Belmar has one of the most active surf scenes on the Jersey Shore. The 5th Avenue jetty area gets the most consistent waves — a combination of the jetty geometry and the beach's orientation toward northeast swells means rideable surf more often than most spots on the coast. On a good swell day in autumn the lineup gets competitive.
Several surf shops on Main Street rent boards and wetsuits and offer lessons for beginners. The town hosts surf competitions in summer that draw competitors from along the Shore. The presence of a real surf culture gives Belmar a slightly more active, slightly younger feel than its quieter neighbour Spring Lake — the two towns share a border and almost nothing else in terms of atmosphere.