Overview
Sumner Avenue is a designated surfing beach in Strathmere that breaks over sand and peels both left and right. It sits as the first break south of Corson Inlet, which is being allowed to fill in and return to its natural state. This is a great longboard wave, and the water stays clean with no pollution problems.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with northeast the best match. It picks up more south swell than the rest of Sea Isle, and the inlet channel pulls swell in to keep it very consistent. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. At low it goes weak and sits way outside, but from mid to high it focuses in on the jetty.
Wind and Tide
Look for west offshore wind. It will break on all tides but doesn't like dead low, so a rising tide is generally the better call as the wave tightens up on the jetty toward high.
Local Tips
This is a beginner-friendly wave and a real treat on a longboard. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on.
Access
There's a lifeguard on the beach, with free roadside parking nearby.
