Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island is an 18-mile barrier island that offers countless peaks for surfers willing to explore—from jetty-enhanced breaks to open beach sandbars that shift with each storm. LBI has been a Jersey Shore surf destination for generations, with a loyal crew of regulars who know every sandbar nuance and surf it through winter in thick wetsuits. The family-friendly summer vibe transforms to empty beaches once September arrives, and the hurricane season delivers the best waves of the year. For surfers seeking options and room to spread out, LBI provides.
Long Beach Island surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (105°)
- Direction range
- 75° - 155°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (285°)
- Offshore range
- 255° - 325°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.3m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Multiple beach access points along island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Long Beach Island?
Long Beach Island is a beach break in Ship Bottom, USA, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Long Beach Island?
Long Beach Island picks up swell from the ENE round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the ESE. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Long Beach Island?
A WNW wind is dead offshore at Long Beach Island, and anything from the WSW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Long Beach Island?
Long Beach Island is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.3m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Long Beach Island?
The most reliable run of swell at Long Beach Island comes Sep to Apr. There's a second window in Aug too. Works in hurricane and nor'easter swells.
How cold is the water at Long Beach Island?
The water at Long Beach Island averages around 17°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Long Beach Island good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Popular summer destination.
How do I get to Long Beach Island?
The nearest airport on our list is ACY, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Multiple beach access points along island.
What other surf spots are near Long Beach Island?
The closest breaks we track are Jenkinsons (52 km), Manasquan Inlet (52 km) and Ocean City NJ (53 km), handy when Long Beach Island isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: Aug
Works in hurricane and nor'easter swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Jenkinsons
Jersey Shore peaks | Nor'easter bowls | Bodyboard-friendly
Manasquan Inlet
🏆 Jersey's best • Inlet-enhanced power • Dedicated local crew
Ocean City NJ
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly shore • Jetty setups • Classic boardwalk vibes
Asbury Park
🎸 Springsteen's shore • Rock and roll boardwalk • Jersey beach break
Rockaway Beach
🚇 A train to the lineup • NYC's surf spot • Diverse Queens community
Long Beach NY
🚃 NYC accessible • Train to waves • Urban surf