Bay Head surf guide

Bay Head is a surf spot located along the New Jersey coast that offers some decent waves, especially during the right conditions. This area can get pretty packed, particularly when the swell is up. It has a mile-long stretch of beach, so even with the crowds, there’s usually enough space for everyone to find their spot. Keep in mind that parking can be tricky during the summer months, and you might run into some strict locals who aren’t always welcoming.

The surf here really shines with a good southerly swell, especially from September through March. When everything lines up, you can expect fast, hollow rights breaking over sand. Bay Head can handle swell sizes from 3 feet (about 1 meter) to 12 feet (around 3.6 meters), with waist-high to 2x overhead waves being pretty common. Low to mid tide tends to work best, but you can also catch some fun waves at high tide. The best wind direction is west, making for smooth conditions. Just be aware of the rips that can form around the groins on bigger days. This spot is generally best suited for intermediate surfers, and you can ride shortboards or fishes here depending on the conditions.

While the waves can be quite good, the local vibe has been known to get a bit heavy, especially with the increase in surfers visiting the area. The jetties are a bit longer in the Bridge Ave area, and when the sand is right, it can lead to excellent tube riding opportunities. Just keep in mind that this can often become a bit crowded, particularly on south swells. So, if you're looking for a more mellow session, try to hit it early or on off days!