Loch Arbour and Deal is a surf spot located along the New Jersey coastline, known for its varied surfing conditions. The Long Jetty in Loch Arbour is a prominent feature here, sitting right in front of a cluster of high-rise apartments. This area can catch some of the biggest swells that hit New Jersey, but it comes with a strong local presence that can make it tricky for newcomers. While the middle peak is under the watch of locals, you can find other peaks nearby that are less crowded.
The best surf typically happens with a northeast swell, with wave heights ranging from about 0.9 meters to 2.4 meters (3 ft to well over 8 ft). The jetty breaks can provide some steep rights off the takeoff, and while it can be clean, there’s always the concern of rocks. The area can handle swells from various directions, including EastNorthEast, East, and EastSouthEast. It's best to look for waves on low to mid tides, and you’ll want some favorable winds coming from the SouthWest or West. While some spots require a decent paddle, they aren't too far.
Beyond Loch Arbour, there are other breaks in Deal that see less traffic. However, access can be limited due to private beaches, so it often requires knowing a local to get in. There’s also a challenge with parking as there are no public lots and metered street parking can be tough, especially in the summer months. The local vibe can range from chill to heavy, particularly at the main peaks, but there’s usually plenty of space to spread out if you want to avoid the crowd. Overall, the environment feels pretty clean, making it a nice spot to enjoy some surfing.