Manasquan Inlet Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about Manasquan Inlet.

Looking at the whole 16-day window, it’s a tough stretch. We’ve got a long, quiet start with barely anything to get excited about. The first real chance of a surfable wave doesn’t show up until Monday morning the 17th, and even then it’s pretty ordinary.

Monday 17th kicks things off with some small, weak SSE swell at around 3 ft and a short 6-second period. The combined swell energy is only 66 – just barely enough for a wave. The morning has a light WNW cross-off breeze keeping it clean, then Monday afternoon goes glassy with NE wind at 0 mph. The swell drops to 3 ft. It’s surfable, but only just, and it’s a struggle for any real power. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

From Tuesday 18th right through to Monday 24th, it’s pretty much a write-off. We get a mix of tiny swell, poor wind directions, and periods that are either too short or too long for this beach/jetty setup. There’s a stretch of several days with no real recommendations – just small, messy slop or glassy but gutless conditions. You’re better off doing something else.

Tuesday 25th sees a little bump in swell height to 4-4 ft from the south, but with a horrible 5-second period and onshore wind, it’s a messy, choppy affair. The energy picks up a bit (103 on the 25th afternoon), but the quality is just not there.

The only true standout in this whole period is Saturday 29th morning. We get a 3 ft SE swell with a 12-second period – that’s long-period groundswell, which means better shape and more energy. The combined swell energy hits 577, which is moderate to strong, suggesting some real punch. The NNE wind is cross at 15 mph, so it’s not perfect, but it’s surfable for an advanced crew. Keep in mind that long-period SE swell at a beach/jetty like Manasquan Inlet can break a bit straight and be tricky, so it’s not a day for beginners. The crowds here are often a factor, so expect company.

After that, Sunday 30th morning offers a small, clean 3 ft wave from the ESE with light cross-off wind, but the energy drops off quickly. The rest of the second week – Monday 31st and into September – is mostly small, weak, and not worth paddling out for.

So overall, if you’re an experienced local, Saturday 29th morning is your best bet. It’s not a classic day, but it’s the only one that has some real power and potential in this flat, quiet stretch.

Rusty.

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