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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • Surf can be restricted during the day in summer, with access limitations.
  • Rips/undertow and rocks are recurring hazards.
  • Summer crowds can be heavy.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–26 °C
Water Temperature
-1–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMar–Oct: 3/2mm or 4/3mmJun, Jul, Aug: Boardshorts or 2mm shortySep: winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Often crowded in summer; moderate during autumn peak season; low in winter.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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).

SandbarBeach break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetBootsGlovesHoodWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • 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.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Stone Harbor is a premier resort town on the Jersey Shore with pristine beaches and a sophisticated village center.

Best time to visit: June through September for the best weather and active social scene.
The Wetlands Institute2 miles

A non-profit organization focused on research and education regarding coastal ecosystems.

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary1 mile

A 21-acre sanctuary and National Natural Landmark providing a haven for migratory birds.

Seven Mile Island Back Bay Kayaking0.5 miles

Exploring the salt marshes and inland waterways via kayak or SUP.

96th Street Shopping District0.5 miles

A hub for upscale dining, ice cream parlors, and boutique bars.

Stone Harbor Recreation Park0 miles

Tennis courts, playgrounds, and organized family events during the summer.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.