The South Jetty surf guide
Surf: A NE swell will be a mess here, but E to S swells will work nicely at mid to high tide. A fun summertime wave that usually gets chest-high peaks. Consistent and sometimes crowded, as the jetty offers some protection from S winds.
Environment: Parking in the summer is non-existent in the surrounding residential streets, but there is year-round 4WD beach access if you have an $100 annual permit. The lifeguards keep the swimmers away but canβt do anything about the rabid fox that bites non-locals. Tags.
Surf: General: There are good lefts and even better rights in the area from the Brigantine Inlet Jetty to about four blocks north. Shifting peaks wedge up outside, then wall up down the beach, often ending in a fast, hollow inside section. The break is best on a S swell and W wind, but also takes a light SW wind well. Brigantine Jetty doesn't handle sizes over six-feet that well, so head over the bridge to Atlantic City when it's too big.
Tides: Mid-high (incoming)
Size: Chest high-well overhead
Wind: WNW to NW
Swell: ENE, E, ESE, SE
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Mostly not bad but big days are rough.
Spot Rating: Can be fickle but can get really good.
Access: Easy, free parking and a 10- to 15-minute walk (or four-wheel drive by permit only).
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Moderate, heavy on summer weekends.
Local Vibe: Can get heavy on good days but mostly mellow to moderate.
Environment: Pretty clean overall, except after very heavy rain.
Hazards: Rocks, currents .
Season: September through March