Stockton surf guide

Stockton is a surf spot located in Cape May, known for its south-facing beaches. It’s a solid option for surfers looking to catch some waves. The beach can get crowded, especially in the summer, as it tends to attract local surfers and those from nearby areas whenever the conditions are favorable.

The surf here tends to peak with a good northeast swell, ideally when it’s around chest-high (about 1-2 meters) to well overhead (up to 2.1 meters). The waves break over sand, and you can expect predominantly lefts coming off the rock jetty. While the conditions can get fun, especially with the right tide, the recent beach replenishment projects have caused the sandbars to become a bit unpredictable. Paddling out is manageable, but it can vary depending on how big the swell gets. Best swell sizes to look for are generally between 3 ft and 7 ft (0.9 to 2.1 meters), and the preferred winds are from the north.

Access to Stockton is generally easy, though it might be a bit tougher during the summer months when beach tags are a must. The local vibe is usually mellow to moderate, and the crowd factor ranges from light to moderate on most days. Surfing here is best from September through March, making it a decent spot for autumn and winter swells. You can ride various boards here including shortboards, fish, longboards, and bodyboards.