Summer Gear Guide
Everything you need for the ultimate Jersey Shore summer. Beach essentials, water sports equipment, fishing tackle, and sun protection for warm weather adventures.
Summer at the Jersey Shore means long beach days, warm water, and endless activities. From surf lessons to offshore fishing, paddleboarding at sunrise to beach barbecues at sunset - having the right gear makes every moment better.
Spring Shore Season
Stripers are running and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
- •Striped bass season opens - stock up on surf fishing tackle and bucktails
- •Water warms from 45°F to 60°F - transition from 4/3mm to 3/2mm wetsuit
- •Great time for kayaking before summer crowds arrive
Water Temp: 45-60°F•March - May
Browse All Gear →Summer Season at the Shore
Water Temperature
65-75 degrees F
Warm enough for swimming and water sports. Peak temps in late July and August.
Peak Activities
Jun-Aug
- Surfing & bodyboarding
- Paddleboarding & kayaking
- Offshore fishing trips
- Beach camping
What to Wear
Minimal gear needed
- Boardshorts or bikini
- Rash guard for sun protection
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Hat and sunglasses
Hot Fishing
Peak variety
- Bluefish (June-Sept)
- Fluke (May-Sept)
- Tuna (July-Oct)
- Mahi-mahi (Aug-Sept)
Summer Beach Essentials Comparison
Beach Chair
Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Beach Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Cup Holder, Heavy Ocean StripedLightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
$57.99
Check Current PriceBeach Umbrella
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue StripesUPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
$36.99
Check Current PriceReef-Safe Sunscreen
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. TubeProtect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
$10.49
Check Current PriceBeach Cart / Wagon
Old Bahama Bay
2-in-1 Beach Cart with Big Wheels for Sand, Folding Utility Wagon with Chair Holder, Mesh Storage, 4 Cup Holders, Umbrella Rack, Supports 100 lbs, Compact & Portable for Beach, Camping, Shopping, BlueHaul all your gear across the sand.
$79.99
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Beach Day Essentials
Beach day must-haves
Get it before you go
Must-haves for a perfect summer beach day: sunscreen, coolers, towels, and more.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Beach Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Cup Holder, Heavy Ocean Striped
Canpsky
Canpsky Portable Recliners Chair for Adults, Outdoor Camping Chair Lay Flat Folding Backpack Reclining Chair with 5 Positions, Headrest, Zipper Pouch, Cup Holder, NEW Srtiped
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue Stripes
PASAMIC
PASAMIC 7ft Beach Umbrella for Sand with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Heavy Duty Wind Portable with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Pool, Dark Blue Stripes（Random pattern）
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Cap Technology - Fragrance Free, 3 oz. Tube
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.
Old Bahama Bay
2-in-1 Beach Cart with Big Wheels for Sand, Folding Utility Wagon with Chair Holder, Mesh Storage, 4 Cup Holders, Umbrella Rack, Supports 100 lbs, Compact & Portable for Beach, Camping, Shopping, Blue
EASYGO PRODUCTS
Beach Umbrella Wagon Cart Deluxe – Heavy Duty Folding Ocean Utility Cart – Large Sand Wheels – Holds 4 Beach Chairs – Storage Pouch -Holder –Removable Bag - Solid Blue
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Beach Furniture & Shade
Comfort for your beach day
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Chairs, umbrellas, canopies, and beach carts for your home base on the sand.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.
Qodia
Low Beach Chair for Adults,5 Position Lay Flat, Portable Folding Aluminum Reclining Backpack Beach Chairs Heavy Duty with Cup Holder, Large Pocket for Outdoor/Lawn/Picnic/Fishing
Canpsky
Canpsky 2 Pack Lightweight Portable Camping Beach Chair for Adults, Outdoor Lay Flat Folding Beach Chairs with 5 Positions, Backpack Beach Chair with Towel Bar, Zipper Pouch, Cup Holder, Ocean Striped
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. 7ft diameter covers 2-3 chairs.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Wide wheels for sand. Hauls chairs, cooler, umbrella in one trip.
