For you readers who have never been to the barrier island of The Wildwoods, let me say: The beaches are the largest beaches on the East Coast and the sand is a smooth, fine type of sand. There are five miles of beach open to the public free of charge. At the south end of the island the beaches are closed to public use because of wildlife protection. This entails close to two miles of protected areas which include dunes and saltwater wetlands. The North end of the island is bordered by Hereford Inlet which allows the tidewaters to flow in and out of the island’s back bays. For decades surfers have disfavored the inlet area because of the strong currents, uneven bottom surfaces, and unreliable wave formations. From Seventh Avenue, in North Wildwood to Diamond Beach in Lower Township, there are many good breaks for surfing. Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest is a good surfing beach and the city allows surfing there all day long.
The south end of Wildwood Crest is another fun breaking area. Where the old fishing pier is located on Aster Road has always been a favorite surfing beach. Since the 1960’s and 1970’s these beaches have widened tremendously but the wave breaks are still good. Decent “rights” or “lefts” are still there. In North Wildwood I suggest the beaches at Seventh, Eighth, Twenty-Fifth, and Twenty-Sixth Avenues. Check out the waves at Fifteenth and Sixteenth Avenues as well.
When you wipe out along the Wildwood beaches you hit sand when you hit the bottom. There no rocks or coral to worry about. If you are a surfer from Maine you are well aware of the dangers of rock formations. Hello to those surfers in York, Maine! I have been there and your breaks are favorable. You have a great spot. For those who have surfed above a live or dead coral bottom, you will appreciate our sandy bottom. You might get pounded if the waves are big but you won’t get cut up.
Bill Flynn
2016
Wildwood, N.J.
Author of Surfers’ Love Story
Photographer: Eric Sorensen