We derive a deterministic directional shoaling model and a stochastic
directional shoaling model for a gravity surface wave field, valid for
a beach with parallel depth contours accounting for refraction and no
nlinear quadratic (three wave) interactions. A new phenomenon of non-r
esonant spectral evolution arises due to the medium inhomogeneity. The
kernels of the kinetic equation depend on the bathymetry through an i
ntegral operator. Preliminary tests carried out on laboratory data for
a unidirectional case indicate that the stochastic model also works r
ather well beyond the region where the waves may be regarded as nearly
Gaussian. The limit of its applicability is decided by the dispersivi
ty of the medium (relative to the nonlinearity). Good agreement with b
oth laboratory data and the underlying deterministic model is found up
to a value of about 1.5 for the spectral peak Ursell number. Beyond t
hat only the deterministic model matches the measurements.