Overmont
Overmont 45'' Collapsible Foldable Extended Wagon Cart - 300L Heavy Duty 440lbs Large Capacity Folding Utility Wagon with All-Terrain Wide Wheels for Camping Sports Grocery Beach
TIMBER RIDGE
TIMBER RIDGE Tailgate Collapsible Folding Wagon Cart, Heavy Duty Utility Push Pull Beach Wagon Foldable, Outdoor Grocery Cart with Side Pockets for Camping, Garden, Shopping, Holds 225 lbs, Blue
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
OutdoorMaster
OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent for 4 Person - Easy Setup and Portable Beach Shade Sun Shelter Canopy with UPF 50+ UV Protection Removable Skylight Family Size - Blue
COZEER
Beach Tent Sun Shelter UPF 50+,10x10 FT Beach Canopy Tent Sun Shade,Pop Up Beach Canopy with 8 Sandbags, Outdoor Beach Shade for Camping Trips, Fishing, Backyard Fun Picnics (Sky Blue)
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
Orange Screw
Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors: Heavy Duty Screw-in Tent Stakes for High Wind, Sand, Canopies, and Camping - Made in USA, Included T-Grip Tool - (Small, 4 Pack, Orange)
COBARYEN
COBARYEN Tent Stakes Ground Anchors Screw in, 10 Pack Sand Stakes for Beach 9.4 Inch Heavy Duty Spiral Tent Pegs for Camping, Party, Hiking, Outdoor Decoration (10, Blue)
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
WEKAPO
Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof, Beach Mat, Big & Compact Sand Free Mat Quick Drying, Lightweight & Durable with 6 Stakes & 4 Corner Pockets, Standard (1~3 person)
HIHOHO
HIHOHO Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof Beach Mat for 1-8 Adults Quick Drying Durable Outdoor Picnic Mat for Beach Festival Travel Camping Hiking (LBL-Ripple, 79"×83"(4 Person))
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Water Sports Gear
Summer brings warm water and perfect conditions for surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Surfing Equipment
Get ready for NJ waves
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Soft-top boards for beginners, rash guards, and summer surf essentials.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
WaveStorm
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing
WaveStorm
Wavestorm 8ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing, Multicolor
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
VAYAGER
VAYAGER Womens Rash Guard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts Long Sleeve Quick Dry Water Beach Surfing Swimming Tops with Thumb Hole(White Waves L)
Liberty Pro
2 Pack Men’s Rash Guard Long Sleeve Swim Shirts UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Quick Dry Lightweight UV Fishing Surf Shirt (Set 5, Large)
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Essential SUP gear for the bay
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Inflatable SUPs, paddles, and safety gear for calm bay paddling.
Inflatable SUP Board
All-around inflatable. Portable, durable, easy to store.
BOTE
BOTE 8' FT Flow Rider Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Hybrid Kayak Kit Includes Adjustable Aero SUP seat Adaptable Kayak iSUP Packable Paddle iSUP Travel Bag Blow Up Pump
NACATIN
NACATIN Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board - Premium SUP Board with Dog Ramp Kit, Complete SUP Set Paddle Boards for Adults with Single/Double Paddle, Kayak Seat, Suitable for Paddle Boarding with Dog
Adjustable SUP Paddle
Fiberglass or carbon fiber. Aluminum is heavy and fatiguing.
LEDONNE
LEDONNE Carbon SUP Paddles 3 Piece Adjustable Stand Up Paddle Board Paddles Lightweight Carbon Fiber Shaft Floating Portable Paddle Oar, Black
Abahub
Abahub Carbon SUP Paddles, 1 x 3 Section Adjustable 67" - 86" Carbon Fiber Shaft, Lightweight Stand-up Paddle Oars for Paddleboard, Black Print Plastic Blade + Paddle Bag
PFD / Life Jacket
Required by Coast Guard beyond bathing areas.
BLUESTORM
BLUESTORM Cirro 16 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack for Adults | US Coast Guard (USCG) Approved Life Jacket Waist Belt PFD for SUP Paddleboarding, Fishing & Kayaking (Teal)
BOTE
BOTE Auto Immersion Inflatable Adult Life Vest, PFD US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket for Kayak, Paddle Board Fishing, Adults Universal One Size Fit
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Kayaking Gear
Paddle-ready essentials
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Sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, and dry bags for summer bay exploration.
Sit-on-Top Kayak
Stable, self-draining, easy to get back on if you flip.
Kayak Paddle (230-240cm)
Fiberglass blade with aluminum shaft is a good starter combo.
Best Marine and Outdoors
Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Paddle, Carbon Fiber Shaft & Fiberglass Reinforced Polypropylene Blades, 220cm, 234cm, 250cm, Lightweight Kayak Paddles for Adults (Black, 234)
Hornet Watersports
Hornet Watersports Graphic Fiberglass Kayak Paddle- Ideal for Touring, Fishing and Boating- 90.5 inches / 230CM Adjustable with Carbon Fiber Shaft - Kayak Oars Kayaking Equipment (Blue Scales)
Dry Bag
Keep phone and keys dry. Essential for any paddle.
