Ben Gravy, a local surfer, is getting the wave of his life thanks to a state-funded beach replenishment project in New Jersey. The state has spent nearly $3 billion since 1936 to move sand onto its beaches, with $2.98 billion specifically dedicated to replenishment projects. This has resulted in the redistribution of 240 million cubic yards of sand along the coastline, according to NJ Spotlight News.
While the long-term impact of these projects on beach erosion is unclear, they have occasionally created unexpected surfing spots for local enthusiasts. Gravy, recently returning from a tropical surf trip, found himself back in his home state, surfing a perfect sandbar created by one such project. Donning a wetsuit, hood, and booties, he seized the opportunity to ride gentle waves that appeared just in front of construction bulldozers.
“It’s not every day you wake up and the state of New Jersey decides to build a perfect left pointbreak at the end of your street,” Gravy said with a laugh. “We only had to drive about 38 seconds to reach this wave. The team was on fire, though we did get yelled at a bit by the wave pool staff. The air horn was blowing! I wasn’t sure if it was because of the barrel I caught or because they wanted us to move!”
As wave pools become more common worldwide, New Jersey’s unique version stands out. With a sand bottom, gloves required, and the added excitement of construction workers patrolling the area, the state has certainly kept things original. Gravy and other local surfers are making the most of this unexpected wave pool built by a combination of beach restoration efforts and taxpayer funding.
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