16th Ave., Belmar surf guide
Surf: General: Manasquan gets all the attention, but this entire stretch is capable of ultra-hollow barrels. On a good southeast swell, there is plenty of room to spread out.Across from Eastern Lines Surf Shop, 16th Ave. is the surfer's beach in Belmar. It breaks well on all swells and is a good spot to catch if it's not summer. If it is, prepare for a crowd. There are a million people in Belmar in the summer, and the water is no different. There is plenty of parking, which makes it that much easier to crowd the lineup.To the north is 8th Avenue Jetty, which can produce a heavy barrel with even heavier hassles.At the end of Belmar is the Belmar Pier, which, although fickle, can produce a good session here or there. It takes a northeast swell nicely. There are a number of other jetties in Belmar, so there are plenty of chances for you to score.
Tides: Low-mid generally best
Size: Waist high-well overhead
Wind: W
Swell: S, SSE, SE
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Usually not a far paddle, can be a challenge on big swells.
Spot Rating: On the right day, expect super fun surf.
Access: Easy but be aware of beach badges in the summer months
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Mostly not that bad, unless the surf is good.
Local Vibe: Mellow to moderate on average days, can get heavy on good days in the summer/fall.
Environment: Pretty clean overall.
Hazards: Groins, crowds, incompetent surfers and tourists (in summer).
Season: September through March