Surfing
Surfing
10 top surf shops in New Jersey
Read on for a list of the top surf shops in New Jersey — and how to make the most of each when you visit.
With its 130 miles of beaches and abundant, warm waves, New Jersey is a great surfing destination in the East Coast. At any time of year, you’re bound to see surfers — both locals and visitors — taking advantage of the Jersey Shore’s iconic surf breaks. Plus, with such a diversity of surf spots including Margate City, where Red Bull Foam Wreckers happened, you’ll have plenty of motivation to come back for more.
Red Bull Foam Wreckers 2023 in Margate City, New Jersey
© Ryan Simalchik / Red Bull Content Pool
For beginners hungry for more knowledge and experienced wave-riders looking to grow further, surf shops play a central role in surfing culture. Keep reading for a list of the top surf shops in New Jersey — and how to make the most of each when you visit.
01
Heritage Surf & Sport, multiple locations
With locations in Margate, Ocean City, and Sea Isle City, Heritage Surf & Sport covers plenty of ground in southern New Jersey. This small-but-mighty chain of surf shops specializes in apparel for surfers, surf enthusiasts, and everyday beach-goers alike. For New Jersey surfers, Heritage offers especially notable perks, from a surfing forecast to groups, camps, and lessons. Whether you’re looking to flex your surfing skills or your style during your next beach trip, Heritage might have something for you.
02
Ocean Hut Surf Shop, Lavalette
Ocean Hut Surf Shop is 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. If you’re new to the area, many out-of-state customers report that shopping at Ocean Hut is also a learning one. “You can feel the local history and years of knowledge just by walking through the store,” says one review.
03
Brave New World, multiple locations
This shop, with locations in Point Pleasant Beach, Toms River, and Little Silver, specializes in all things outdoor sports, including surfing, skating, skiing, and snowboarding. That said, it’s no secret that Brave New World prioritizes surfing gear. Seasoned N.J. surfers will benefit from the shop’s robust collection of manufacturers, from Bulkley to Torq. All the while, beginners can learn from the shop’s line of surf experts, watch instructional videos, or rent a board for their next ocean adventure.
04
7th Street Surf Shop, Ocean City
Red Bull Foam Wreckers 2022 in Ocean City, New Jersey
© Pat Nolan / Red Bull Content Pool
This surf shop isn’t simply a place to buy a board. Instead, 7th Street Surf Shop specializes in introducing N.J. locals and visitors of all ages to the world of surfing. Its prime location by the ocean makes it easy to swing by and buy some beach gear, rent a board, and start surfing on the right foot. With surf camps, private lessons, and group classes available for all ages, 7th street is a great fit for beginner surfers looking to become pros.
05
Farias Surf & Sport, Ship Bottom
While this top surf shop in N.J. opened its doors, there are also locations in Surf City and Beach Haven. This shop, with five locations total, caters to surfers at all experience levels, including kids, who can find their own dedicated shop in Ship Bottom.
Whether you’re thinking short-term or long-term, Farias Surf & Sport has you covered with hourly, daily, and weekly board rentals. Plus, for the full N.J. beach experience, Farias sells beach chairs, bicycles, and watersport equipment too.
06
Inlet Outlet Surf Shop, Manasquan
For surfers who love Manasquan’s Inlet Beach, the Inlet Outlet Surf Shop, located just a few blocks west, is a special favorite. Now in its 50th year of operation, this iconic surf shop is one of the best places to check out classic surf gear.
If you’re a new surfer, don’t be intimidated by the high volumes of Inlet Outlet regulars and returners. As one review says, “[T]hey have at least one or 2 experienced surfers in the shop. It's a really great help to us grommets!”
07
Eastern Lines Surf Shop, Belmar
Whether you’re planning a Jersey surf trip or you’re already there and ready to catch some waves, you’ll be impressed with Eastern Lines. Open since 1981, Eastern Lines offers more than 100 surfboards alongside a variety of wetsuits and fins. This makes the shop a great choice for the experienced surfer upgrading their gear or the new surfer first diving into the waters. Plus, if you’re looking to travel through New Jersey by other means, Eastern Lines carries plenty of skate gear.
08
Beach House Classic Boardshop, Bay Head
Located right on the coast, Beach House Classic Boardshop boasts a friendly, welcoming environment for surfers of all experience levels. This family-owned, family-operated shop puts surfboards at the forefront of the shopping experience. Each board in Beach House’s collection is completely handmade and from the United States. Some of them date back to the 1960s and 70s, often known as the golden age of surfing. The result is a shop that feels, as its name emphasizes, entirely classic.
09
Brighton Beach Surf Shop, Brighton Beach
With boards from all decades and in all conditions, Brighton Beach Surf Shop has something for everyone. This shop distinguishes itself with its ever-changing collection of vintage boards for sale, as well as used boards for the thrifty surfer. Surfers can also enjoy lessons from the shop’s staff.
Red Bull Foam Wreckers 2022 on Long Beach Island, New Jersey
© Ryan Simalchik / Red Bull Content Pool
If you don’t yet own surf gear, the shop rents boards, wetsuits, and — when you’re ready for a break — umbrellas and chairs. While Brighton Beach Surf Shop only has one location in Long Beach, its gear is available online for international shipping.
10
Glide Surf Co., Asbury Park
In the south of this iconic Jersey Shore town lies Glide Surf Co., a surf shop with its own factory. Glide’s careful craftsmanship means that this shop might be the right destination for an experienced surfer looking for some eye candy. If you’re not yet ready to invest in a board, the shop also offers other surf gear, such as wetsuits.
While Glide’s boards are memorable, so too, one review says, is the shop’s service. “The owners are super nice, really engaging and totally into everything they carry. … Definitely our kind of spot.”
Stock up for your next N.J. surf
Whether you’re familiar with surf culture or curious to learn more, there are few better places to experience it than a New Jersey surf shop. So, the next time you’re in New Jersey, be sure to check out one of the Garden State’s top surf shops. There’s a good chance you’ll walk out with some new gear — and a new appreciation of the N.J. surf scene.
