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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Summer is crowded with beachgoers and learners; autumn and spring see more dedicated local surfers.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Rip currents
- Stone jetties
- Strong inlet currents
- Cold water in winter
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.
- Surfing restricted to designated areas during lifeguard hours in summer months
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
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 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.