Lavallette is a pretty chill surf spot located along the New Jersey coast. It offers a few beachbreak alternatives away from the more crowded big-name spots to the north. The area has a local vibe that's mostly relaxed, though it’s always good to be aware of summer crowds and beach badge requirements. Access is easy, making it a convenient place to hit the waves.
The surf here can be decent, especially from autumn to winter. You can expect waves ranging from about 3ft to 8ft (0.9 to 2.4 meters). Best conditions usually come with swells from the S, SSE, SE, and especially from the S through the SSE. The waves break over sand, with options for both right and left breaks. For the best session, look for low to mid tide, and keep in mind that the preferred wind comes from the SW, WSW, W, WNW, and NW. This spot is friendly for beginners, intermediates, and even experts, so there’s something for everyone.
While hitting the water, just be cautious of the shallow bottom and rip currents. The environment around Lavallette is generally clean, and there’s often enough space to find your own spot even when the beach is busy. If you're planning to surf here, make sure to bring a variety of boards—shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards can all work depending on the conditions.