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Verified Surf Schools
Surf Lessons in Mantoloking
Your guide to catching the best waves in Mantoloking, New Jersey. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Your guide to catching the best waves in Mantoloking, New Jersey. From beginner basics to advanced techniques, find your perfect surf instructor.
Mantoloking isn't just another Jersey Shore beach town—it's a hidden gem where the magic of East Coast surfing comes alive. Here, the Atlantic's gentle summer swells create the perfect classroom for beginning surfers. Unlike the crowded breaks of more famous spots, Mantoloking offers an intimate learning environment where you can focus on finding your balance without feeling overwhelmed. The local surf community embraces newcomers with that distinctive New Jersey warmth, and the wide beaches provide plenty of space to practice your pop-ups before hitting the water. This is where countless East Coast surfers caught their first wave, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Mantoloking Beach at Lyman Street offers predictable sandbars and smaller waves perfect for beginners. Bay Head Beach, just north, provides a forgiving break with plenty of whitewash to practice on. Both spots feature gradual depth changes and sandy bottoms, making them ideal for learning.
Late July through September offers the warmest conditions with water temperatures reaching 70-75°F. A 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended for early morning sessions, while just board shorts or a swimsuit works for afternoon lessons. Hurricane season (August-September) can bring larger swells—check forecasts carefully.
Morning sessions typically offer clean conditions before the sea breeze kicks in. Local surf schools are well-equipped with soft-top boards and experienced instructors who understand the unique characteristics of Jersey Shore waves. Parking is readily available, and the beach facilities are well-maintained. Weekday mornings are least crowded, perfect for building confidence.
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