I tend to believe that you can tell a lot about a community and the people who live there by the local shops; music, coffee, books and of course the local surf shops. Don’t get me wrong, I also love local brew pubs and local BBQ spots, but I am a big believer in all things local…
East Coast Surf Company (ec surf co) was founded by my son and myself to do the following – support Surf Activism, share Surf news and create Surf Lifestyle products. Along the way we also decided to try to promote the amazing surf shops on the East Coast the best we could.
This “Destinations Surf Blog” is meant to bring attention to the surf culture (s) up and down the eastern seaboard of the US. Our goal is to share and promote all things East Coast Surfing.
Some favorite New Jersey Surf Shops:
Beach House Classic Boardshop - Bay Head
When The Beach House Classic Boardshop was founded in 1996 by Eric and Sandi Beyer, the surf shop made its mark as New Jersey’s original rebirth-era longboard shop. Since the opening of the shop, Eric and Sandi have set out to create a space that would pay tribute to the history and culture of surfing while selling top-of-the-line products and providing a haven for like-minded surfing enthusiasts.
https://beach-house-classic.shoplightspeed.com/
Eastern Lines Surf Shop – Belmar
In February 1981 Don Tarrant opened a small surf shop known as Zodiac Surf & Skate. The Shop was in the Acme shopping center in the heart of Belmar. Zodiac grew modestly in inventory as well as popularity within the next few years. After an extended stint in Hawaii, he returned to the east coast and opened Eastern Lines Surf Shop on Main Street in Belmar in October 1986. Again, He spent the next few years growing as a staple in the New Jersey surf scene, aided by the longtime business relationships with O’Neill and Billabong
https://easternlines.com/
Farias Surf & Sport – Long Beach Island
Venture down to Long Beach Island, and you'll find Farias Surf & Sport, a family-owned (since 1969) surf shop with a legacy that spans generations. A Long Beach Island institution with six stores in Surf City, Ship Bottom and Beach Haven, what sets Farias apart is its deep-rooted connection to the surfing community and its commitment to providing top-tier equipment. From surfboards to beach essentials, Farias Surf & Sport has everything you need for a perfect day on the East Coast waves. The shop's welcoming atmosphere and genuine passion for surfing make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
https://www.fariassurf.com/
Heritage Surf & Sport
Founded in 1962 by East Coast Hall of Fame recipient and renowned surfboard shaper Dan Heritage and his wife Barbara. The shop’s birthplace was in Sea Isle City New Jersey, where it still serves the surf community today. You can also find Heritage surf shops in Ocean City and Margate NJ.
Heritage Surf and Sport’s mission is to provide all its customers with the largest variety of premiere surf and skate products on the market today. It was founded with an unparalleled passion to provide quality products, experiences and lifestyle to the growing surf and skate community.
Matador Surf Shop
With over 60 years of experience in selling boards, Matador Surf Shop is your ultimate destination. Formerly known as Brighton Beach Surf Shop, they have now expanded to a bigger location offering top-quality products at affordable prices. Their focus is on timeless brands and supporting local companies with an East Coast influence. They aim to provide the perfect gear without straining your wallet. From trading boards to custom builds by Matador, their extensive inventory includes new, used, and vintage shapes. Repairs and accessories all year round, including wetsuit gear.
- https://www.matador.surf/brighton-beach-surf-shop
Ocean Hut Surf Shop – Lavalette
Established in 1975, this shop has been around for 4 plus decades. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, its characteristic 125-surfboard stock and staff of experienced surfers with passion for New Jersey’s surfing community rank among its distinguishing factors.
https://oceanhut.com/
Surf Spots:
Inlet Beach, Manasquan
One of the best-known surf breaks on the east coast, Manasquan Inlet breaks any time there’s a swell in the Atlantic. The large man-made jetty collects ocean swell into a powerful right wedge ranging from 2 feet to 20 feet. It’s one of the most crowded waves on the east coast as well since the reliable rip current next to the jetty allows surfers of all levels to drift out to the peak. But don't let the easy paddle out fool you. It can be dangerous for beginners, who are already battling the crowds to catch a wave.
16th Ave, Belmar
This stretch of beach produces the big, hollow barrels that expert surfers dream about. The beach breaks on all swells and tides so that you can score year-round. But be aware that in the summer, Belmar is one of the most popular vacation towns on the Jersey Shore. The crowd thins out in the off-season and leaves only the top surfers who travel from around the region to surf this consistently barreling wave.
Nuns Beach, Stone Harbor
Nuns Beach is the rare sandbar in New Jersey that is best during the summer. As it mainly picks up small south swells, it can produce waves on most summer days. It works just as well with groundswell as with windswell, so this is a consistently breaking wave. Be mindful of strong rip currents and rocks.
Broadway Beach, Cape May
Broadway Beach is in the popular vacation town of Cape May. It’s a beach break that picks up most swells. Even though it can get good in the summer, the beach is closed to surfing since it’s such a popular destination for beachgoers and swimmers. This town gets packed, and Broadway is at the center of it. So better to wait for the colder months. You’ll be in good company as there will be a lot of good surfers here on an epic day!
Gear up at these fantastic surf shops, explore the vibrant surf culture of New Jersey, and share your East Coast surf adventures using #EastCoastSurfDestinations. #EastCoastSurfCo #Destinations
PHOTO CREDIT: Robby Fuggi @ribbitfuggi