to the 1960s.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SE 1–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Dec

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and inlet break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Powerful peaks near the inlet, hollow on good days

Length

50–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: The inlet creates powerful, hollow waves that punish hesitation

Hazards

  • •Inlet currents are extremely strong, do not surf near the inlet mouth
  • •Can be heavily localized
  • •Summer beach congestion

Local Tips

  • •First Avenue beach north of the inlet is the classic surf spot
  • •The inlet creates a rip that makes paddling out easy but getting caught in it is dangerous
  • •Jersey Shore surf culture is legendary, proud, passionate, and worth experiencing

Location

Map showing the location of Manasquan in New Jersey, USA

40.1262, -74.0493