Earth Pak
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag - Roll Top Waterproof Backpack Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayak with Waterproof Phone Case
Earth Pak
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag - Roll Top Waterproof Backpack Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayak with Waterproof Phone Case
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Sun Protection Essentials
The Jersey Shore sun is intense, especially mid-day. Protect yourself and your family with proper sun protection gear.
Sunscreen
SPF 30-50 broad spectrum, water-resistant. Apply every 2 hours. Reef-safe formulas recommended for ocean swimmers.
UPF Clothing
Rash guards and UPF 50+ shirts provide sun protection better than sunscreen alone. Ideal for long days in the water.
Sun Shelters
Pop-up beach tents and canopies provide essential shade. Essential for families with young children.
Hats & Sunglasses
Wide-brim hats and polarized sunglasses protect face and eyes. Floating sunglasses recommended for water activities.
Summer Fishing Gear
Summer offers incredible fishing variety from surf stripers to offshore tuna.
Surf & Pier Tackle
Essential tackle for your shore trip
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Light to medium tackle for bluefish, fluke, and summer stripers.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle Storage
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal 3500 Double-Sided Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box – Adjustable Dividers, EVA Foam Jig Storage, Lure & Terminal Tackle Organizer,2 Pack
Fishing Cooler (50qt+)
Keep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
Coleman
Coleman Marine Cooler with Fully Insulated UV Guard Lid & Body, Keeps Ice for 3+ Days, Great for Boating & Fishing, 52qt/100qt Wheeled/120qt Options
“Holds ice through a full day on a Manasquan or Barnegat charter.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Igloo
Igloo 70 QT Latitude Marine Ultra White Cooler
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Men's Amphib Stockingfoot Neoprene Waterproof Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Forest Green, Large
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Hellbender Breathable Waterproof Stockingfoot Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Slate/Gray, Large
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
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Offshore & Boat Fishing
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Heavy tackle for tuna, mahi-mahi, and other offshore summer species.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6' - 80-120lbs - Carbon Butt)
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6'6'' - 120-200lbs - Bent Butt)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Braid
Braid Products Bluefin Harness (Fits up to 54-Inch)
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Adjustable Fishing Belt & Shoulder Harness with Rod Holder, Foam-Padded Fighting Harness, Durable Offshore Saltwater Stand-Up Belt for Big Game Fishing – Blue
Gaff Hook
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.
Dutiplus
Dutiplus Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Sharp Hook Tackle, Non-Slip Handle Thickened Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
SANLIKE
SANLIKE Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Soft Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
Trolling Lures & Spreader Bars
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.
Narcissus
Narcissus 6PCS Trolling Lures Kit Saltwater – 6.5inch Offshore Big Game Fishing Lures,Pre-Rigged Lure with Mesh Storage Bag for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi, Wahoo
TROLLING PRO TACKLE
(3 Pack) Tuna Feather Offshore Fishing Lures 6" Long 150lb Leader Dolphin Yellow Fin Tuna Mahi Wahoo Saltwater Trolling Fishing Lures Stainless Hooks. Flash Resin Head for Unmatched Offshore trolling
Insulated Fish Bag
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO 48'' Fish Kill Bag Game Bag Leak Proof Insulated for Offshore Inshore Fishing Designed in USA (48X24)
Buffalo Gear
Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag 106Qt Fish Kill Bag with YKK Zipper, Flat Bottorm Fishing Bag Keep Your Catch Cool and Fresh All Day
Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon, Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, 210 lb Test, .051" Diameter, Black, 30 ft
AMYSPORTS
AMYSPORTS Freshwater Rigs Fishing Leaders Saltwater Heavy Duty Fishing Leader Stainless Rig Swivels Wire Leader Lure Black Nickel 60pcs
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag – Salt Water Resistant Tackle Box Bag, 1000D PVC Waterproof Material, Durable Liner, Removable Dividers, for 3600 or 3700 Trays, XL
Baitium
Baitium Fishing Backpack, Tackle Bag With Rod Holders, 40L Capacity With Cooler, Rain Cover, Insulated Pocket, 4 Tackle Trays Included- (Green)
Diamond Jigs
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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Family Beach Gear
Keep the kids entertained and safe during summer beach days.
Kids Beach Toys & Gear
Keep the kids entertained
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Sand toys, boogie boards, floaties, and family beach essentials.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.
