Today's Surf Conditions at State's Avenue
Spot Conditions Map
Hover over the hourly chart columns to update the wind & swell direction overlays on the map.
Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
Loading forecast text...
Spot Overview & Description
States Avenue, better known as Gas Chambers, delivers Atlantic City’s most formidable wave. Squeezed between Garden Pier and Steel Pier, this sand-bottomed break dishes out powerful, top-to-bottom peaks that detonate just off the beach, offering both lefts and rights. The standout rides are the lefts peeling off the central groin, with crisp, bowling sections that demand commitment. Farther south, a bowl sets up for punchy rights or lefts, while the rights wrapping around the north side of the groin can also line up when conditions align.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with average swell heights holding steady between 1.3m and 1.4m and periods averaging 7.0-7.7 seconds. A powerful climatological uptick in extratropical storm activity drives consistent, punchy swell from the S through WSW windows. Meanwhile, offshore winds from the NW quadrant dominate, blowing clean and groomed lines onto the SSE-facing beach. December and January see the highest frequency of ideal wind (28%), often paired with crisp high pressure over the continent. When the right combination aligns, long-period groundswell wraps in with sunny skies and light offshore breezes -- that is when State's Avenue truly comes alive.
Fair Surf Season (April - May, September)
Transition months bring a mixed bag. April and May still see a notable presence of S and SSW swell (up to 16.9% and 17.9% respectively), but average wave heights dip slightly to 1.1-1.2m and periods hover around 7.2-7.3s. Offshore wind percentages drop to the low 20s, and onshore SSW breezes become more frequent, especially in the afternoon. September offers a glimmer of hope as longer periods return (8.4s average) and the first autumn cold fronts begin to stir the ocean. However, swell directions shift more easterly, reducing the number of truly clean days. These months reward patience and a willingness to pick the windows when synoptic patterns align.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer settles in with average wave heights bottoming out at 0.9m and short, weak periods averaging 7.0s. The dominant swell comes from the SSE and S, which, while large in percentage, are often accompanied by onshore SSW winds that tear up the surface. Ideal wind drops to a meager 14-16% during these months, and the persistent thermal low over the interior pumps in afternoon sea breezes from the SW. The result is generally small, choppy conditions best suited for a log or a groveler. Early mornings can occasionally offer clean, fun-sized waves before the wind shifts, but consistent quality is hard to come by.
Detailed Surf Information for State's Avenue
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for State's Avenue with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.





