Shore diving in Monmouth and Ocean County Help

[cruisekingkris]

I'm very new to North east diving. You can call me the warm water Caribbean diver. So I'm turning to the regulars for some help. I'm looking for some easy shore diving spots for no reason other then to ease my way into the conditions around here. Trying to work my way up to the dive boat with you veterans.

After looking at local spots I have come up with these 4 dives. Are they easy, times to attempt, any tips for a newbie would be great. Whats the norm (gear) up here to have while diving, can these be done solo and anything else you can offer me.

- Long Branch = Rusland/Adonis
- Belmar = Malta
- Allenhurst Jetty
- Seaside Park = Pipeline


Be gentle.....

Kris

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

- Long Branch = Rusland/Adonis
- Belmar = Malta
- Allenhurst Jetty
- Seaside Park = Pipeline

Unless you have a boat Rusland/Adonis is out - long before you some shore dive folks abused the site and it is no longer available - on church retreat land...
Malta is under sand since Hurricane Sandy
Allenhurst Jetty is ok but if there is wave action you will take a beating
Never dove the Pipeline

If I were you I would start with Maclearie Park in Belmar it has stairs down to the water - 40 mins before High Tide till 40 mins after is best - 20 foot max - seahorses and some tropical fish should be in but with the weather we are getting this weekend I expect the viz to be really poor.

 

[mrvollmer]

You can dive the Rail Road Bridge in Point Pleasant (Broadway, across from 7-11) at high tide as well. Great site when vis is good.