New Jersey · United States
Long Beach Island / Barnegat Light 9th Street, New Jersey (USA)
10.8kts
WNW · Wind season
Flat bay water and shifting sandbars make this a beginner training ground. Winter winds deliver 89 windy days yearly, but expect light air and cold water.
- 10.8kts
- Average wind
- 90
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- WNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Philadelphia International, PA
- Coordinates
- 39.7548, -74.1013
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
39%
rideable
15.6 kts
Feb
32%
rideable
15.1 kts
Mar
45%
rideable
15 kts
Apr
37%
rideable
14.9 kts
May
18%
rideable
14.1 kts
Jun
17%
rideable
13.9 kts
Jul
6%
rideable
15.5 kts
Aug
13%
rideable
15 kts
Sep
15%
rideable
13 kts
Oct
21%
rideable
15.8 kts
Nov
30%
rideable
14.5 kts
Dec
23%
rideable
15.2 kts
Best wind directions
- WNW
- W
- NW
- S
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Shallow sandbars and tidal flats that shift seasonally, creating unpredictable depth changes
- Strong currents and rip tides common along the Jersey Shore, especially during tide changes
- Crowded beach area with swimmers and recreational boaters during warm months
- Cold water temperatures in winter months requiring proper thermal protection
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Watch for moored boats and marked channels
- No riding in marked swim areas
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Parking areas near 9th Street beach access
- Local restaurants and shops in Barnegat Light village
- Lifeguard stations during summer season
- Public restrooms and shower facilities nearby
Local tips
Check tide tables before sessions as shallow flats are significantly affected by tidal movement. Winter months (Jan-Apr, Nov) offer the most consistent wind days, making them ideal for skill progression.
Launch & beach
The flat water bay-side conditions make this ideal for beginners, with easy beach launches from sandy shores. Best launches occur with WNW, W, or NW winds when water conditions are calmest.
Local etiquette
Respect designated swimming areas and avoid launching during peak beach hours in summer. Communicate with other water users and stay aware of commercial fishing activity in the area.
What to wear
Wear 5/4mm wetsuits in winter (Nov-Feb) and spring; switch to 3/2mm or springsuit in warmer months. Water temperatures range from 35°F in winter to 75°F in summer.
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 sandy beach into Barnegat Bay—glassy, shallow, forgiving. No ocean swell means no surprises. You learn footwork and technique without the Atlantic throwing curveballs. Sandbars shift with tide and season, so water depth changes. Check tide tables before every session.
Wind & Conditions
Winter (November–April) is when this spot works. You get 89 windy days annually, mostly clustered November through March. WNW, W, and NW winds funnel down the bay consistently. Average wind around 10.8 knots means light-wind sessions, not powered days. Summer is weak thermals and crowds.
Water & Hazards
Shallow throughout. Respect tides—you'll ground out in places that were waist-deep two hours prior. Winter water temps drop to the low 40s; bring a 5/4 wetsuit. Rip tides and currents run hard during tide changes. Know your tide window before entering.
Who It's For
Beginners building fundamentals. Predictable conditions, shallow water to walk out of, no rocks or reef to hit. If you want waves or adrenaline, go elsewhere. If you're learning, the bay's flatness forces clean technique.
Logistics
Parking easy at 9th Street. Restaurants and shops in Barnegat Light. Lifeguards and swimmer traffic in summer; quiet in winter. Standard Jersey Shore facilities.
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