Dawn patrol surfing in Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook, New Jersey

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

First light in Sandy Hook means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 1 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:45 AM
First Light: 6:15 AM

Day length: 12h 32m

+3 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:45 AM

First light: 6:15 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Last light: 7:47 PM

Data from Sandy Hook · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

7:17 PM

Day Length

12h 32m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:44 AM

Sunset

7:18 PM

Day Length

12h 35m

Wed, Apr 1

Sunrise

6:42 AM

Sunset

7:19 PM

Day Length

12h 37m

Thu, Apr 2

Sunrise

6:40 AM

Sunset

7:21 PM

Day Length

12h 40m

Fri, Apr 3

Sunrise

6:39 AM

Sunset

7:22 PM

Day Length

12h 43m

Best dawn patrol spots in Sandy Hook

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Featured Beaches(1)

Sandy Hook

Intermediate

Sandy Hook's Cove is a rare New Jersey point break where sandbars and jetties wrap southeast swells into long right‑hand walls. The spot works best on big south swells with west to northwest winds and low tide.

Dawn patrol access guide for Sandy Hook

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Sandy Hook
point
upper-intermediate

Sandy Hook's Cove is a rare New Jersey point break where sandbars and jetties wrap southeast swells into long right‑hand walls. The spot works best on big south swells with west to northwest winds and low tide.

Early access

From the lot, walk north along the beach to The Cove; paddle around the point and watch for rocks.

Parking

Parking is available inside Gateway National Recreation Area for a fee; spaces fill quickly on summer weekends.

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 Sandy Hook

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 Sandy Hook

Dawn patrol in Sandy Hook 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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