Monmouth Beach surf guide

Monmouth Beach is a popular surf spot located in New Jersey, known for its decent conditions during the fall and winter months. This beach is made up of several jetties that can work well when the surf is up. It generally sees good action from hurricanes, nor'easters, and solid low-pressure systems. However, it can get a bit messy and close out when swells peak, so timing is important. There’s a beach badge fee of approximately $8, and parking is pretty much nonexistent, so be prepared for that before you head out.

The surf here can handle swell sizes from about 3 ft (0.9 m) up to 8 ft (2.4 m) and works best on low to mid tide. The ideal swells come from the Southeast (SE), East-Southeast (ESE), and even up to the Northeast (ENE). You can expect good beach breaks, with waves rolling left and right. The preferred wind directions are from the Southwest (SW) to Northwest (NW), keeping the conditions clean. You’ll find that the spot suits surfers of all abilities, from beginners to experts. Board types that work well include shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards.

Most of the time, crowds aren’t too bad unless the surf is really good, when more folks show up. The local vibe is generally moderate, often with a mix of surfers, including many college students who are usually pretty chill. In terms of hazards, be mindful of the shallow bottom and potential rip currents. Overall, Monmouth Beach can be a solid choice for a surf session, especially from September through March, but it's not necessarily a standout compared to other spots in the region.