Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City)

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Thirtysixth Street is a beach/jetty surf spot at the southern end of Absecon Island in Longport. The stone jetty and nearby inlet-area sandbars help shape consistent, mainly peeling surf, typically favoring low tide. Depending on conditions and how the sandbars set up, the break can produce left-handed waves and may also work in both directions. Wave quality is generally described as moderate-to-average but consistent relative to other nearby South Jersey options. The spot is semi-sheltered by the jetty structure, yet still feels exposed as a beach/jetty setup. Longer rides are not guaranteed, but surfers report medium-length rides when the sandbars are well formed. Safety is a major consideration: the spot sits right at the edge of the Great Egg Harbor Inlet, and strong currents and rip currents are common. Stone jetties and seawall/jetty structures add localized hazards, so take extra care during setup and wipeouts. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal, and rescue availability is described as limited; follow any posted access rules. For wind and timing, West to Northwest winds are described as providing cleaner offshore conditions, with the most favorable months reported as March, April, September, and October. Winter conditions can be especially challenging due to cold water, so use appropriate thermal protection; local winter advice includes a hooded suit plus gloves and boots.

  • Consistent beach/jetty surf with peeling waves shaped by the stone jetty
  • Low tide is repeatedly identified as the best tide
  • Offshore West/Northwest winds can improve cleanliness
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • Consistent beach/jetty surf with peeling waves shaped by stone jetties
  • Best conditions are reliably associated with low tide
  • Offshore West/Northwest winds can provide clean surf
Heads up
  • Strong currents/rip currents can be common near the Great Egg Harbor Inlet
  • Seasonal restrictions may limit where you can surf during lifeguard hours
  • Winter water is very cold
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Regional winds are seasonal frontal patterns in autumn/winter; spot-specific winds are described as frontal in the providers’ data.
Reliability
Moderate, highest during spring and autumn frontal passages.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, March, April

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small surf reported across sources.
Chop Level
Heavy chop — Water type is described as chop.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach area located at the southern end of the island, ending at the rock jetty and inlet.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
2–26 °C
Water Temperature
0–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesMar, Apr, Nov: 4/3mmMay, Oct: 4/3mm or spring/late autumn thicknessJun–Sep: 3/2mm (or shorty)
Crowds by Season

Summer is crowded with beachgoers and learners; autumn and spring see more dedicated local surfers.

Storm/Rain Season

Late summer and autumn can bring the potential for tropical systems and hurricane swells; winter can feature frequent Nor'easters.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A beach/jetty break that uses the stone jetty to shape sandbars and create consistent peeling surf. Best conditions are typically at low tide with suitable swells; can produce left-handed waves and may offer both directions depending on sandbar setup.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ESE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Low tide is repeatedly cited as the best tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered due to the presence of jetties/jetty structure while still being an exposed beach/jetty setting.
Wind Effect
West or Northwest winds provide clean, offshore conditions; offshore-preferred winds are favored.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out during very large hurricane swells, though the jetty helps maintain a shoulder.
Wave Quality
Average — Described as average to consistent relative to other South Jersey spots.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Ride Length Details
Waves can peel along the jetty when sandbars are well-formed.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) in the full forecast view.

Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–10 ktsGusts 20 kts
Direction
NNE23°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2710 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–1.2 m7s period
Temperature
5–20 °C

Over the next 7 days, Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 20 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

  • Rip currents
  • Stone jetties
  • Strong inlet currents
  • Cold water in winter
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
Emergency Info
Universal emergency number: 911.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism; favored by local surfers with a relaxed vibe.

Rules of the spot

Local beach tags may be required during the summer season for beach access.

Restrictions
  • Surfing restricted to designated areas during lifeguard hours in summer months
Local Tips
  • The spot is often called The Point by locals.
  • Best conditions typically occur at low tide.
  • Be mindful of strong currents near the adjacent Great Egg Harbor Inlet.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Atlantic City
Nearest Town
Longport
Nearest Airport
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) (~15 miles)
Parking
Residential street parking is available but can be very difficult to find during peak summer weekends.
Public Transport
NJ Transit bus routes; access by car via Route 47 and the Garden State Parkway is primary (area is walkable/bike-friendly during peak season).
Access
Public access via 36th Avenue in Longport.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Near — Numerous hotels and vacation rentals are available in neighboring Margate and Ocean City.
Food & Drink
Local cafes and restaurants are located a few blocks away in the Longport and Margate business districts.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available via surf shops in neighboring Margate and Ocean City.
Gear Repair
Repair services available at surf shops in Margate and Ocean City.
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 Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City)?

The best overall months at Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) are August, September. The best wind months are September, October, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City)?

Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) suitable for?

Thirtysixth Street (Ocean City) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.