How to Surf at Song Beach Resort in Wildwood, New Jersey

Located in Cape May County, Wildwood is one the farthest-south beaches on the New Jersey shore. A popular summer destination for surfers all over the East Coast, crowds can get a little hectic, while in the winter months the beaches become deserted. According to the New Jersey Shore website, the population of Wildwood in the winter months is 5,400, rocketing up to a quarter of a million residents during the summer. The Surf Song Beach Resort is located at 18th and Ocean avenues and offers a fun beach break right out front.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use a surf report website to check the surf report prior to your trip. The surf report will give you a detailed description of the surf conditions and water temperature.

    • 2

      Select the right equipment to surf in Wildwood. The water temperature and surf conditions vary greatly depending on the season, so plan accordingly. In the spring and summer months, you can surf in board shorts or a spring suit. In the fall, you will need a full suit, while during the winter months you will need a full wetsuit, hood, booties and gloves (known as a full survival kit). Year-round, a standard short board is fine for surfing the Jersey Shore.

    • 3

      Observe the surf conditions before entering the water. The bottom is sandy, known as a beach break, so there are no bottom hazards. However, beach breaks tend to have stronger rip currents. Observe where the rip currents are, as well as where other surfers are catching waves and paddling out.

    • 4

      Be respectful toward other surfers. Share waves with others and do not get in the way of surfers, especially locals who surf here on a regular basis. When paddling back out after catching a wave, be aware of others and stay on the shoulder of the wave to avoid collisions.