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Aerial satellite view of The Wooden Jetty surf break in South New Jersey, New Jersey, United States
South New Jersey, New Jersey, United States

The Wooden Jetty

39.531, -74.263
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
  • The Wooden Jetty is a left over mixed, punchy sectiony left-hand point with debris hazards.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 3-6 ft.
  • Peak September to March, water 4-22°C.
Left · MixedIntermediate → Advanced3–6 ftJan – Dec

A nor'easter-fed left-hand point that peels into a sheltered cove at the southern tip of Long Beach Island, The Wooden Jetty rewards experienced surfers willing to navigate a genuinely hazardous lineup. NE to N swell directed by the jetty produces a sequence of sections: an outside peak on the beach break reforms at the wooden jetty tip, mellows briefly, then bowls up again at the suicide jetty for an extended ride of 100-300m on a good day. Best in fall and winter nor'easters with offshore W to SW winds, all tides can work though lower tide exposes submerged wooden planks, metal debris, shopping carts, and old pipes. Crowds are consistent day and week, with a local crew that responds to respect but has zero patience for kooks. Bottom: mixed reef and debris. Season: fall-winter. Consistency: swell-dependent. Scope the lineup before paddling out, and watch the boneyard of submerged rocks to the south of the jetty.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Punchy sectiony left-hand point with debris hazards.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
4° to 22°C
Wetsuit
5/4 + booties (winter), 3/2 (summer)
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy nor'easter conditions
  • Step-up 6ft 6in to 7ft for larger winter swells
Lineup
Some pressure on swells
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Crowded on weekdays and weekends alike. The local crew is protective but not hostile to respectful visitors. First-timers should watch from shore, read the hierarchy, and not expect gifts. Fishermen casting from the jetty add another variable to manage. Car break-ins have been reported in the area, secure your vehicle and don't leave valuables visible.

Access & Facilities

Located at the southern end of Long Beach Island near the entrance to a bird sanctuary. Parking is limited and the spot gets busy during daylight hours. No dedicated surf facilities on site. Nearby Taylor Ave and Holyoke Ave offer alternative beach break options when the jetty isn't working or the vibe is unwelcoming.

Nearby Alternatives

Taylor Ave and Holyoke Ave beach breaks are the go-to fallbacks when the jetty crowd is stacked or the swell angle isn't cooperating. Both are more forgiving entry points if you're still building skills.

10-day swell, wind and tide

The Wooden Jetty surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at The Wooden Jetty

What skill level is The Wooden Jetty suited for?
The Wooden Jetty is a mixed bottom, punchy sectiony left-hand point with debris hazards, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does The Wooden Jetty work best at?
Working size is 3 to 6 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf The Wooden Jetty?
The Wooden Jetty fires from September through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does The Wooden Jetty need?
The Wooden Jetty switches on with swells out of the N to NE (0 to 45 degrees).
What type of wave is The Wooden Jetty?
The Wooden Jetty is a left-breaking wave over mixed. Punchy sectiony left-hand point with debris hazards.
How crowded is The Wooden Jetty?
Some pressure on swells. Read the lineup before paddling out and respect the local order.

Sources

  • WannaSurf
The Wooden Jetty
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