Surfing Gear Guide
Everything you need to ride the waves at the Jersey Shore. From beginner boards to winter wetsuits, we've got NJ surfers covered year-round.
New Jersey has a vibrant year-round surf scene. From warm summer sessions to hardcore winter surfing, having the right gear makes all the difference. We've curated the best equipment for every season and skill level.
Beginner Surf Setup Comparison
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
WaveStorm
Wavestorm 8ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing, MulticolorForgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
$257.05
Check Current PriceWetsuit (3/2mm)
O'NEILL
O'Neill Men's Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Black/Black, XLSummer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
$142.65
Check Current PriceWetsuit (4/3mm)
O'NEILL
O'Neill Men's Epic 4:3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Durable Warmth with Good Flexibility for Surfing and All Water Activities, Black 2, X-LargeFall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
$244.95
Check Current PriceWetsuit (5/4mm)
O'NEILL
O'Neill Men's Epic 4:3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Durable Warmth with Good Flexibility for Surfing and All Water Activities, Black 2, MediumWinter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
$244.95
Check Current PriceAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Boards, Wetsuits & Accessories
Get ready for NJ waves
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Quality surf gear from trusted brands for all skill levels.
Soft-Top Longboard (8-9ft)
Forgiving, stable, catches small waves. Perfect for beginners.
WaveStorm
Wavestorm 8ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing, Multicolor
WaveStorm
WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and All Surfing Levels Complete Board Set Including Accessories Leash and Fins,Burst,8 Feet x 22.5 Inch x 3.25 Inch
Wetsuit (3/2mm)
Summer suit for June-September. 3mm body, 2mm arms.
Wetsuit (4/3mm)
Fall suit for October-November and late spring. 4mm body, 3mm arms.
O'NEILL
O'Neill Men's Epic 4:3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Durable Warmth with Good Flexibility for Surfing and All Water Activities, Black 2, X-Large
O'NEILL
O'Neill Men's Epic 4:3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit, Durable Warmth with Good Flexibility for Surfing and All Water Activities, Black 2, Large Short
Wetsuit (5/4mm)
Winter suit for December-March. 5mm body, 4mm arms for cold NJ water.
Surf Booties
Keep feet warm in cold water. 5mm-7mm for winter surfing.
Surf Gloves
Essential for winter surfing. 3mm-5mm keeps hands functional.
XUKER
XUKER Water Gloves, 3mm & 5mm Neoprene Five Finger Warm Wetsuit Winter Gloves for Scuba Diving Snorkeling Paddling Surfing Kayaking Canoeing Spearfishing Skiing (5mm-Black, L)
XUKER
XUKER Water Gloves, 3mm & 5mm Neoprene Five Finger Warm Wetsuit Winter Gloves for Scuba Diving Snorkeling Paddling Surfing Kayaking Canoeing Spearfishing Skiing (5mm-Black, S)
Surf Hood
Keep your head warm in winter. Works with non-hooded wetsuits.
Surf Leash
Matches your board length. Don't cheap out - safety first.
Rash Guard
Sun protection and prevents board rash.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
NJ Wetsuit Guide by Season
Water temperatures in New Jersey range from 38°F in February to 75°F in August. Here's what you need for each season:
Summer
Jun-Aug: 65-75°F
- Boardshorts/bikini
- Optional rash guard
- 2mm springsuit (early June)
Fall
Sep-Nov: 50-68°F
- 3/2mm fullsuit (Sept)
- 4/3mm fullsuit (Oct-Nov)
- Booties optional late season
Winter
Dec-Feb: 38-50°F
- 5/4mm+ hooded suit
- 5-7mm booties
- 3-5mm gloves
- Hood if suit isn't hooded
Spring
Mar-May: 42-58°F
- 5/4mm suit (March)
- 4/3mm suit (April)
- 3/2mm suit (May)
- Booties through April
Tips for New Surfers
Start with Lessons
A few lessons will accelerate your learning and teach proper ocean safety. Most NJ surf schools provide all equipment.
Rent Before Buying
Try different board sizes at rental shops before investing. You'll likely progress through 2-3 board sizes as you improve.
Soft-Top First
Foam boards are forgiving and won't hurt when you fall. An 8-9ft soft-top is perfect for learning.
Surf Small Waves
1-3 foot waves are ideal for beginners. Don't rush to bigger surf - build your skills on small, clean days.
Surf Reports & Gear Deals
Weekly swell forecasts, surf conditions, and exclusive gear discounts.
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Surfing Gear FAQs
What size surfboard should a beginner get?▼
Beginners should start with a soft-top longboard, 8-9 feet long. The extra length and foam construction provide stability and forgiveness while learning. You can progress to shorter boards (7-8ft funboards, then shortboards) as your skills improve.
What wetsuit thickness do I need for New Jersey?▼
Summer (June-August): boardshorts or 2mm springsuit. Fall (September-November): 3/2mm to 4/3mm fullsuit. Winter (December-February): 5/4mm hooded suit with booties, gloves, and hood. Spring (March-May): 4/3mm transitioning to 3/2mm.
Should I buy or rent a surfboard as a beginner?▼
Rent first! Most surf schools offer affordable hourly rentals. After 5-10 sessions, you'll know if you're committed. Then buy a quality used soft-top or beginner board. End-of-season sales in September offer great deals.
What accessories do I need for surfing?▼
Essential accessories include: a leash (same length as your board), surf wax for your region's water temp, a rash guard for sun protection, and a board bag for storage. Winter surfers need booties, gloves, and a hood.
Where are the best surf spots for beginners in NJ?▼
Beginner-friendly spots include Long Branch (7th Ave), Belmar (various avenues), Ocean City, and Wildwood. Look for small, gentle waves (1-3ft), sandy bottom, and avoid crowded lineups. Summer is best for learning with warmer water.
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