Summer Surfing vs. Winter Surfing
Crysta Goff August 21st, 2024 Posted In: Articles, Uncategorized Tags: Surfing
When most people think of surfing, they think of a scene with warm, sandy beaches… people scattered all about, lollygagging around… the hot sun beaming on tan skin and glistening waters. But believe it or not, there’s a horde of people who also thoroughly enjoy, and even prefer, winter surfing. And some people like to surf year-round to get the best of both worlds. But you might be asking yourself…
“Which is better… summer or winter surfing?”
Truth is, it’s not that one is necessarily better than the other. Both seasons carry pros and cons when it comes to surf. The answer is going to depend on the person, their level of experience, what their budget looks like, their preferences, and their surfing style.
Summer Surfing
Summertime is when the majority of people take time out to surf. You’ll see beginners and experts alike because it’s the most comfortable time of the year, temperature-wise, to have an enjoyable sesh. Due to the warmer temperatures, you typically do not need a wetsuit. The most common wetsuits you’ll see, if any, are jackets or shorties, which are great for water in the high 60’s to low 70’s and up. This is a huge money-saver compared to wintertime, as you’d need the full get-up to safely tread the water. This includes a fullsuit, as well as hood, gloves, and boots. Summer waves are definitely weaker than winter waves, but this makes it much safer for newbies still learning the ropes.
The main downside to summer surf is the crowd. Beaches attract locals and tourists, beginners and experts, and people who enjoy all water sports. This can be challenging as you’re fighting for proper space and waiting for waves.
Pros
- Consistent surf conditions
- Comfort
- Always easier, and more enjoyable, to learn to surf in warm weather
- Attracts all levels, beginners and experts alike
- Wetsuits are typically not needed in most places (or very minimal protection)
- This is a huge money saver. If you’re tight on money and/or you’re not sure yet if surf is your thing, summertime is the time to try it out.
- Some people are huge fans of the smaller swells
- You can always find a lifeguard standing by
Cons
- Crowd
- Everyone and their brother, locals and tourists alike, want to head to the beach in the summertime. The crowdedness can be challenging for sure, as you’re fighting for waves. Although most surfers practice good etiquette, at some point, someone is going to drop in on you (take your wave). Swimmers coming out where the surf is, not paying attention to their surroundings, can be very dangerous for everyone involved. And trust me, it happens. It can also be hard for anyone who feels self-conscious about other people watching them. If you want to brush up on your skills without an audience, winter surf is usually better for that.
- Smaller Waves
- Still best for beginner surfers.
- Mixture of experience
- Sharing the beach with so many beginners can be frustrating for more seasoned surfers. And on the opposite end, sharing the beach with seasoned surfers (some don’t have the patience to deal with newbies) can be intimidating and troublesome while learning the sport AND good etiquette.
Winter Surfing
While tons of people stay indoors in the wintertime with a hot cup of cocoa, there’s some surf enthusiasts who LOVE this time of year to take advantage of the season and catch a wave. But not all beaches are equal in the winter. The weather varies greatly, depending on location. Some beaches, like Cape May in New Jersey, get down into the 30’s and 40’s in the heart of winter; while others, like Miami Beach in Florida, stay pretty comfortable year-round. Winter storms bring about huge swells, making for much bigger waves. This attracts skillful surfers, as it’s a great way to challenge themselves and improve their skills.
Pros
- Bigger, better waves
- Appealing to experienced surfers looking for more challenging waves to ride
- More space, smaller crowd
- Level up in skill
- Challenging conditions absolutely help surfers improve their athleticism and surfing skills
- Gain resilience
- Cold weather/water can help build mental and physical resilience
- Off-season rates
- If you have to travel to get to a beach, wintertime is typically cheaper as far as hotels, motels, and air bnb’s go.
Cons
- Cold
- Not everyone likes the cold. Cold weather can also be dangerous, as hypothermia is more likely.
- Unstable weather conditions
- Storms are more likely
- Wetsuits
- Wetsuits are a MUST when surfing in cold weather. This can get costly for those who are money-conscious.
- Safety
- Although surfing is ALWAYS a dangerous sport, and you should always take necessary precautions, wintertime is definitely more dangerous due to unstable conditions. Storms can cause major swells and dangerous waves.
Conclusion
What time of year you choose to surf in is completely up to you, and it depends on many factors, as stated above. For example, summer may be best if you’re a beginner or you don’t want to spend several hundred dollars on wetsuit gear. Winter may be best if you’re an expert and want to hit big waves while avoiding a crowd. Or you might decide that surfing year-round is what’s best for you. There’s no right or wrong answer. Just always remember to practice good surf etiquette and ALWAYS take SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
- Be realistic when evaluating your skills and what you can handle
- Understand rip currents and the different types of hazards around you
- Choose suitable surf spots for your skill level
- Check daily surf forecasts and reports
