Surfing New Jersey During Hurricane Fiona on 09-23-2022

The Jersey Shore is no stranger to powerful swells, but when Hurricane Fiona made its way up the East Coast, it sent some of the biggest waves the area has seen in years. With faces ranging from 7-12 feet, the surf was a sight to behold, drawing in a handful of surfers and bodyboarders eager to test their skills in the pounding surf.

As the swell rapidly grew in size, many of the beach breaks were overwhelmed, leaving only a few spots with rideable waves. It was at one of these spots that a small group of experienced surfers and bodyboarders gathered to take on the challenge of the close period swell.

Paddling out into the churning sea, the surfers and bodyboarders knew they were in for a tough session. The powerful waves were breaking with immense force, sending walls of water crashing down on them with each set. But these surfers were undaunted, relying on their skill and experience to navigate the treacherous conditions.

For those watching from the shore, it was a thrilling sight. The first challenge and spectacle was watching everyone try to make it through the pounding shore break. Then they had to navigate through the short period of the big sets which seemed to be non-stop. Finally riders needed to pick that diamond in the rough lined up wave they would be able to ride down the line.

Despite the challenging conditions, the surfers and bodyboarders emerged from the water with big smiles on their faces. They had faced the full force of Hurricane Fiona and come out on top, pushing themselves to their limits and experiencing the pure joy of riding some of the biggest waves the Jersey Shore has seen in years.

In the end, it was a reminder that even in the face of nature’s awesome power, human determination and skill can triumph. For these surfers and bodyboarders, it was a day they would never forget, a day when they had tested themselves against some of the most challenging conditions the ocean could throw at them and emerged victorious.