A relaxed beach break on the New Jersey coast, 30th Street in Avalon delivers punchy beach peaks on both sides of the pier when Atlantic swells cooperate. It works best on S to SE swells generated by late-summer tropical systems and fall nor'easters, with NW to W winds keeping faces clean. Any tide is rideable, though mid tide tends to organize the banks. Size rarely gets big, but 3-5ft offers the most fun, and the peaks can stretch to 150-300m on solid swells. Weekdays are quiet, genuinely so, with sessions sometimes solo in the off-season. Summer weekends fill up quickly, and lifeguard jurisdiction restricts surfing to this designated zone from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beach tag required for entry. Bottom: sand. Season: Aug through Nov. Consistency: moderate. Dawn patrol or after 5pm in summer avoids both the guards and the crowds.
Weekday crowds are thin, and the vibe is genuinely laid-back. Summer weekends draw families and surfers alike, compressing the lineup. The community skews younger but the attitude is welcoming. No localism issues reported. Respect the lifeguard flags in summer and stay in the designated zone.
Drive or bike to 30th Street in Avalon, NJ. Beach tags are required during summer months and checked at access points. Parking is available nearby but fills fast on weekends. Restrooms and amenities are typical of an established Jersey Shore beach town. No sharp reef hazards, but watch for swimmers in the surf zone during summer.
If the banks at 30th Street are closed out or blown, check the peaks either side of the 9th Street area in Stone Harbor just to the south. Wildwood and Cape May offer additional beach break options when a larger swell wraps around the cape.
Forecast by Windy.app
