Ocean City NJ offers a full range of water sports, from mellow kayak paddles to high-octane jet ski adventures. The back bays provide calm conditions for beginners, while the ocean brings waves for surfers and body boarders. Here is your complete guide to water sports in OCNJ.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Where to Go

The calm back bays behind Ocean City are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Protected from ocean swells, the bays offer:

• Flat, calm water
• Wildlife viewing (herons, egrets, dolphins)
• Marsh exploration
• Sandbars for rest stops
• Scenic sunset paddles

Bayside Center

The main rental spot in Ocean City (Bay Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets):

• Single and tandem kayaks
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Pedal boats
• Guided eco-tours
• Lessons for beginners

Pricing: $20-40/hour for rentals, $50-80 for half-day

Best Times

Morning: Glassy water, cooler temperatures, best wildlife viewing

Evening: Beautiful sunset paddles, calmer winds

Avoid midday: Hottest, often windiest

Jet Skiing

Personal watercraft rentals are available on the bay side:

What to Expect

• Guided tours or freestyle riding
• 30-minute to 2-hour rentals
• Age 16-18+ to operate (varies by vendor)
• Passengers welcome on multi-seat craft

Pricing: $75-180 depending on duration

Requirements

• Boating safety certificate (required for operators born after 1979)
• Valid ID
• Credit card for deposit

Parasailing

Soar 500+ feet above the ocean tethered to a boat:

• Available from OCNJ area operators
• Single, tandem, or triple flights
• 10-15 minute flights
• Incredible views of the coastline

Pricing: $75-100 per person

Surfing

Ocean City has designated surfing beaches:

Conditions

New Jersey beach breaks with 1-4 foot waves typically. Best waves during hurricane swells (late summer/fall) and storm conditions.

Where to Surf

Designated surf beaches (check posted signs):

• 7th Street
• 16th Street
• 28th Street
• Corson’s Inlet area

Rentals and Lessons

Heritage Surf and Sport: Board rentals, wetsuit rentals, and lessons

7th Street Surf Shop: Another option for gear and lessons

Boogie Boarding

The most accessible wave-riding activity:

• Boards available at any beach shop ($15-50)
• No experience required
• Works on any beach (no designated areas)
• Great for kids and adults

Best in moderate waves—too flat is boring, too big is dangerous for beginners.

Swimming

Ocean City’s 8 miles of beaches offer excellent swimming:

• Lifeguards on duty during peak season
• Beach tags required mid-June through Labor Day
• Water temperature 65-75°F in summer
• Rip current awareness important

Bay Swimming

Calmer water for nervous swimmers or young children. Several bay beaches have swimming areas with gentler conditions than ocean surf.

Boat Rentals

Captain your own vessel on the bay:

Options

• Pontoon boats (family-friendly, stable)
• Center console fishing boats
• Small motorboats

Pricing: $200-500 for half-day depending on boat type

Requirements

• Boating safety certificate for operators
• Valid ID and credit card
• Brief orientation provided

Fishing

Water sports include fishing too:

• Surf fishing from the beach
• Bay fishing by boat or dock
• Offshore charters for big game
• Pier fishing at 9th Street

See our full fishing guide for details.

Water Sports for Kids

Best activities by age:

Ages 5-10

• Boogie boarding in shallow waves
• Tandem kayaking with parent
• Swimming at bay beaches
• Pedal boats

Ages 10-14

• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Surf lessons
• Kayaking (solo in calm conditions)
• Parasailing (with parent)

Teens

• Jet skiing (16+ to operate)
• Surfing
• All water sports available to adults

Safety First

• Life jackets: Required for jet skis and provided with rentals
• Rip currents: Learn to identify and escape (swim parallel to shore)
• Weather: Avoid water activities during storms
• Sun protection: Water intensifies sunburn
• Hydration: Bring water on extended trips
• Buddy system: Never go alone in unfamiliar conditions

Planning Your Water Day

Calm Day Options

Flat ocean? Hit the bay for kayaking, SUP, or jet skiing. Catch fish, explore marshes, enjoy calm conditions.

Wavy Day Options

Good surf? Head to designated surf beaches. Ocean swimming is more exciting. Boogie boarding is prime.

Windy Day Options

Strong winds create chop. Bay activities can still work in protected areas. Consider morning when winds are typically calmer.

Rental vs. Bringing Your Own

Worth Renting

• Jet skis (hassle to transport)
• Boats
• Surfboards (unless you surf regularly)

Worth Bringing

• Kayaks/SUP (if you have them and transport space)
• Boogie boards (cheap to buy anyway)
• Snorkel gear

Get on the Water

Ocean City’s water is what makes it special. Whether you want the thrill of jet skiing, the peace of a morning paddle, or the satisfaction of catching a wave, OCNJ’s waters deliver. The back bays offer protected playgrounds, the ocean provides waves and wildlife, and everywhere you look is blue water waiting to be explored.

Rent something, paddle out, and experience OCNJ from the water. It is a whole different perspective.