DISHIO
Collapsible Beach Sand Toys Set for Kids - Includes Bucket, Mesh Shovel, Filter Scooper & Castle Molds - Toddler Beach Toys for 1-3 & Kids Ages 4-8 with Mesh Bag, Summer Outdoor Beach Essentials
Holady
Holady 60 PCS 5.78 Inch Sand Castle Beach Bucket and Beach Shovels Toy Set,Sandcastle Mould,Sand Buckets Pails Beach Water Pool Gardening Bath Toy-30 Bucket+30 Shovels
Kids Beach Tent
Pop-up shade tent with UPF 50+ protection for little ones.
SUMELAY
Pop Up Beach Tent Shade Sun Shelter UPF 50+ Canopy Cabana 2-3 Person for Adults Baby Kids Outdoor Activities Camping Fishing Hiking Picnic Touring (Blue)
porayhut
Portable Pop Up Kids Beach Tent with Mat UPF 50+ Sun Shelter for Mosquito Net,Large Sunshade Kids Travel Tent with Mat and 2 Stakes
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
Dark Lightning
Dark Lightning USCG Toddler Swim Vest for Age 2/3/4/5/6/7 Years Old, Coast Guard Approved Kids Life Jackets with Arm Floaties 30-50 Pounds,Baby Water Wings in Sea/Pool/Puddle (Fish)
Dark Lightning
Dark Lightning USCG Coast Guard Approved Toddler Swim Vest for Age 2/3/4/5/6/7 Years Old, Kids Life Jackets with Arm Floaties 30-50 Pounds,Baby Water Wings in Sea/Pool/Puddle (Pirate Whale)
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
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Water Safety Equipment
Safety first on the water
USCG approved gear
Life jackets, first aid kits, and safety gear for water activities.
Adult Life Jacket
USCG approved. Required for paddling beyond bathing areas.
STEARNS
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket with Standard & Oversized Fits, Great for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, & More
STEARNS
Stearns 4-Pack of PFD Life Vests, USCG-Approved Type II Life Jackets, Universal Size, Flotation Vests for Boat & Swim Safety
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 50 to 90 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More, red
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 30 to 50 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More
Safety Whistle
Attach to PFD. Required for paddle sports in many areas.
LuxoGear
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Safety Whistle Survival Shrill Loud Blast for Kayak Life Vest Jacket Boating Fishing Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Rescue Signaling Kids Lifeguard Plastic 2 Pack
AUGSUN
AUGSUN 20 Pcs Safety Whistle Marine Whistle Plastic Whistles with Lanyard for Emergency
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
First Aid Only
Pac-Kit Watertight Explorer 1 First Aid Kit for Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Activities, 67 Pieces
Vriexsd
VRIEXSD Premium First Aid Kit, 320 Piece Waterproof Hard Shell Eva First Aid Kit for Home, Camping, Cars, Hiking, Travel, Businesses & Outdoor Emergencies - Emergency Medical Kits (Red)
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Summer Shore Tips
Beat the Crowds
Arrive early (before 9 AM) or go late afternoon (after 4 PM) on weekends. Weekdays are always less crowded. North beaches tend to be quieter than Seaside or Wildwood.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a quality cooler with ice, water, and electrolytes. Dehydration sneaks up fast in sun and salt water. Insulated water bottles keep drinks cold all day.
Check Conditions
Always check surf reports before water sports. Rip currents are most common on incoming tides. Ask lifeguards about current conditions and swim near their stands.
Plan for Parking
Popular beaches fill up fast on summer weekends. Arrive early or use beach shuttle services. A beach cart makes hauling gear from distant parking much easier.
Summer Shore Updates
Beach conditions, fishing reports, and exclusive gear deals for your summer vacation.
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Summer Gear FAQs
What is the best sunscreen for the Jersey Shore?▼
Use SPF 30-50 broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming. Consider reef-safe formulas without oxybenzone to protect marine life.
What wetsuit thickness do I need for summer surfing?▼
For June-August surfing in NJ, you can usually surf in boardshorts or a rashguard. Water temperatures reach 65-75 degrees F. Early June may require a 2mm spring suit or 3/2mm wetsuit when water is still cool.
What fishing gear is best for summer in New Jersey?▼
Summer offers the most variety: light tackle for fluke and weakfish, medium surf gear for bluefish, and offshore trolling gear for tuna and mahi. Wire leaders are essential for toothy bluefish.
Do I need a life jacket for paddleboarding?▼
Yes. Coast Guard regulations require a PFD when paddling beyond bathing areas. For summer SUP in calm bays, an inflatable belt pack PFD is comfortable and unobtrusive while meeting legal requirements.
What beach gear should I bring for kids?▼
Essential kids beach gear includes UV-protective swimwear, water shoes for hot sand, sand toys, a pop-up sun shelter for shade, floaties (USCG approved), and a cooler with snacks. Pack extra towels for sandy kids.
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