Add some adventure to your day at the shore with one of these outdoor water activities – some are thrilling, some are relaxing and some are just plain fun!
Kayaking
Cape May County offers multiple ways you can experience kayaking. Whether you’re touring the natural beauty of the coast, fishing for dinner or simply looking for a fun way to exercise, kayaking provides an exciting experience on the waters of the Jersey Shore. In Cape May, kayaking is permitted past the bathing zone, with launch areas east of Poverty Beach and west of The Cove stand. In Ocean City, you can use kayaks at the 9th Street Causeway, Bayside Center (520 Bay Ave.), the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp, Corson’s Inlet State Park, and beaches at Third, 29th, 41st and 57th streets, and Seaspray and Morningside roads. In Sea Isle City, there are specific beaches for kayaking, which are located at 30th, 35th, 58th, and 79th streets.
Surfing
Surfing has been a staple of coastal areas for centuries, dating back to early Polynesian cultures. Stand-up surfing is the most common form, where the rider is either on a short-board or long-board. Although it’s not as easy as many surfers make it look, there are tons of places in Cape May County that offer lessons so you can master surfing skills. Some municipalities in Cape May County have designated surf beaches:
In Avalon, Surfing is permitted at the 30th Street beach and either side of the 12th Street stand, and 63rd street, but not near the bathers. In Cape May, surfing is permitted at Poverty Beach (Wilmington Avenue), The Cove, Surfing Beach (Gurney Street) and South Queen (Queen Street). In Ocean City, guarded surfing beaches are located at 7th Street, 16th Street, and Waverly Boulevard. In Sea Isle City, surfing is permitted at 26th, 37th, 42nd, 48th, 53rd, 63rd, 74th and 82nd Street beaches. In Stone Harbor, surfing is permitted at 81st and 110th Street beaches. In Wildwood Crest, Surfing is permitted at Rambler Road beach. In North Wildwood, surfing is permitted at 2nd Street beach. In Wildwood, surfing is permitted at Andrews Avenue beach.
Sailing
Feel the wind on your skin as you catch the breeze and sail down the coast. Sailing is an exciting water adventure the entire family can enjoy. Sit back and relax in the sun, or take a turn feeling the thrill at the wheel! Sailing benefits include muscle strength and endurance, increased agility, improved concentration and a sense of calmness. Many local yacht clubs offer sailing programs to those of any age so everyone can be a sailor! In Sea Isle City, you can launch sailboats between 20th and 22nd Street beaches. In Ocean City, you can launch sailboats at the 9th Street Causeway, Bayside Center (520 Bay Ave.), the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp, Corson’s Inlet State Park, and beaches at 23rd, 29th, 42nd, and 59th streets, and Seaspray and Morningside roads.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
A popular sport now sweeping the beaches, stand up paddleboarding is both a sport and a leisure activity. True to its name, stand up paddleboards are similar to lighter surfboards that you stand on and maneuver with a paddle. While exploring and riding the waves, you also get a complete body workout that helps improve balance and core strength. In Sea Isle City, you can use SUP at 26th, 30th, 35th, 37th, 42nd, 48th, 53rd, 58th, 63rd, 74th, 79th and 82nd Street beaches. In Ocean City, you can use stand up paddleboards at the 9th Street Causeway, Bayside Center (520 Bay Ave.), the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp, Corson’s Inlet State Park, and beaches at Third, 29th, 41st and 57th streets, and Seaspray and Morningside roads.
For more information, check with each municipality!