Surfing Cape May: A Wild Winter Experience

Rear view of carefree surfers running into sea with surfboards at sunset

Traveling to Cape May, New Jersey, during the winter can be a wonderful vacation and adventure. You can experience the town’s off-season charms and explore the different stores, restaurants, and culture of the area. One wintertime activity that might sound uncommon is surfing. While mainly a summertime hobby, surfing Cape May in the winter can actually provide a quality, exciting surfing experience.

When looking for a place to stay, Ocean Club Hotel can provide luxurious, comfortable accommodations for those visiting the area. Here, we talk about wintertime surfing in Cape May, the best surfing beaches in the area, and how to prepare for your trip.

Surfing Cape May in the Winter

When people think of surfing, they usually picture hot weather, warm water, and high waves. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that surfing only takes place in the summer. In reality, wintertime can be one of the best times of the year for unmatched surfing experiences. That is especially true at Cape May surfing beaches.

While visitors are free to surf all year, winter can be an ideal time. The waves are typically more consistent during this season compared to the summer months. That provides the best surfing conditions to relax, ride the waves, and enjoy your time in Cape May. Cooler weather shouldn’t keep you from trying new things or exploring your favorite hobbies, like surfing. Visiting Cape May during the winter can provide exciting experiences, great laughs, and wonderful memories.

Best Cape May Beaches for Surfing

Cape May has a variety of beaches suitable for surfing, even during the winter. Visitors can explore the following:

Broadway Beach

Broadway Beach is arguably one of the most popular destinations for experienced surfers in Cape May. The beach has lots of wave variety, ranging from small waves to large ones. During the winter, surfers are free to surf during the day. It is also an ideal spot for bodyboarding.

The Cove

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just starting to learn, the Cove has many options in terms of wave size. When the waves are low, beginners will enjoy an easy, carefree ride. Alternately, high waves can be great for seasoned surfers. The Cove is also a popular area for longboarding.

Queen Street

Queen Street is another great location for surfing in the winter. While initial takeoff can be rocky, experienced surfers can still have an exciting surfing excursion once they get going. Visiting Queen Street during the winter can be ideal, as summertime usually draws in large crowds, as well as many surfers and longboarders.

Poverty Beach

When conditions are ideal, Poverty Beach can be the ultimate surfing haven. A ten-minute drive from Ocean Club Hotel, this can make a great spontaneous stop during your trip.

Preparing For Your Cape May Surfing Trip

Wintertime brings cold weather and frosty air, and that’s no different in Cape May. While the area is warmer during winter than other areas of the U.S., with an average temperature of around 50 degrees, visitors must still prepare for their surfing trip. Travelers should be sure to pack special gear and clothing so they can be comfortable during their surfing excursion. You can prepare for surfing in Cape May by bringing the following:

  • Thick, full-coverage wetsuit
  • Hat
  • Wool socks
  • Warm jacket
  • Raincoat
  • Sensible footwear

Plan Your Cape May Vacation with Ocean Club Hotel

Travelers looking to visit Cape May during the winter can stay at the luxurious Ocean Club Hotel. Located conveniently near beaches, shops, and restaurants, visitors can find plenty of things to do in Cape May. After a long day of surfing, guests can experience fine dining without the fuss at our SeaSalt Restaurant. To learn more about surfing Cape May and the accommodations we offer, contact us today.