Dawn patrol surfing in Long Branch

Long Branch, New Jersey

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Long Branch means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 2 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

5:42 AM
First Light: 5:12 AM

Day length: 14h 23m

+2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

5:42 AM

First light: 5:12 AM

Sunset

8:05 PM

Last light: 8:35 PM

Data from Long Branch Beach· Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

5:42 AM

Sunset

8:05 PM

Day Length

14h 23m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

5:41 AM

Sunset

8:05 PM

Day Length

14h 25m

Sun, May 17

Sunrise

5:40 AM

Sunset

8:06 PM

Day Length

14h 26m

Mon, May 18

Sunrise

5:39 AM

Sunset

8:07 PM

Day Length

14h 28m

Tue, May 19

Sunrise

5:38 AM

Sunset

8:08 PM

Day Length

14h 30m

Best dawn patrol spots in Long Branch

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Featured Beaches(2)

Long Branch Beach

Intermediate

Long Branch features a wide sand beach backed by a bustling promenade and restaurants. Its sandbars produce mellow peaks for lower‑intermediate surfers, but strong rip currents and occasional jellyfish and stingrays mean caution is needed.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park

Beginner friendly

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is named for seven presidents who vacationed in Long Branch. Sandy beach break with gentle, sloping bottom.

Dawn patrol access guide for Long Branch

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Long Branch Beach
beach
lower-intermediate

Long Branch features a wide sand beach backed by a bustling promenade and restaurants. Its sandbars produce mellow peaks for lower‑intermediate surfers, but strong rip currents and occasional jellyfish and stingrays mean caution is needed.

Early access

Enter from the promenade via stairs or accessible mats; lifeguards supervise designated swimming and surfing areas.

Parking

There are large pay lots and street parking along the boardwalk; fees apply during the summer season.

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
beach
beginner-intermediate

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is named for seven presidents who vacationed in Long Branch. Sandy beach break with gentle, sloping bottom.

Early access

Seven Presidents Park, 200 Ocean Avenue N. Parking lot on-site ($10-15 in summer).

Parking

Dedicated parking lot on-site, easier than street parking elsewhere in Long Branch.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Long Branch

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Beginner Spots
Gentle waves for learning
Longboard Spots
Mellow waves for logging
Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Long Branch

Dawn patrol in Long Branch typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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