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Terms of use and disclaimer.

These terms apply to hobokensurfclub.com, its subdomains, including the forecast at waves.hobokensurfclub.com, and everything published on them (together, "the site"). By using the site you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use the site. Last updated 4 October 2026.

A word of cautionThe short version.
  • This site is for education. Nothing on it is advice, instruction, a safety clearance or a recommendation to go on the water.
  • Paddling, surfing or swimming in the Hudson can cause serious injury or death. If you go on the water, you choose to do so and you accept the risk.
  • The tools, maps and numbers here come from simplified models and outside data. They can be wrong, out of date or unavailable.
  • Always check official sources, such as the NOAA marine forecast for New York Harbor and NOAA Tides and Currents, and follow the law and the instructions of the US Coast Guard, harbor police and vessel operators.

1. Education only, not advice.

Hoboken Surf Club is a volunteer community group. The site explains how wind, tide, current, boat wakes and water quality interact on the lower Hudson. It does not tell you whether, when or where to go on the water, and it does not judge whether conditions suit you or your equipment. No content on the site is professional, navigational, medical or legal advice. Hoboken Surf Club does not provide instruction, supervision, guiding, lifeguarding or rescue through the site.

2. Models, data and examples.

Wave heights, tides, currents, wake timings, water quality guidance and other figures on the site are estimates from simplified models, from third-party sources such as NOAA, the National Weather Service, Open-Meteo and OpenStreetMap contributors, or are labelled examples. Models leave out things that matter, including local wind gusts, storm surge, heavy rain upriver, river flow, debris and boat traffic. Data can be late, missing or wrong, and the site can be offline or show stale results without warning. Times and heights may differ from what you find on the water. Do not rely on the site to plan or make decisions about any activity.

3. The risks are real, and they are yours.

Water activities on the Hudson carry inherent risks that no website can remove, including drowning, cold water shock and hypothermia, strong and changing tidal currents, wind and waves that build quickly, collisions with ferries, commercial vessels and other boats, wakes, piers, pilings, bulkheads, rocks and floating debris, poor visibility, and illness from sewage overflows and bacteria, especially after rain. If you choose to enter or go on the water, you do so voluntarily and at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for your decisions, your equipment and your conduct, and for anyone in your care.

4. Boats, ferries and wakes.

Hoboken Surf Club does not endorse or promote riding waves from commercial vehicles, ferries or any other vessel, and does not suggest wakeboarding or wake surfing behind any vessel, which is dangerous on the Hudson. Vessels have limited ability to see you, stop or turn. Keep well clear of ferries, terminals, channels, piers and all commercial traffic, and follow navigation rules and posted restrictions.

5. Your responsibilities.

If you go on the water, you are responsible for checking official forecasts and notices, wearing a properly fitted life jacket, dressing for the water temperature, carrying a way to call for help, paddling with experienced people, knowing and staying within your limits, and complying with all laws, permits and rules that apply, including those of New Jersey, New York, the US Coast Guard and local waterfront authorities.

6. No warranty.

THE SITE AND ALL CONTENT, TOOLS AND DATA ON IT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE", WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, AVAILABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

7. Limitation of liability and release.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOBOKEN SURF CLUB AND ITS ORGANIZERS, MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS AND CONTRIBUTORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, ILLNESS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR OTHER LOSS, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF, OR RELIANCE ON, THE SITE OR ANY ACTIVITY YOU UNDERTAKE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS. To the same extent, you release them from, and agree to hold them harmless against, any claim arising from your use of the site or your activities on or near the water. If any law does not allow part of this limitation, liability is limited to the smallest amount that law permits.

8. Other websites and organizations.

The site links to and names other websites, organizations, programs and places, such as Brooklyn Surf Club, Riverkeeper and NOAA. Hoboken Surf Club does not control them, is not responsible for their content, programs or conduct, and does not endorse them unless it says so. Their own terms apply.

9. Images and places.

Photos, maps and artwork illustrate places, conditions and ideas. They do not show recommended activities, launch sites, routes or conditions, and people shown in them made their own choices. Reference points on maps are for explaining the models only.

10. Joining the club.

Following the club online or calling yourself a member does not create any duty of supervision, instruction or care. Any in-person activity, if one is ever offered, may come with its own rules and a separate written waiver.

11. General.

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to its conflict of law rules. If any part of these terms is found unenforceable, that part is limited or removed to the minimum extent necessary and the rest stays in effect. Hoboken Surf Club may update these terms at any time by posting a new version on this page; using the site after a change means you accept the new version. Questions: message @hobokensurfclub on Instagram.