Popping up onto crystal-blue waters and riding out glossy waves, sun glittering against a weathered surfboard. Surfing is one of the most challenging and rewarding sports, and since the COVID-19 Pandemic, surfing in the PNW has seen a steady increase in participants. However, surfing off the coast of Washington is quite a different experience than paddling out on the warm, sunny waves of California.
The cold waves that crash onto the coastlines of Washington and Oregon may come as a frigid shock to those accustomed to the warmer water of Waikiki or Malibu. Year-round, water temperatures fluctuate between 40 and 50 degrees fahrenheit, making a wetsuit a must. Wetsuits come in different thicknesses; 5/4mm and 6/5mm hooded wetsuits are the standard thicknesses for Washington surfers. The numbers indicate the fabric thickness of different parts of the suit.
Some additional items include 3-5mm neoprene gloves and 5-7mm neoprene booties to prevent numbness in the hands and feet. Post-surf, a towel and change of clothes are important to get warm and dry. Many seasoned PNW surfers also suggest bringing a thermos with hot liquids, like soup or tea, to help warm up quicker.
For boards, ones that are durable are preferred when taking on the rough Pacific waves. Foam boards and longboards are both recommended to beginners for their buoyancy and stability. Foam boards are ideal to minimize injury due to their softer material, however they lack the versatility longboards have to progress new surfers to more intermediate levels. Some other popular choices for more advanced surfers include funboards and shortboards, which are smaller in size and provide more maneuverability in the water. Northwest Surf Designs, Bauer Surfboards, and FUNNER Surf Craft are popular, local options for surfboards that can handle the conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
Besides actual gear, ample time is needed for those looking to get into PNW surfing. Most locations are at least two hours outside of Seattle, with some being up to five hours away.
The first surf location is arguably the most famous: Westport. The self-proclaimed “Pacific Northwest Surf City” is the most accessible surf location for those living in Seattle, being only a two hour drive away. One of Westport’s three main surf spots include The Jetty, which is perfect for beginners. Its surfable waves are consistent and cover an all-sand bottom, which makes it ideal for a first lesson. Besides The Jetty, the Groins and the Cove at Half Moon Bay are also Westpoint surf options, however the waves are more unreliable with heavier breaks, making them suitable for more advanced surfers.
Immortalized in the Twilight movies, La Push is Washington’s second most popular surf location; however, there are beaches that provide a better surfing experience. Located on the Quileute Reservation, spots like First Beach are best surfed in the summer and fall. This is because of the moving sandbars and steep beach drop off which make the waves unreliable and fickle at other times of the year. Even with the inconsistent breaks, surfers can enjoy the beautiful tree-covered cliff faces and the abundant marine life, perhaps before warming up in the nearby town of Forks.
For true beginners, Hobuck, Twin Beach, and Oceans Shores’ Damon Point, all provide smaller, more manageable waves to practice popping up onto the board. Ocean Shores is a more popular and crowded destination, as opposed to Hobuck, where the dependable waves and shallow ocean floor sees a much smaller crowd. This is partly because Hobuck is a four and a half hour drive away from Seattle, making it the longest commute. Twin Beach in Port Angeles is only two and a half hours away, and is the perfect spot for those itching to surf in the winter; the waves can get too small when the summer months roll around.
With many beach options, and the right equipment to brave the cold conditions, an aspiring Seattle surfer can become an expert at home in the PNW.
