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.
Summer Beach Season
Peak season at the Jersey Shore. Don't forget your beach day essentials!
- •Sunscreen is essential - reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
- •Beach umbrellas provide critical shade during 10am-2pm peak sun
- •Water temps reach 75°F - boardshorts or a thin rashguard is plenty for surfing
Water Temp: 65-75°F•June - August
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
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
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, NavyLightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
$79.99
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.
$10.99
Check Current PriceBeach Cart / Wagon
MACSPORTS
Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combination and Heavy Wheels - Perfect for Beach, Backyard, Pool or PicnicHaul all your gear across the sand.
$120.98
Check Current PriceAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, Navy
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
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
AMMSUN
AMMSUN 7ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ UV Protection, Windproof Fiberglass Ribs, Portable Lightweight Outdoor Umbrella with Carry Bag for Beach, Patio, Pool, Camping Red
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.
MACSPORTS
Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combination and Heavy Wheels - Perfect for Beach, Backyard, Pool or Picnic
Rio Brands
Rio Beach Wonder Wheeler Deluxe Utility, Lawn, and Beach Foldable Cart, Blue Print
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Beach Furniture & Shade
Comfort for your beach day
Ships free with Prime
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.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Backpack Beach Chair with Cooler and Cup Holder, Portable Folding Beach Chair for Tanning, Tropical Leaves
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Polyester, Navy
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.
Honkpop
Beach Tent Easy Set Up, Wind Resistant Beach Tent with Sandbags, Easy Pop Up Canopy Sun Shelter with UPF 50, Large Beach Shade for 4-5 Person Family Outdoor Fun, Carpa para Playa for Camping Picnic
Elegear
Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter with Canopy, CumbreX™ 4-6 Person Pop Up Beach Tent, Easy Setup UPF 50+ UV Protection Portable Lightweight Waterproof Cooler Family Beach Cabana Sun Shade Shelter - Blue
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
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, Green)
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)
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
WEKAPO
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof Oversized Extra Large Sand Free Beach Mat with Stakes, Storage Bag - Essentials for Outdoor Beach, Picnic (Sea Turtle, 8 X 7 FT (1~4 Person))
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)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Water Sports Gear
Summer brings warm water and perfect conditions for surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Surfing Equipment
Get ready for NJ waves
Ships free with Prime before your trip
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.
baleaf
baleaf Mens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirts Long Sleeve Rash Guard, Quick Dry 4-Way Stretch for Fishing Swimming Surfing 01-White M
VAYAGER
VAYAGER Womens Rash Guard UPF 50+ Swim Shirts Long Sleeve Quick Dry Water Beach Surfing Swimming Tops with Thumb Hole(White Waves L)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Essential SUP gear for the bay
Ships free with Prime
Inflatable SUPs, paddles, and safety gear for calm bay paddling.
Inflatable SUP Board
All-around inflatable. Portable, durable, easy to store.
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, Backpack, Suitable for Paddle Boarding with Dog
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, Backpack, Suitable for Paddle Boarding with Dog
Adjustable SUP Paddle
Fiberglass or carbon fiber. Aluminum is heavy and fatiguing.
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
LEDONNE
LEDONNE Carbon SUP Paddles 3 Piece Adjustable Stand Up Paddle Board Paddles Lightweight Carbon Fiber Shaft Floating Portable Paddle Oar, Black
PFD / Life Jacket
Required by Coast Guard beyond bathing areas.
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
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 (Violet)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Kayaking Gear
Paddle-ready essentials
Ships free with Prime
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.
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)
Hornet Watersports
Hornet Watersports Fiberglass Kayak Paddle for Adults- Ideal for Touring, Fishing and Boating- 90.5 inches / 230CM Adjustable with Carbon Fiber Shaft- Kayak Oars Kayaking Equipment
Dry Bag
Keep phone and keys dry. Essential for any paddle.
MARCHWAY
MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack 5L/10L/20L/30L/40L, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayaking, Rafting, Boating, Swimming, Camping, Hiking, Beach, Fishing (Deep Yellow, 10L)
MARCHWAY
MARCHWAY Floating Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack 5L/10L/20L/30L/40L, Roll Top Sack Keeps Gear Dry for Kayaking, Rafting, Boating, Swimming, Camping, Hiking, Beach, Fishing (Teal, 10L)
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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
Ships free with Prime
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.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 5000, Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
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.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
Igloo
Igloo, Trailmate 50 Qt Cooler, Carbonite
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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.
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
PENN Special Senator Star Drag Conventional Nearshore/Offshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 20lb | 9.0kg, Machined and Anodized Aluminum Spool
OKUMA
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Closed Wide Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-50W, 420yds-80LB, Black
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Adjustable Fishing Belt & Shoulder Harness - Safety Buckle with Foam-Padded Straps Fish Rod Holder
Loomcraft
Loomcraft Fishing Belt & Shoulder Strap Harness Set, Enhanced Protection Shoulder Back Support System, with Rod Locking Buckle, Offshore Big Game Fishing Fighting Gear
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.
