Manasquan Inlet, New Jersey

Manasquan Inlet - At the end of 1st Ave where road meets water. Here is will you find one of the greatest breaks in New Jersey. A long rock Jetty extends out into the middle of the ocean. On one side a deep dark intense inlet. The other a groomed sandbar hammering out bowl after bowl. The wave pulls alongside the Jetty and wedges up at the last minute. Steep, fast drops throttle you into the bowl and pound you into the sandbar or spit you out in excitement.

“If I wanted waves to myself I wouldn’t surf at the inlet.” – Unknown Surfer

Things to remember:
Paddle out right next to the jetty the current takes you right out. It seems like you are going to get washed up on the rocks but you don’t – most of the time. Unless it is really big the waves don’t break here. Avoid paddling out through the center it’s dangerous and tiring.

This is NOT a secret spot. It is crowded and gets everything from Pro’s to beginners. The summer of ’09 brought people like Andy Irons and Pete Mendia to the inlet. It also attracts local pro’s like Sam Hammer and Mike Gleason.

Summer time breeds localism and crowds. Getting dropped in on is a standard practice during the summertime…it still doesn’t make dropping in right. Think Waikiki when you think of the inlet at height of the summer.

There are a few surfable peaks between the two Jetties. Even if you don’t want to fight for a wave at the main peak you can always paddle down.

Eat Drink and Be Merry:

Carlson’s Corner: right next to the inlet provides simple beach food – not cheap
Riverside Café: right next to the inlet more of a variety of food but again not cheap
1st Ave Pizza: only open during the summer months – decent pizza
Leggets: fun at night, good bar food, and outdoor seating during the day
O’Neils: bar/restaurant decent food and can be fun on the right night
E. Main Trattoria: delicious crazy combination pizza and other Italian food.
Osprey: Bar/night club $10 cover party with the Guido’s or listen to live music…choose your room
Brielle Bagel: Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese Salt Pepper Ketchup on a Super Cinnamon Bagel – good place for your morning bagel desire.

Surf Shops: Inlet Outlet is right in downtown Manasquan – www.inletoutlet.com (732) 223 - 5842

Sleep: Local Bed and Breakfasts & Small nameless hotels

Best Tide: Low
Best Swell Direction: S, SE, E
Best Wind: W, SW, WSW
Best Size: Knee – Double Overhead
Best Time of Year: Late Summer through the Fall
Bottom: Sand
Ability Level: Any being taught how to surf – Pro’s
Bring Your: Shortboard, longboard, fish, SUP, or a wooden door

Crowd: Insane
Access: Easy – daily beach pass required from Memorial Day to Labor Day