Good shallow flat water condition. Watch for tidal currents in the channel that can separate you from your board forever. Stay away from the boat traffic as well.
The beach has an ok size on low tide, but during high tide it can get small. Next to the beach you have rocks, then a road and power lines. So be careful when launching and landing. Beginners should launch and land kites in the water.
Winter is very cold. Wetsuit needed in spring and autumn. Summer can be without. Bayside: winter temperatures usually about 38°F, summer 75°F. Ocean: winter temperatures usually 38-45°F, summer 68-72°F.
- March - April - May - September - October - November - December
Wind Type:
- Thermal Winds - Frontal Winds
Best Direction:
- N - S - SSW
Main Direction:
- NW
Best wind is from the North. Easterly wind is onshore on ocean side and offshore on bay side. Westerly is the opposite. Avoid westerly wind if on bayside because of the turbulence from the cliff on the western side of the bay. Bay is considered very good for beginners with South, North, Northwest wind. Best wind is in spring and fall. SW wind is not good, since it gets blocked by hills. Avoid this beach on West or East winds as these are either directly onshore or offshore. Thermal winds usually in the summer coming from the WNW. Still not too gusty though.
From New York City, take New Jersey Turnpike south to Garden State Parkway (exit 11). Take GS Parkway south to exit 117. Take Route 36 east for ten miles. Cross bridge and stay on right lane for Sandy Hook. Ferry service from Manhattan to Highlands, NJ, is another option, then take cab to Sandy Hook. Car trip is 1 hr and ten minutes from Holland Tunnel, Jersey side. Summer charge of $10 per vehicle. Park at South Beach Area B and walk to the launch across the street.
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