Surf: Also known as Gas Chambers, this is Atlantic City’s premier wave. Between the old Gardens Pier and the steel Pier, very powerful, top-to-bottom peaks will break close to the beach on a SE swell at low to mid tide. Environment: This is one of the beaches where the Duke first surfed in 1912. It is now overshadowed by huge high-rise casinos like Trump Taj Mahal and apparently rates as America’s favorite playground. Often crowded, strong currents, and nightmarish parking problems. Sometimes valet parking in some of the casinos is the best option. Surf: General: The area is bordered by Garden Pier to the north, which has a good left, and the new Steel Pier to the south, which sometimes has a challenging right peak. Both piers feature a nasty bottom of concrete and steel rebar, so this break picks up any swell that moves. Breaks well from knee-high to double-overhead. The best waves are the lefts off the groin in the center of the break, and the right or left bowl farther south down the beach. The rights on the north side of the groin can get good, too. Tides: Mid-high generally best Size: Waist high-well overhead Wind: NW Swell: ENE to SE Bottom: Sand Paddling: Harder on big days but usually pretty mellow. Spot Rating: Really fun on the right swell. Access: Easy, but parking is limited. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Moderate to heavy. Local Vibe: Moderate. Environment: Pretty clean overall. Hazards: Shallow bottom, rip currents. Season: September through March