Winter Surfing in New Jersey
Fewer crowds, bigger swells, and some of the best waves of the year. Here's everything you need to know about surfing NJ in the cold months.
While summer surfers deal with crowds and small waves, winter brings consistent swells from nor'easters and cold fronts. The tradeoff? Water temperatures that can dip into the upper 30sĀ°F. With the right gear, winter surfing in NJ can be the best sessions of the year.
Monthly Water Temperatures & Gear
| Month | Water Temp | Air Temp | Wetsuit | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 48-55Ā°F | 35-45Ā°F | 4/3mm to 5/4mm | Booties, gloves optional |
| January | 40-48Ā°F | 30-40Ā°F | 5/4mm+ hooded | Booties, gloves, hood required |
| February | 38-45Ā°F | 30-40Ā°F | 5/4mm+ hooded | Booties, gloves, hood required |
| March | 42-50Ā°F | 40-50Ā°F | 5/4mm or 4/3mm | Booties, gloves recommended |
Essential Winter Surf Gear
The right gear is the difference between an amazing session and a dangerous one. Don't cut corners on cold water equipment.
5/4mm+ Hooded Wetsuit
The foundation of winter surfing. Look for sealed seams, chest-zip entry, and quality neoprene. A hooded suit eliminates the need for a separate hood.
O'Neill Wetsuit (5/4mm)($300-400)5-7mm Booties
Your feet lose heat fastest. Thick booties with split toes give the best grip while keeping you warm. Round toe works too.
O'Neill Surf Booties($40-55)3-5mm Gloves
Numb hands can't grip or paddle effectively. Gloves take time to get used to, but they're essential below 45Ā°F water.
O'Neill Surf Gloves($35-50)Wetsuit Hood
Prevents "ice cream headaches" when duck diving. Essential if your suit doesn't have an attached hood.
O'Neill Surf Hood($30-45)Shop Winter Surf Gear
Quality cold water gear from trusted brands. Invest in gear that keeps you safe and warm.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Wetsuit (4/3mm)
Fall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
Wetsuit (5/4mm)
Winter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
Surf Booties
Keep feet warm in cold water. 5mm-7mm for winter surfing.
Surf Gloves
Essential for winter surfing. 3mm-5mm keeps hands functional.
Surf Hood
Keep your head warm in winter. Works with non-hooded wetsuits.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
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Best Winter Surf Spots
Manasquan Inlet
ManasquanConsistent winter waves, jetty creates defined peaks, less crowded than summer.
Conditions: Works best on NE-E swells. Can get heavy when big.
Parking: Free street parking in winter
Long Beach Island
Ship BottomMultiple peaks along 18 miles of beach. Can find uncrowded waves even on good days.
Conditions: Handles a variety of swell directions. Beach breaks shift with storms.
Parking: Easy parking in off-season
Sandy Hook
highlandsPicks up northern swells that miss other spots. National park setting.
Conditions: Best on N-NE swells. Can be windy.
Parking: Free in winter (no entrance fee Nov-Mar)
Asbury Park
Asbury ParkUrban surf scene stays active year-round. Groins create defined peaks.
Conditions: Works on most swell directions. Can get crowded on good days.
Parking: Metered parking, often available in winter
Belmar
BelmarReliable beach break with multiple peaks. Active local crew.
Conditions: Jetties at inlets create consistent banks.
Parking: Free street parking in winter
Winter Surf Safety
Buddy System
Never surf alone in winter. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you get injured or separated from your board.
Warm Up Quickly
Have dry clothes, a towel, and hot drinks waiting in your car. Change out of your wetsuit immediately after surfing.
Know Your Limits
Cold water saps energy faster. Shorter sessions (45-60 min) are smarter than marathon paddles.
Check Your Gear
Inspect seams on wetsuits before each session. A small leak in summer becomes dangerous in winter.
Watch for Ice
Frozen spray on rocks and jetties is extremely slippery. Ice can also form on your leash and zipper.
Cold Water Headaches
"Ice cream headaches" are common in winter. A hood helps prevent the brain freeze when duck diving.
š„ Pre-Session Warmup Routine
Car Warmup
Blast the heat in your car while getting changed. Get your core temperature up before getting in the water.
Dynamic Stretches
Arm circles, leg swings, torso twists. Keep moving to stay warm. Skip static stretching in the cold.
Light Jog
Jog in place or along the beach. Get your heart rate up and blood flowing to extremities.
Wax Check
Apply cold water wax. Regular wax gets too hard in winter temps. Re-apply basecoat if needed.
