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Verified Surf Schools
Surf Lessons in Highlands
Your guide to catching the best waves in Highlands, New Jersey. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Your guide to catching the best waves in Highlands, New Jersey. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Discover additional surf schools nearby and compare options across New Jersey.
Highlands, New Jersey offers something special for beginning surfers - a genuine, down-to-earth surf community where you're treated like family, not just another tourist. Here, where the Sandy Hook Bay meets the Atlantic, you'll find instructors who remember their own first waves and understand both the excitement and nervousness of starting out. The unique geography creates forgiving waves perfect for learning, while the NYC skyline provides a stunning backdrop to your surf journey. This isn't just about catching waves - it's about joining a passionate community of East Coast surfers who embrace the joy of riding waves in all seasons.
Sandy Hook Beach is ideal for beginners with its gradual slope and consistent small waves, especially at Lot D and E areas. Sea Bright Public Beach offers another excellent learning environment with its wide shoreline and typically smaller waves. Both spots feature sandy bottoms and plenty of space to practice without feeling crowded.
Late summer (August-September) provides the warmest water temperatures (70-75°F) and gentlest waves. You'll need a 4/3mm wetsuit in spring/fall, and a 5/4mm in winter. Summer usually only requires a 2mm spring suit or rash guard.
The vibe here is refreshingly laid-back and welcoming to newcomers. Morning sessions offer cleaner conditions and smaller crowds. Local surf schools provide all necessary equipment and focus on safety first. Parking is ample, and facilities are well-maintained. Water visibility is generally good, and the sandy bottom provides extra confidence for first-timers.
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Ranked by customer reviews and verified offerings. All schools provide professional instruction for all skill levels.