Wave Comparison?

Question

Can anybody tell me if there's a huge difference between a place like Huntington Beach and the Jersey Shore? I'll be surfing NJ for the first time this summer, mostly LBI I think, after spending my surfing life in OC.

Answer 1

Consistency. There will be almost as many days with decent waves at LBI as there are at Huntington Beach. However, most west coast breaks have waves that break fairly regularly, with about the same period, about the same height, breaking in the same direction. Looking out on a good west coast day, there are lines and lines of waves (not to say that doesn't happen some days here). Most East coast breaks are less consistent, with waves varying more greatly in period and size. Jersey beach breaks will often break either right or left depending on the wind direction, but for some unexplained reason, you'll get a right after four lefts or vice versa. And it seems like more waves close out prematurely in the east.

I have surfed from New York to Florida, and I have noticed a lack of consistency. I've also surfed with some west coast natives, who made the same observations. In my trips out west, I ran into just as many flat days as I do back home, but when a break is on, it's really on.

I have surfed NJ for 42 years, and there are a couple really prime spots that I won't tell you about on-line. However, I have a spot in South Carolina that I have heard some Californians speak really well of. New Jersey is at its best Fall, Winter and Spring. Summer is not the best time to be there, but at least the water is usually warm. If you end up surfing between Atlantic City and Cape may, I might see you in the line up.