Barnegat Light, NJ Surf Report

Today: Wave heights are expected to be in the 1.1-1.5ft range, a notable discrepancy from the 2.3ft reported by Buoy 44091, which is also indicating a dominant period of 9 seconds from the SE. This suggests the potential for larger, more organized sets than indicated by the forecast models. Winds will shift from W to E. The early W winds would typically offer clean faces, especially with the SE swell focusing into the inlet and jetty structure. However, the shift to an E wind will create some chop and texture on the wave face, despite the deeper water near the north end. The mid-to-high tide will provide enough water over the inside bars for rideable sections, but the onshore E wind will detract from overall wave quality, resulting in less structured peaks.

Tomorrow: Expect consistent surf with wave heights building into the 1.6-2.2ft range. Buoy 44091's 2.3ft at 9 seconds from the SE aligns well with this increase, suggesting a continued potential for better-than-forecasted sets. Steady N winds will be a significant factor. While not ideal for grooming a SE swell, a N wind can provide some side-shore push against the south side of the jetty, potentially creating some peaky rights. The strong currents around the inlet will remain a factor, and the waves may be more crumbly than peeling due to the less-than-ideal wind direction relative to the swell.

Saturday: Wave heights will settle into the 1.4-1.7ft range. Winds will shift from E to SE, making for directly onshore conditions. This will lead to further degradation of wave quality, creating textured and disorganized wave faces. The inlet and jetty may still manage to focus some of the SE swell, but the strong onshore flow will result in soft, short-period waves that lack power and shape. Even with a mid-to-high tide providing sufficient water depth, the dominant onshore wind will make for challenging bodyboarding conditions.

Sunday: Consistent surf is expected with wave heights in the 1.3-1.5ft range. Winds will shift from NW to SW, offering a much more favorable offshore component. This is a significant improvement, as the offshore winds will clean up the wave faces and potentially groom the residual SE swell into more defined peaks, particularly near the inlet and jetty. While the swell size will be on the smaller side, the clean conditions could allow for some playful, peeling sections, especially on the mid-to-high tide when the structured peaks near the inlet are most active. The NW component will be particularly beneficial, holding up the wave face and allowing for more critical sections.