The South Jetty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Can be crowded during peak conditions; winter months are described as quieter.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Strong rip currents
- Submerged rocks/jetty rocks
- Potential fishing lines
- Crowds
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.
- Seasonal beach tags required
- Designated surfing zones during summer hours
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.