Skeleton Hill Island / New Jersey / United States

This island sits on the bay side of Sandy Hook, and as a result is sheltered from the bigger winds and weather that the ocean side sometimes catches. This make it a fairly consistent spot for kiters and windsurfers, and it’s good for beginners especially as the conditions are fairly predictable.

The beach is sandy and runs right the way round the island, so there should be plenty of room to manoeuvre.

There’s a good season here, with decent winds blowing from March right through to December, although they drop off a little over summer when the weather in the area is at its quietest and most stable. The best directions for wind are when it comes from the north, south or southwest, and you will get speeds in the region of 15 – 25 knots. Westerly winds are the worst as they cause turbulence from the cliffs on the west of the bay, and should be avoided. Generally speaking, the winds don’t gust much here and the water is shallow with a flat surface, only reaching a small chop on occasion. It is independent of tide movement and the water is unpolluted, though it looks cloudy due to the sand and sediment in it.

There is really nothing here, the island is unconnected to the main part of Sandy Hook. You’ll need to get the ferry to Sandy Hook or park on the island, then get yourself across to Plum.

The current can be strong in the main channel, and you also want to keep out of the way of any boats that might be using it too. Sometimes you’ll get bystanders on the beach so you’ll need to keep your distance from them too.