Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

The South Jetty is an exposed beach/jetty surf break in Brigantine where the rock jetty shapes the wave field. The result is generally reliable surf with peaks affected by the sand-trapping jetty influence, often punching near the jetty and offering both lefts and rights. Some sessions can wedge up outside before cleaner sections form closer in. Wind is typically a key part of getting clean surf: northwest winds are described as offshore and can create better conditions for waves. Mid-tide is repeatedly noted as the preferred stage for the wave shape, while high tide may cause the wave to fat out or backwash against rocks. The most favorable swell direction is given as southeast to east/southeast, and working swell height is described roughly in the 0.9–2.4 meter range (with another provider listing about 1.0–2.0 meters). Safety is the headline concern. Strong rip currents are consistently highlighted, especially alongside the jetty. There are also jetty rocks and submerged boulders near the takeoff area, plus the possibility of fishing lines. Crowds can build on good swell days, so spacing and situational awareness matter. Seasonally, November is singled out as the best month for consistent clean surf, with a broader winter-season window also mentioned. Winter sessions call for a full winter wetsuit setup (including hood, gloves, and boots) due to very cold water temperatures, while late summer can support thinner suits or even boardshorts/bikini as the water warms toward the mid-20s °C.

  • Jetty-shaped sandbar/peak can make the surf more consistent than nearby stretches
  • Offshore northwest winds tend to clean up conditions
  • November is highlighted as the best month
  • Mid-tide is preferred
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed beach/jetty break with reliable surf.
  • Northwest offshore winds can improve cleanliness of the surf.
  • Jetty influence helps shape a more consistent sandbar/peak versus surrounding beach areas.
  • Best conditions align with mid-tide and an autumn/winter swell-wind combo.
Heads up
  • Strong rip currents are a major hazard near the jetty rocks.
  • Rocks and submerged hazards require staying away from the jetty area.
  • Can get crowded on good days and during peak conditions.
  • Rescue availability is described as limited or not guaranteed depending on source.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW
Offshore directions
NW, N
Wind Range
8–17 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Providers describe northwest winds as offshore/clean for surf; one source labels the wind type as trade.
Reliability
low (overall), with relatively better clean conditions in November
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts indicated by both providers.
Best Months
November, September, October, December, January, February, March

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves
Beach
Sand — Sand beach described.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small to medium surf is described across providers; one source mentions medium with generally short, punchy peaks near the jetty.
Chop Level
Heavy chop
Launch
Medium — Beach/jetty access with shifting peaks; described as adjacent to the jetty rocks.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–24 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 5/4mm (provider notes winter hooded setupthickness described with variations across sources) + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 3/2mm to 4/3mmJun–Sep: rash guard to thin shorty (late summer)
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded during peak conditions; winter months are described as quieter.

Storm/Rain Season

Late summer and autumn bring potential tropical storm activity and hurricane swells; late winter can bring nor’easters.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach/jetty break where the rock jetty shapes the waves. Peaks can shift and may wedge up outside before forming sections closer in; waves often punch and peak near the jetty. Works for both lefts and rights, with a tendency to favor right-handers.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ESE, SE
Swell Height
0.9–2.4 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best described as mid-tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered due to jetty influence, but the overall break remains exposed.
Wind Effect
Offshore northwest wind can create cleaner surf conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells better than open beach breaks, but may become maxed out or close out in very heavy storms.
Wave Quality
Good — Quality described as good by one provider; another rates it average.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate power reported.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Mixed is reported by one provider; another describes generally peeling waves.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling with a medium peel speed is described by providers.
Ride Length
Short — One provider notes short punchy rides near the jetty; another describes shifting peaks and hollow sections forming inside.
Typical Ride Length
50 m
Ride Length Details
One provider reports a typical ride length around 50 meters; another says ride length can vary with shifting peaks and inside hollow sections.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The South Jetty in the full forecast view.

The South Jetty wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
Direction
NNE20°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2711 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–1.2 m7s period
Temperature
6–20 °C

Over the next 7 days, The South Jetty is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.4–1.2 m with a period of about 7s. 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

  • Strong rip currents
  • Submerged rocks/jetty rocks
  • Potential fishing lines
  • Crowds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmetLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuitKnife

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal by one provider; another provider indicates none.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue described as limited by one provider; another lists no rescue—treat on-site/nearby rescue as not guaranteed.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — One provider characterizes localism as moderate; another describes localism as none.

Rules of the spot

Standard right-of-way rules apply. Stay clear of the jetty rocks; follow any designated surfing zones/seasonal beach rules during peak periods.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal beach tags required
  • Designated surfing zones during summer hours
Local Tips
  • Take care of the strong rips near the jetty.
  • The spot is often best on a mid-tide; high tide can fat out or backwash against the rocks.
  • Early mornings with offshore northwest winds are typically most sought-after.
  • Surge periods can still bring maxed-out/closed-out conditions in very heavy storms.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Brigantine
Nearest Town
Brigantine, NJ
Parking
Street parking is available near beach access points, though it may be competitive during peak summer weekends.
Access
Beach access via 12th Street North or 10th Street South areas in Brigantine; mats located north of South End Jetty and south of Sandy Lane bathing area for convenience. Also described as accessible via the southern end of Brigantine beach near the Absecon Inlet.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various hotels, rentals, and beachfront accommodation in Brigantine and nearby Atlantic City.
Food & Drink
Local restaurants and cafes are located several blocks inland in Brigantine.
Equipment Rental:
Surf and SUP rentals are widely available regionally; surfboard/wetsuit rental implied but not specifically quantified for this exact jetty launch.
Gear Storage
On-site gear storage generally not available (regional note).
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair available locally (regional note).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at The South Jetty?

The best overall months at The South Jetty are November, September, October, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at The South Jetty?

The South Jetty works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are NW, N.

What skill level is The South Jetty suitable for?

The South Jetty suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.