AGOOL
Trolling Lures Saltwater for Tuna Mahi Marlin Wahoo Dolphin Shark Offshore Trolling Baits with Squid Skirt Big Game Fishing Lures Deep Sea Squid Skirts Rig 6/9 inch
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
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.
Drchoer
Fishing Wire Leaders for Saltwater: 30pcs Stainless Steel Line Leaders Nylon-Coated 19" - 100 LB High Strength Wire Rig for Shark Barracuda Pike Fishing - Black
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Wire Leader - Wire Fishing Leader Line for Saltwater 10lb Up To 250lb Test in Bright, Black, Camo in 30ft, 100ft, 300ft, & 1000ft Lengths
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Plano
Plano Guide Series 3700 XL Tackle Bag, Beige 1680 Denier Fabric with Waterproof Base, Includes 10 StowAway Utility Organization Boxes, Large Premium Fishing Storage
KastKing
KastKing All Weather Fishing Tackle Backpack with 4 Waterproof Tackle Boxes & Removable Rod Holders,Waterproof ArmorShield Fabric Fishing Bag Storage Fishing Gear
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.
Mustad
Mustad Demon Perfect Inline Circle Hook 39950NP, 3X Strong Fishing Hooks, Wide Gap Circle Hook Packs for Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing, Original Design Big Hooks, Black Nickel - Size 8/0-6 Packs
XFISHMAN
XFISHMAN Circle-Hooks-Fishing-Equipment-Octopus-Hooks-Saltwater-50 Pack 7/0
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Family Beach Gear
Keep the kids entertained and safe during summer beach days.
Kids Beach Toys & Gear
Keep the kids entertained
Ships free with Prime
Sand toys, boogie boards, floaties, and family beach essentials.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.
FUSPWEAO
FUSPWEAO Beach Sand Toys, Sand Castle Toys with Castle Bucket, Creative Molds, Shovel and Rake, Sandbox Play Set for Kids Ages 3-12, Outdoor Summer Beach Essentials for Building & Playing
4E's Novelty
4E's Novelty Beach Toys for Kids with Bag, 12 Pcs Set Sand Castle Beach Bucket with Shovel & Large Molds - Beach Toys for Kids 3-10, Sand Toys for Toddlers with Mesh Beach Bag
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)
Gorich
Gorich Pop Up Baby Beach Tent with UPF50+ UV Protection, Portable Toddler Sun Shelter with Mesh Ventilation, Lightweight & Foldable Play Shade Tent for Beach, Park & Backyard
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
SwimWays
SwimWays Swim Trainer, US Coast Guard Approved Life Vest Kids Swim Vest, Arm Floaties & Life Jackets for Kids 33-55 lbs, Shark
Elejolie
Toddler Swim Vest for Kids 22-66 lbs, Learn to Swim Training Float Jacket with Arm Water Wings, Swim Aid for Pool, Beach, Lake, Water Park, Summer Vacation
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
GYN Trade
Legendary Pro X Bodyboard for Beach with Hard Slick Bottom, Boogie Boards for Kids & Adults, Heat Sealed with EPS Core, Leash (Flame, 33)
Bloo Tide
Bloo Tide 22in Mini Bodyboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Kickboard Bodyboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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
Stohlquist
Stohlquist FIT Adult Life Jacket, US Coast Guard Approved Type III Life Vest, PFD for Men and Women, Easily Adjustable, Lightweight and High Buoyancy (Black/Grey, Universal Size)
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
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
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, Red
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
JULBEAR
JULBEAR 6PCS Emergency Whistles with Adjustable Reflective Lanyard Plastic Safety Survival Whistle Marine Boat Whistle for Boating Fishing Camping Hiking Rescue Signaling
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
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)
Protect Life
Protect Life Doctor Developed Mini First Aid Kit, 100 Piece Waterproof Emergency Kit for Car, Boat, Camping & Travel, Includes Emergency Blanket, Tourniquet & First Aid Guide
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Related Gear
Related Guides
More Jersey Shore reads
Beach Coolers Compared
Soft, hard, wheeled, and rotomolded coolers for shore use.
Read more →ComparisonBeach Chairs Compared
Low-sling vs backpack vs Tommy Bahama — what survives the haul.
Read more →Starter kitBeach Day Starter Kit
Cooler, chair, umbrella, and the small stuff that ruins a day if you forget it.
Read more →PlanningSummer at the Shore
Best months, ocean temps, traffic windows, and weekend plans.
Read more →BeachesBeach Towns by County
58 NJ shore towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Read more →FishingFishing in NJ
Charters, surf fishing, regulations, and what bites when.
Read more →Water qualityBeach Water Quality
Live monitoring of NJ beach water across 268 stations.
Read more →HubAll Gear Categories
Browse every category — surf, fish, paddle, beach, kids.
Read more →Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →