New York · United States
Lavallette Bayside, New Jersey (USA)
11.1kts
WNW · Wind season
Winter winds and choppy water—92 good days a year if you can read the actual conditions and know where the sandbars are. Bayside spots lie on the forecast.
- 11.1kts
- Average wind
- 92
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- WNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - New York, NY
- Coordinates
- 39.9732, -74.0721
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
37%
rideable
15.5 kts
Feb
28%
rideable
15.3 kts
Mar
47%
rideable
15 kts
Apr
35%
rideable
15 kts
May
23%
rideable
13.6 kts
Jun
28%
rideable
13.8 kts
Jul
13%
rideable
14.3 kts
Aug
16%
rideable
14.4 kts
Sep
10%
rideable
12.9 kts
Oct
18%
rideable
16.4 kts
Nov
28%
rideable
14.4 kts
Dec
19%
rideable
15.2 kts
Best wind directions
- WNW
- S
- W
- NW
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents and undertow typical of New Jersey bayside waters
- Shallow areas and sandbars that can shift seasonally, requiring local knowledge to navigate safely
- Boat traffic from nearby marinas and recreational vessels, especially on weekends
- Cold water temperatures requiring proper protection, particularly outside peak season
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Parking areas near the beach access points in Lavallette
- Local restaurants and shops in the beachfront community
- Restroom and shower facilities at public beach areas
- Nearby kite schools and rental shops serving the central Jersey Shore
Local tips
March, January, and April offer the best wind days (92 annually); check local forecast conditions as bayside spots can be sheltered compared to ocean-facing beaches. Arrive early to scout launch conditions and coordinate with local kiters familiar with sandbars and tidal patterns.
Launch & beach
Launch from sandy beach areas when conditions allow; choppy ocean waters mean you'll encounter wind chop immediately after launch. West/Northwest winds provide the most favorable conditions, though variable wind directions require flexibility in positioning.
Local etiquette
Respect designated swimming areas and avoid launching near populated beaches during peak season. Stay aware of other water sports users and maintain communication with fellow kiters in the moderate crowd conditions typical of this accessible spot.
What to wear
A 3/2mm wetsuit is essential year-round, with 4/3mm or thicker recommended for winter sessions (Jan-Mar) when water temperatures drop to the 40s°F. Spring and fall require mid-weight protection.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Launch from sand into immediate wind chop. This is messy water that demands solid edge control. If you're still learning carving, Lavallette will expose your weaknesses fast.
Wind & Conditions
92 windy days annually, strongest in January, March, April. WNW and NW winds are most consistent. W and NE work but require angle adjustments. S winds are unreliable here.
Average 11.1 knots. The trap: bayside spots shelter compared to open ocean beaches. A forecast that looks marginal often flatlines when you arrive. Check buoys obsessively and show up early to assess actual conditions.
Water Hazards
Cold water outside peak season—booties, gloves, hood required. Strong currents and undertow are the real concern. Sandbars shift seasonally, changing safe launch zones. Weekend boat traffic from marinas picks up in warm months; dawn or weekday sessions are better.
Who It's For
Intermediate+ riders with solid fundamentals. You need the discipline to skip marginal days and read wind windows around boat traffic. Chop skills will sharpen fast here.
The Town
Parking and beach access work. Restaurants, shops, restrooms at the waterfront. Rental and repair shops are nearby on central Jersey Shore. Local crew is small but knows the water. Ask about sandbar position instead of learning the hard way.
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