Strathmere (New Jersey)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Strathmere (also known as Strathmere 7th Street) is an exposed sandy beach break in Upper Township with clean water and small-to-medium waves reported by multiple sources. For surfing, the break is described as consistent and year-round, offering peeling walls for turns before closing out on the inner bar. Shelter is limited because it’s an open ocean beach break. Wind conditions for kitesurfing are best with northeast and southeast winds, and typical kite ranges discussed for the spot are around 9–12 m² (with smaller kites in stronger winter fronts). Wind direction variability is also noted (including additional southerly/easterly winds), and one provider indicates frontal-system wind types with moderate gusts. Seasonal spring and autumn storm periods are described as having consistent wind. For hazards, the main concerns are nearby jetties/groins and water movement. Rip currents are specifically called out, and there is additional risk from strong tidal flow near the inlet to the north—so riders should avoid drifting too far that direction. One guidance also emphasizes staying well clear of jetties because currents can push you toward them. Rescue availability is characterized as limited, with seasonal lifeguards/beach patrols in summer; emergency number is 911. Seasonally, the spot is suited to warmer months with lighter wetsuits, while winter requires heavier protection. Water temperature swings from near-freezing winter conditions to comfortably warm late-summer conditions, and wetsuit guidance ranges from shorts in summer to full hooded wetsuits in winter. Some surf guidance also notes that summer can become busy in the water, while winter is very quiet.
- Exposed, consistent beach-break surf with peeling waves over sand.
- Kitesurfing is favored by NE/SE winds with sandy beach launch space.
- Key safety focus: jetties and rip currents; be careful near the inlet to the north.
- Consistent exposed beach-break surf with sandy bottom.
- Good for kitesurfing with NE/SE wind directions; sandy launch area with ample space.
- Generally uncrowded relative to major neighboring resort beaches (but can get busy in summer per some guides).
- Limited local rescue availability.
- Jetties and rip currents add real risk; currents can push people toward structures.
- Cold water in winter; significant temperature swing by season.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, SE
- Offshore directions
- W, SW, S, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider notes frontal wind type for this spot.
- Reliability
- Consistent during spring and autumn storm seasons.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
- Shadow Zones
- Minimal due to low-lying dunes and low-rise residential buildings.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size reported as small-to-medium by different sources; medium by one provider.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space during low and mid tides.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty reported as easy.
Through the year
Busiest in July and August; very quiet in winter.
Late summer hurricane season can bring significant swell; nor’easters and tropical systems between June and November noted regionally.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Ocean kitesurfing with wave/coastal-reach focus. Sandy beach provides launch space, but riders must be mindful of jetties.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Ocean windsurfing possible; good bump-and-jump conditions in cross-onshore winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Suitable for ocean wingfoiling when swell is manageable; beach is deep enough once past the shorebreak.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with consistent surf that can work year-round over sandy bottoms. Can become heavy and closed-out during large hurricane swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide preferred (reported by one provider).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest winds provide clean offshore conditions; works with northwest-wind for surf cleanliness.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and closed-out during large hurricane swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality reported as average by one provider; good by another.
- Wave Power
- Soft — One provider characterizes wave power as soft; another describes it as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed reported as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length.
- Ride Length Details
- Decent wall for several turns before closing out on the inner bar; breaks can offer sections before closing out.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Strathmere (New Jersey) in the full forecast view.
Strathmere (New Jersey) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- NE51°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2710 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 5–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Strathmere (New Jersey) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.5–1.0 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Jetties
- Rip currents
- Proximity to Corson's Inlet
- Cold water in winter
- Strong tidal flow near the inlet (if drifting too far north)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards/beach patrols in summer.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited rescue locally; broader coastal rescue support nearby.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 911. Rescue availability is limited; coastal rescue supported by the U.S. Coast Guard in the nearby area, with seasonal lifeguards/beach patrols during summer.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism noted.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming areas during peak summer season. Kiting and surfing may be restricted to certain zones when lifeguards are on duty.
- Kiting and surfing may be restricted to certain zones when lifeguards are on duty.
- Keep a safe distance from the jetties as currents can push you toward them.
- Be wary of strong tidal flow if you drift too far north toward the inlet.
- The 7th Street area is a primary hub for surfers.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ocean City
- Nearest Town
- Strathmere
- Parking
- Free street parking is available along the residential streets and near the beach paths
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via the Garden State Parkway; personal vehicle recommended to reach specific coastal access points.
- Access
- From Atlantic City, drive south past Ocean City to reach Strathmere in Upper Township. Alternative route noted via Commonwealth Avenue and Garden State Parkway (exit 25 or 17).
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Rental houses and nearby motels in Sea Isle City or Ocean City.
- Food & Drink
- Local delis and small restaurants available within walking distance in the town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- No shops directly on 7th Street; rentals available in nearby Ocean City or Sea Isle City.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Protected natural area featuring undeveloped beachfront, dunes, and hiking trails.
Family boardwalk with amusement parks, shops, and seaside dining.
Expansive zoo and park complex with educational exhibits and recreational trails.
Historic waterfront establishment in Strathmere offering sunset views and local seafood.
Seasonal boat tours departing from Cape May and Wildwood to view local marine life.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Strathmere (New Jersey)?
The best overall months at Strathmere (New Jersey) are September, October, November, May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Strathmere (New Jersey)?
Strathmere (New Jersey) works with NE, SE winds. Offshore directions are W, SW, S, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Strathmere (New Jersey)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Strathmere (New Jersey): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Strathmere (New Jersey) suitable for?
Strathmere (New Jersey) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.