Sands Beach / New Jersey / United States

A surfers beach suitable for all experience levels, this is a nice little spot although the waves can give you a pounding when they get to their maximum height.

The beach is private so you can only get in with a pass in the summer months, though the rest of the year access is allowed. You are looking at temperatures ranging from the mid to high twenties in the height of summer to well below freezing from January to March, so choose your kit accordingly.

A good wind direction at this spot comes from the northwest, south or southwest. The swell is best from the north, south, southeast, east or northeast and it will start working at about 1m before building up to over 2.5m. It works at low and mid tide positions, and on both rising and falling tides. It is a beach break, both left and right, and the waves are fast and ledgey with enough power to make them interesting for those with experience and challenging for beginners. During the week there will only be a handful of surfers out, but at weekends the place can get pretty crowded.

Parking is available at McCloones nearby, or if you are member you can park at the beach club and use its facilities. For anything else you’ll have to go into town, but that’s not far. Unlike the main public beach, there is no lifeguard on duty here either.

There are a couple of things to be wary of here, such as submerged rocks close to the shore and polluted water. It’s generally fun, but don’t drop in on the locals.