Holyoke is a winding left in Beach Haven that breaks off a long jetty. The sandbar is always shifting, so you never quite know what you're going to get from one session to the next. A smaller left and right peel off further down the beach and are actually the better call when the surf is small.
When It Works
On a big nor'easter this place comes alive: a simple paddle around the jetty puts you onto lined-up lefts that roll forever. It draws swell from the northeast through east-southeast to south-southeast, breaks over sand, and is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Autumn and winter are the seasons to watch, running roughly September through March. On the right swell it's a genuinely fun wave.
Paddling out changes with the conditions and the sandbar, ranging from easy in summer to very hard in winter.
Wind and Tide
Look for west-northwest (WNW) offshore wind, with a workable window running from west-southwest to north. Any tide can work depending on the sandbar and swell, though a rising tide is generally the better bet.
Local Tips
The wave suits intermediate and expert surfers, and it takes a range of equipment well, from shortboards and fish to longboards and bodyboards. Expect a busy lineup when it's on, especially through summer and fall. The vibe is friendly, though it can get heavy on the best days, so show respect in the water.
Access
Getting in is mostly easy, with some street parking around the break.
