10th Street (Avalon) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you—this is a rough stretch for the Jersey Shore. We’ve got a 16-day window ahead, but don’t expect to be waxing up any time soon. The first surfable recommendation doesn’t kick in until Friday the 18th of September, so you’re looking at a solid nine-day gap with nothing but flat, choppy, or blown-out junk. After that, there’s a tiny flicker of hope, but it’s not pretty.

For the first proper chance, Friday the 18th of September at 10th Street (Avalon)—it’s a beach/jetty setup. The morning is about as ordinary as it gets: swell at 4 ft from the ENE, with a short period of 6 seconds. The combined energy is weak (100). The wind is light cross-off from the W, so it’s clean, but the waves are just surfable, not exciting. It’s a beginner-only option at best, and the break is inconsistent, so don’t hold your breath. The afternoon sees a drop to 3 ft, but the wind swings to offshore from the NNW at 12 mph, which is a bonus for cleanliness. Still, with that short period and weak energy (90), it’s one for the longboard if you’re desperate.

Saturday the 19th of September offers a little more promise. The afternoon sees a bump in swell to 4 ft from the SSW, period 5 seconds, and combined energy climbs to moderate (103). The wind is light cross-off from the N at 6 mph, so it’s clean again. The waves are still ordinary, but it’s the best of a bad bunch. The water temperature is 77°F, which is 6°F warmer than normal—very unusual for this time of year, so at least you’ll be comfortable while you’re sitting there waiting.

Sunday the 20th of September has a similar setup in the morning: 4 ft from the SSW, period 6 seconds, energy at 105 (moderate). The wind is cross-off from the NNW, so it’s clean but not glassy. The afternoon improves slightly with offshore wind from the NW at 9 mph, and the swell drops to 3 ft. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

The real standout, if you can wait, is Thursday the 24th of September. The morning brings 6 ft from the ESE with a period of 7 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 474—strong wave energy. The wind is light cross-off from the WNW at 6 mph, and the conditions are clean. This is the best swell of the whole forecast, but it’s a short period, so it’ll be a bit lumpy. It’s still big enough for intermediate surfers, but beginners should stay out as it’s over 5 ft. The afternoon sees the swell drop to 5 ft, energy at 216 (moderate), and still clean. This is the one day to mark on your calendar.

Overall, the first week is a write-off. The second week has a couple of days that are surfable, but only Thursday the 24th stands out as a true session. Crowds at 10th Street are possible—it’s a known spot, so expect company if the swell shows. The break is inconsistent, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for sets.

Stay patient, boys. The ocean will turn.

Rusty

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