Soft-tops, summer wetsuits, winter wetsuits, leashes, wax, hood + booties — the surf gear NJ surfers should buy in 2026.
Six NJ surf gear picks for 2026 — covering year-round NJ surfing from Belmar dawn patrol to Manasquan winter sessions. Each pick is what we'd hand a serious NJ surfer.
Tested across NJ surf seasons — Belmar 8th Ave summer, Manasquan jetty winter, Spring Lake fall hurricane swell, Cape May Cove October. Year-round-tested.
Total kit cost
$30 (wax) to $500 (winter wetsuit)
Pick what you need below. Every link is Prime-eligible where possible — most arrive before the weekend.
WaveStorm
Most-sold surfboard in America. Catches Belmar 8th Ave summer wave easily, takes a beating, $200.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Belmar 8th Ave dawn patrol
O'NEILL
Daily-driver June-September NJ wetsuit. Flatlock seams, back zip, durable.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Spring Lake glassy morning
O'NEILL
Sealed seams, chest zip. Perfect for April-May and October NJ surf.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Cape May Cove October session
O'Neill
Taped seams, attached hood. The suit that keeps you in the lineup December-February.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Manasquan jetty 40°F winter swell
O'NEILL
Extends winter surfing range. Pair with 5mm booties. Required below 50°F water.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — IBSP November pre-dawn
WaveStorm
The upgrade you make once you can pop up consistently. More turn-able than a 9-footer.
Tested on the Jersey Shore — Spring Lake glassy morning
Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.
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Wavestorm 8' soft-top + O'Neill Reactor 3/2 wetsuit (summer) + standard 8 ft leash + Sticky Bumps wax. Total around $400. Cheapest serious entry into NJ surfing.
Used 5/4 hooded wetsuit on Facebook Marketplace ($150-200) + 5mm booties ($60) + 3mm gloves ($40) = ~$280. Upgrade from there as you commit to year-round.
O'Neill is the most-stocked at NJ surf shops. Rip Curl is slightly stretchier. Xcel and Quiksilver are solid alternatives. See our O'Neill vs Rip Curl comparison.
Beginner bundle.
Read more →Starter kitYear-round surf bundle.
Read more →GuideThickness by season.
Read more →ComparisonSoft-top vs funboard.
Read more →ComparisonWetsuit brand showdown.
Read more →CategoryBrowse all NJ surf gear.
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