Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Stone Harbor (Nuns Beach) is an exposed sandbar/jetty break on the Jersey Shore that’s known for producing consistent surf, typically shaped by sandbars near the jetties. The beach setup supports both left and right waves, and conditions are often described as clean when the wind is favorably offshore. Wind and swell alignment matter here: northwest winds are highlighted as best for producing cleaner, offshore surf. One description emphasizes clean, offshore northwest wind leading to well-formed waves, while other notes indicate seasonal variability in wind patterns and moderate reliability depending on storms. Sandbars can shift—especially after major storms—so checking conditions before committing to a session is part of the local rhythm. From a safety perspective, the water can include rip currents and undertow, and rocks/jetties introduce additional risk that varies with tide. Jellyfish are also noted among hazards. Summer has stronger access management (including surfing-area restrictions during the day and beach-tag requirements), while the north side of the jetty is noted as open all day. For timing, September through October are repeatedly suggested as prime for surf consistency and more favorable crowd levels. Wetsuit needs range from lighter summer protection to winter-rated gear depending on the month, with multiple sources recommending winter wetsuits with hood/gloves/boots for colder periods.
- Consistent sandbar/jetty-influenced break with both left and right waves
- Northwest winds often give cleaner, offshore conditions
- Summer access restrictions and recurring hazards (rips/undertow, rocks)
- Strong fall window (September–October) with improved crowd profile
- Consistent sandbar/jetty-influenced surfing with both left and right waves.
- Northwest winds tend to align with cleaner, offshore surf conditions.
- Fall months are a strong window for more consistent, less crowded sessions.
- Surf can be restricted during the day in summer, with access limitations.
- Rips/undertow and rocks are recurring hazards.
- Summer crowds can be heavy.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind can be frontal (spring/autumn) with seasonally variable patterns; northwest winds are specifically noted as best for clean surf.
- Reliability
- Moderate; dependent on seasonal storm systems
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Gusts described as steady.
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Buildings can cause slight turbulence very close to the shore in westerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Conflicting descriptions: one source calls it flat/seasonal sandbar consistency; another rates it medium.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — One source describes chop conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Beach access from 11th Street; designated access points for surfers; easy access but congestion in summer.
Through the year
Often crowded in summer; moderate during autumn peak season; low in winter.
Hurricane season from August to October can bring significant swell; late summer through autumn can bring increased storm/tropical activity and Nor'easters.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Consistent, exposed sandbar/jetty-influenced beach break with lines of surf. Produces both left and right waves; works best when sandbars are well-shaped (and may require post-storm reshaping).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, ESE
- Swell Height
- 3–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Sources conflict on best tide: one notes low tide, another notes high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed sandbar/jetty break.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest winds provide clean, offshore conditions for cleaner surf.
- Bigger Swell
- On very large swells, it can close out; it works best on mid-period groundswells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Overall described as good/consistent; another source rates quality as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peely, fast sections typical of Mid-Atlantic beach breaks.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal to long rides are possible; breaks can run long, up to about 150 meters. Sessions also described as producing faster, shorter rides depending on conditions.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride lengths reported around 30–70 meters, with additional notes that rides can break up to ~150 meters when conditions allow.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) in the full forecast view.
Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NE36°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2711 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 8–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.4 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rip currents
- undertow
- rocks
- jellyfish
- storm drain
- groins
- shallow bottom
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal beach patrols/lifeguards are present during the summer season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Stone Harbor Police Department and Beach Patrol operate seasonally. Emergency: 911.
Rules of the spot
Surfing restricted during the day in summer. Beach tags are required for access between Memorial Day and Labor Day; north side of the jetty is open all day. Beach tags required.
- Surfing restricted during the day in summer.
- Beach tags required in summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
- Surfing restricted to designated areas during lifeguard hours.
- Watch for rocks depending on tide and a storm drain to the right.
- Current can be surprising for beginners.
- Check the sandbars after major storms as they frequently shift.
- Morning sessions often have the lightest winds.
- Surfing is more consistently accessible all day on the north side of the jetty.
- Crowded in summer; less crowded in fall.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Atlantic City
- Nearest Town
- Stone Harbor
- Nearest Airport
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
- Parking
- Parking available; access can be toughest in summer months. Street parking noted around 111th Street and surrounding residential blocks.
- Public Transport
- NJ Transit bus service connects Stone Harbor to Philadelphia and Atlantic City; local travel is best by car or bicycle.
- Access
- Easy via Stone Harbor Boulevard crossing onto the island; beach is off 11th Street (primary access noted at 111th Street).
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and vacation rentals in and around Stone Harbor and nearby areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available via local surf and sport shops.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available at nearby surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Stone Harbor is a premier resort town on the Jersey Shore with pristine beaches and a sophisticated village center.
A non-profit organization focused on research and education regarding coastal ecosystems.
A 21-acre sanctuary and National Natural Landmark providing a haven for migratory birds.
Exploring the salt marshes and inland waterways via kayak or SUP.
A hub for upscale dining, ice cream parlors, and boutique bars.
Tennis courts, playgrounds, and organized family events during the summer.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor)?
The best overall months at Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) are September, October. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor)?
Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) suitable for?
Nuns Beach (Stone Harbor) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.