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Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and features one of the few pointbreaks in New Jersey. This spot is generally smaller than some of the other well-known breaks in Monmouth County. The Cove is where you'll find a long right point that picks up better on larger south swells, though it can also handle some easterly ones. The place gets a fair amount of attention for its solid days, when perfect rights can be found while most other breaks are going left.
When it comes to surfing here, you can expect waves that range from chest high to overhead (about 1.2 to 3 meters). The ideal swell comes in from the southeast to east-southeast, but the break can handle sizes from about 4 feet (1.2 meters) to 10 feet (3 meters). For the best experience, low to mid-tide works well, and make sure the wind is coming from the west or southwest. Keep in mind that the bottom is sandy, so while it’s friendly, the paddling can vary—sometimes it’s a bit long to get out there. This spot is generally suited for intermediate to expert surfers, and you’ll see all kinds of boards out here, including shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards.
Access to Sandy Hook is pretty straightforward, but there is an entry fee to get in. The crowd situation can be hit-or-miss, depending on where you are in Sandy Hook, so keep that in mind. Most of the time, the vibe is laid-back, aside from a few busier spots. As for the season, the best time to hit up this surf spot is from September through March. Overall, the environment is pretty clean, making for a nice day out in the water.