ā° Best Time to Paddle Out
Dawn Patrol (6-8am)
Pros
- ā Often glassy conditions
- ā Empty lineup
- ā Catch sunrise
Cons
- ā Coldest air temps
- ā Hard to wake up
- ā Limited visibility
š” Best for solitude and clean waves. Brutal on coldest days.
Mid-Morning (9-11am)
Pros
- ā Warming temps
- ā Good visibility
- ā Still less crowded
Cons
- ā Wind may pick up
- ā Parking fills
š” Sweet spot for most winter surfers. Best balance.
Midday (11am-2pm)
Pros
- ā Warmest temps of day
- ā Maximum visibility
Cons
- ā Most crowded
- ā Wind often strongest
š” Good for beginners. Accept the crowd.
Afternoon (2-4pm)
Pros
- ā Crowds thin
- ā Still decent warmth
Cons
- ā Fading light
- ā Evening glass rare
š” Second session opportunity. Watch the sunset.
š Reading the Forecast
Understanding swell forecasts is key to scoring good winter waves. Here's what to look for.
| Metric | Winter Ideal | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Height | 4-8 ft | Winter storms produce bigger swells. Know your limits - 6+ ft winter surf is serious. |
| Wave Period | 10-14 sec | Longer periods mean more power. Winter nor'easters often produce 12+ second swells. |
| Swell Direction | NE-E | NJ coast faces east. NE swells wrap nicely. N swells hit at an angle. S swells are usually summer. |
| Wind Direction | W-NW (offshore) | Offshore wind holds up wave faces. Onshore (E) wind makes it choppy. NW is ideal. |
| Tide | Mid-tide (incoming) | Most NJ spots work best at mid-tide. High tide can be mushy, low tide can be dumpy. |
š§ Post-Session Recovery Protocol
What you do after you exit the water matters as much as your gear. Follow this sequence to warm up safely.
Strip Immediately
0-2 min after exitGet out of wet gear ASAP. Evaporation causes rapid heat loss. Have dry clothes ready.
Warm Core First
2-5 min after exitPut on a dry base layer and beanie. Your core and head lose heat fastest. Don't worry about feet yet.
Hot Drink
5-10 min after exitCoffee, tea, or hot chocolate from a thermos. Internal warming is faster than external. Avoid alcohol.
Car Heat
5-15 minRun the heater on high. Defrost your hands and feet. Keep spare clothes in the car.
Hot Shower
30+ min if severely coldWait until shivering stops before a hot shower. Sudden temperature change can cause shock.
š§¤ Winter Wetsuit Care
Your wetsuit is your lifeline in cold water. Proper maintenance extends its life and keeps you safe.
Rinse After Every Session
Every session
Salt and sand degrade neoprene. Cold water rinse is fine. Don't use hot water.
Dry Inside Out
Every session
Prevents mold and bacteria inside the suit. Hang on a wide hanger, not thin wire.
Check Seams
Weekly
Small leaks become dangerous in cold water. Look for bubbling or separation.
Apply Seal Cement
As needed
Fix small tears and seam separations immediately. A tube costs $10 and saves your suit.
Zipper Care
Monthly
Apply silicone lubricant or beeswax to zippers. Prevents corrosion and sticking.
Store Properly
End of season
Clean thoroughly, dry completely, store flat or on wide hanger. Never fold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you surf in New Jersey during winter?
Yes! Winter is actually one of the best times to surf in NJ. Cold fronts and nor'easters generate consistent swells, and the crowds thin out significantly. Water temperatures drop to 38-50Ā°F, requiring a thick wetsuit (5/4mm+), booties, gloves, and a hood.
What wetsuit thickness do I need for winter surfing in NJ?
For winter surfing in New Jersey (December-February), you need a 5/4mm or thicker wetsuit, ideally hooded. Add 5-7mm booties, 3-5mm gloves, and a separate hood if your suit isn't hooded. Spring and fall require 4/3mm or 3/2mm suits depending on the month.
What are the best winter surf spots in New Jersey?
The best winter surf spots include Manasquan Inlet (consistent waves, less crowded), Long Beach Island (multiple peaks, handles big swells), and Sandy Hook (northern swells). Avoid spots with strong rip currents when conditions are big.
How cold does the ocean get in New Jersey?
NJ ocean water temperatures range from about 38-45Ā°F in February (coldest month) to 45-55Ā°F in December and March. Air temperatures can dip below freezing, making proper gear essential for safety.
Is winter surfing dangerous?
Winter surfing has additional risks: hypothermia, ice brain freeze, difficulty paddling with thick gloves, and reduced dexterity. Always surf with a buddy, know your limits, and have warm clothes waiting in the car. The cold also affects board wax performance.