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Aerial satellite view of Sumner Avenue surf break in South New Jersey, New Jersey, United States
South New Jersey, New Jersey, United States

Sumner Avenue

39.322, -74.506
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against 1 reference
A-frame · MixedBeginner → Intermediate2–6 ftJun – Oct

A jetty-assisted beachbreak at Strathmere, just south of Corson Inlet, Sumner Avenue picks up S swell more readily than most breaks along Sea Isle. Offshore W winds clean it up, and it works across all tides, though the wave focuses tighter around the jetty structure at mid to high tide. Low tide pushes the break wide and weak on the outside. Best in the 2-6ft range where it produces a forgiving, longboard-friendly wall. The spot draws beginners and a relaxed local crowd, so the lineup can fill up on summer weekends. Bottom: beach with jetty influence. Season: summer peak, consistent year-round due to inlet channel swell attraction. Consistency: high. Pack a longboard or mid-length and get there early on weekends to secure a relaxed position before the crowd builds.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jun – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Mellow jetty-assisted beachbreak peaks.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
NE
NE - S
Offshore wind
W
Westerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-8ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
4° to 24°C
Wetsuit
Boardies (summer) / 4/3 (winter)
What to bring
  • Longboard 9ft for small to mid-size days
  • Mid-length 7ft to 8ft for up to 5ft
  • Shortboard for occasional punchier peaks at mid tide
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

The lineup skews toward beginners and longboarders, with a generally laid-back vibe. Crowds can build on summer weekends. No heavy localism reported, but give right of way to riders already on waves and keep a respectful distance from the jetty structure.

Access & Facilities

Free parking is available and there are lifeguards on duty during summer months. Strathmere is a quiet residential community, so services are minimal. Bring your own water and food. The inlet is nearby, so watch for any current near the jetty on strong tidal push.

Nearby Alternatives

If Sumner Avenue is too crowded or flat, Sea Isle City to the north offers similar beachbreak setups with jetties that respond to NE swell. Ocean City, a short drive north, hosts the only year-round surf zone in that stretch and handles larger swells with better shape.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Sumner Avenue surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Sumner Avenue is a mixed break suited for beginner to intermediate surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Sumner Avenue
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