New Jersey · United States
Long Beach Island / Ship Bottom 33rd Street, New Jersey (USA)
11.1kts
WNW · Wind season
Winter Atlantic swell meets reliable NW winds at Jersey's most consistent spot. Choppy, powerful, and unforgiving—come prepared.
- 11.1kts
- Average wind
- 93
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- WNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Philadelphia International, PA
- Coordinates
- 39.6342, -74.1846
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
39%
rideable
15.6 kts
Feb
32%
rideable
15.2 kts
Mar
45%
rideable
15.2 kts
Apr
38%
rideable
14.9 kts
May
18%
rideable
14.4 kts
Jun
22%
rideable
13.8 kts
Jul
10%
rideable
14.8 kts
Aug
11%
rideable
15.6 kts
Sep
18%
rideable
13.4 kts
Oct
21%
rideable
16.2 kts
Nov
28%
rideable
14.7 kts
Dec
23%
rideable
15.6 kts
Best wind directions
- WNW
- S
- NW
- W
- SSW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents and undertow typical of New Jersey coast
- Shallow sandbars and hidden obstacles; watch for swimmers and fishing activity
- Cold water temperatures year-round; hypothermia risk in winter months
- Busy beach area with recreational swimmers during warmer seasons
What that means for you
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- No riding in marked swim areas
- Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach access via 33rd Street with parking and restroom facilities
- Local shops and restaurants in Ship Bottom village
- Lifeguard presence during summer season
Local tips
Best wind window is winter/early spring (Jan-Apr) with 92.5 windy days annually; plan visits around these peak months. Check local tide tables and avoid launch during extreme low tide when sandbars become hazardous.
Launch & beach
Launch from the sandy beach; expect choppy conditions typical of exposed ocean spots. WNW and NW winds provide the most consistent offshore/cross-shore flows with good wave riding potential.
Local etiquette
Respect lifeguard zones and swimmer areas, especially in summer; stay clear of fishing lines and other water users. Local riders generally respect staggered launch times during crowded conditions.
What to wear
Wear a 4/3mm or 5/4mm winter wetsuit for cold Atlantic water (Nov-Apr); spring and fall require 3/2mm thickness. Summer sessions may allow thinner 2/2mm suits.
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
You're launching from sand into open ocean. Winter NW/WNW winds align with Atlantic swell to create actual rideable waves instead of wind chop. The tradeoff: it's choppy, powerful, and demands respect. Strong currents and shifting sandbars mean you need solid skills and good tide awareness.
Wind & Conditions
January through April. Peak season clusters around 92.5 windy days yearly—mostly in winter months when NW and WNW winds sit offshore/cross-shore. Expect 15–20 kt days regularly, which is what you want in an ocean with swell. Summer and fall are quiet.
The Water
Cold year-round. Winter requires 5/4 hood minimum. Sandbars shift with tide; low tide turns the zone hazardous. Plan around high slack. Currents here drift you sideways if you're not paying attention. Swimmers crowd the beach June–August.
Who It's For
Intermediate+ only. You need solid body drag skills and the ability to read swell and current. Beginners will get worked. Parking and facilities exist at 33rd Street, but the ocean doesn't make concessions.
The Scene
Ship Bottom is a working beach town with shops and food nearby. Not a kite pilgrimage site—you come for wind and swell, not the scene.
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