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Sandy Hook - Break Data
Surf spot travel photo of Sandy Hook
Description
The northernmost section of the Jersey coast is likely the least-heralded area on the Jersey shore, but it isn't due to any lack of surf or talent. You don't hear much about North Jersey, and that's just the way the locals like it. The Jersey coast is a microcosm of California, with the southern breaks being higher profile, while the northern spots are more remote and less acknowledged. And, there is less tourism altogether in North Jersey. You won't see the vast discrepancies between summer and winter populations. Several areas are protected by state parks, and many residents are environmentally active.

As of the last couple years, Monmouth Beach forms the nucleus of the northernmost Jersey action on any given day. Prior to that, Long Branch was the deal, but a sand replenishment plan moved the sand and the action over to Monmouth. For novelty's sake, the only legitimate pointbreak around is located on New Jersey's northern tip, called Sandy Hook.

The Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook boasts one of the few pointbreaks in New Jersey. Though usually smaller than the other well-known breaks in Monmouth County, The Cove is one of the best breaks in New Jersey. It's a long right point that takes a big south swell, but can occasionally pick up an easterly. It's not unusual to hear about a classic day going down at The Cove when almost every other break around is breaking left.

Brighton Avenue jetty and Beachcombers are hollow waves that break on south swells. Most of the jetties in Long Branch take a south swell best, but the breaks at Seven Presidents Park can also take a north swell. There are a number of parking lots in Sandy Hook, each holding a relatively uncrowded peak just out in front.
-- mike brown 		Best Tide:
low
Best Swell Direction:
SE, E
Best Size:
head-high plus
Best Wind:
W, NW
Perfect-O-Meter:
8 (1=Lake Erie; 10=Jeffreys Bay)
Bottom:
sand and rock
Ability Level:
intermediate to advanced
Bring Your:
shortboard, longboard, surf ski
Best Season:
all
Access:
tough parking
Crowd Factor:
heavy
Local Vibe:
heavy
Bicep Burn:
8 (1=1ft Waikiki; 10=15ft Ocean Beach)
Poo Patrol:
3 (1=clean; 10=turds in the lineup)
Hazards:
There's a gay nude beach in Sandy Hook State Park.
Places To Eat
The Bradley Cafe (732-988-0898) is the call for breakfast. Also, try Steve's (732-747-9598) in Sea Bright or Dispirito's (732-988-6746) deli in Avon. For lunch, the Windmill's (732-229-9863) gourmet fast food in Long Branch shouldn't be missed. Ocean Grove has some really cool juice bars/health food places, as well as diners. The dinner spot is Baja (731531-7080) -- found in Allenhurst. Vic's (732-774-8225) is probably one of the best pizza/Italian places to grind in New Jersey.
Places To Stay
Nobody stays here. You won't find any hotels, so either find a friend or you're out of luck.

Or try
Things To Do
Asbury has one redeemer, other than Bruce Springsteen (Springsteen reference number one), and that is the Casino Skate Park. Also, the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook offers fabulous trails for mountain biking. There are a surprising number of good bars in the Long Branch area, from the Brighton Bar's (732-229-9676) original rock, to Reddy's (732-222-8275) cover bands, to the Tradewinds' bigger names, such as 311, Dave Matthews or The Boss. (Bruce Springsteen reference number two.) The Saint (732-775-9144) in Asbury Park is a small club specializing in independent rock -- a good place to catch a band on the way up.

Unless you are really into religion, there's no nightlife in Ocean Grove. Until the early '90s, you weren't even allowed to drive your car in town on Sundays. Barry's Tavern (732-774-9688) in Bradley Beach has a band called Blue Highways, led by former ESA Menehune's Champ Chris Fahy, that's worth a look. In Avon, the Columns (732-988-3213) is the go, a Victorian-style hotel with a dance floor, a surf video room and another room called Jurassic Park for its older divorcee set.
Surf Shops
Island Style, Sea Bright, 732-842-0909
Spellbinder's, Allenhurst, 732531-7873
Bonker's Board Room, Bradley, 732-775-2232
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