Bay Head surf guide
Surf: The jetties are a bit longer in the Bridge Ave area than the ones to the South. When the sand is in position and a good southerly swell is running, fast, hollow, ruler-edged rights will break in shallow water. Handles size when mid to high tide is usually best.
Environment: Sometimes crowded with unsharing hot locals, but well dispersed over a mile-long stretch. Tags and 10-5pm restrictions. Free roadside parking can be a hassle in summer, particularly if you get caught towel-changing in this prudish residential area.
Surf: General: Bay Head offers some of the best tube riding opportunities in New Jersey. Short jetties create beachbreak sandbars that rock during south swells and hurricane season. Crowds have thickened in recent years though, so don't expect to surf alone on any decent swell.
Tides: Low-mid generally best
Size: Waist high-2X overhead
Wind: W
Swell: S, SSE, SE
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Mellow most of the time with rips forming around the groins on bigger days.
Spot Rating: Almost world-class on the right day, smaller swells usually not that good.
Access: Limited parking but easy access.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Heavy, especially on south swells.
Local Vibe: Can get heavy, has trended heavier over the past several years.
Environment: Pretty clean overall.
Hazards: Crusty "locals", crowds, groins.
Season: September through March