The BIGGEST & BEST Ferry Wave in History

Surfing is all about the pursuit of the perfect wave—sometimes that means exploring remote beaches, sometimes it means catching an unpredictable swell in your own backyard. In his latest adventure, professional novelty wave surfer Ben Gravy took on what he calls the biggest and best ferry wave in history right at home in New Jersey.

Armed with his DJI Osmo Action 3, Ben documented this once-in-a-lifetime ride, battling winter storms, shifting sandbars, and unpredictable conditions to make it happen. For surfers who thrive on the unexpected, this story is a masterclass in adaptability, optimism, and the relentless pursuit of the stoke.

The Unpredictable Nature of New Jersey Surfing

New Jersey isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class surf spots. While the Garden State delivers some surprisingly great waves, it’s also one of the most unpredictable places to surf in the U.S. One day, a sandbar might be serving up perfect A-frames, and the next, it could be completely washed out.

This inconsistency is due to a few major factors:

• Frequent beach replenishment projects shift the sandbars.
• Hurricanes, nor’easters, and cold fronts create rapid changes in swell direction.
• Tidal swings of up to five feet can drastically affect wave quality.

For local surfers like Ben Gravy, this means that every session is an adventure. There’s no guarantee that yesterday’s perfect break will still be working today. Instead of relying on the same spots, Jersey surfers have to be constantly exploring, adapting, and ready to paddle out at a moment’s notice.

When Ben set out on this mission, conditions were far from ideal. The night before, a winter storm had dumped hail and ice across the region. By the time he reached the beach, his surfboard was still covered in frozen chunks from the storm.

Despite the brutal conditions, the potential for an epic day was there. Forecasts were conflicting—some surf reports called for massive waves, while others predicted nothing more than chest-high peaks. With swell coming from the East-Northeast, Ben knew that anything could happen.

This is the essence of surfing in New Jersey. Unlike California or Hawaii, where you can check a surf report and have a pretty good idea of what to expect, Jersey waves require in-the-moment decision-making. The only way to know if the waves are good is to go check for yourself.

The Science of a Ferry Wave

While most surfers chase waves created by the wind and tides, novelty wave surfers look for something different. They seek out waves produced by boats, ferries, tankers, and even standing river waves. These waves are tricky to find and even trickier to ride.

So, what makes a ferry wave special?

• Unlike ocean swells, ferry waves are generated by the movement of the boat itself.
• The size and power of the wave depend on the ferry’s speed, hull shape, and the water depth.
• Since ferry schedules are consistent, surfers can predict when and where a wave will break—but actually riding one requires perfect positioning and timing.

On this particular day, Ben and his crew positioned themselves in just the right spot, waiting for the biggest ferry wave they’d ever seen. And when it finally came through, it did not disappoint.

The Mindset of a Novelty Wave Surfer

Most surfers dream of perfect barrels in places like Pipeline or Teahupo’o. But for Ben Gravy, surfing is all about the novelty. He’s built a career on finding waves where others don’t even look—behind ferries, tankers, and in river rapids.

That mindset is what makes him one of the most exciting figures in the surf world today. Instead of waiting for conditions to be perfect, Ben is always ready to paddle out, no matter what.

• Optimism is key. The best surfers don’t complain about bad conditions; they find a way to make them work.
• Spontaneity leads to the best sessions. Some of the most fun waves come from being in the right place at the right time.
• Exploration is part of the process. New Jersey’s ever-changing coastline means that surfers have to constantly search for new waves.

Lessons from the Session

While not every surfer will have the chance to ride a perfect ferry wave, there are some universal takeaways from Ben’s session that every surfer can appreciate:

1. Don’t let bad conditions discourage you. Hail and ice didn’t stop Ben from scoring the wave of the day.
2. Be adaptable. With shifting sandbars and unpredictable tides, surfing is all about adjusting on the fly.
3. Keep exploring. Just because a spot wasn’t working yesterday doesn’t mean it won’t be firing today.

For those looking to expand their surfing horizons, novelty waves offer a whole new challenge. Whether it’s hunting down ferry waves, wake surfing behind boats, or riding tidal bores in rivers, the spirit of surfing is all about embracing the unexpected.