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Surfing in the Northeast

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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
Hey NS,

I was hoping that someone here would be able to tell me a little about surfing in the northeast at this time of year. My buddies and I have a two week break between exams and are looking to do a camping trip down to somewhere where we can surf. Looking for some info on good beaches, places, states, camping areas, etc...?

Any info is appreciated!
Apr 11 2014 12:32PM
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Stadtski
Posts: 972 - Karma: 3,349
yo some people i know surf on ogunquit beach, but i don't surf so i dont personally know, but I've heard its one of the best places around.

heres a link to some campgrounds: http://ogunquitbeachinfo.com/campgrounds-rv-parks/
Apr 11 2014 12:49PM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Higgin's Beach in Scarborough ME is a pretty popular surf spot. It's a great beach too. What kind of camping are you hoping to do? Are you looking for more of a camp ground/RV park or more of a place to tent out?
Apr 11 2014 1:00PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
CheddarJackHiggin's Beach in Scarborough ME is a pretty popular surf spot. It's a great beach too. What kind of camping are you hoping to do? Are you looking for more of a camp ground/RV park or more of a place to tent out?



Do you surf personally? Im just curious as to what the swell will be like this time of year? Our trip would essentially consist of a bunch of novice surfers with one really experienced dude.

And we would be looking more for a place to tent out for a few days.
Apr 11 2014 1:11PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,273
CheddarJackHiggin's Beach in Scarborough ME is a pretty popular surf spot. It's a great beach too. What kind of camping are you hoping to do? Are you looking for more of a camp ground/RV park or more of a place to tent out?


Anything in ME this time of year will be unbearably cold. Honestly that's the case for most of new england since water temps are between high 30's and mid 40's but warming up quickly. Once the combined air and water temperature is close to or over 100 fahrenheit it's usually alright to go out, but that's also for kiting where the wind makes everything a lot colder

There are some good surf spots working south along the coast from RI down into Long Island and NJ, so it's really where you want to be for 2 weeks. This time of year most wind will be afternoon thermals out of the south or southwest, so having a direct southern exposure can often avoid shitty cross chop
Apr 11 2014 1:13PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
no_steezeAnything in ME this time of year will be unbearably cold. Honestly that's the case for most of new england since water temps are between high 30's and mid 40's but warming up quickly. Once the combined air and water temperature is close to or over 100 fahrenheit it's usually alright to go out, but that's also for kiting where the wind makes everything a lot colder

There are some good surf spots working south along the coast from RI down into Long Island and NJ, so it's really where you want to be for 2 weeks. This time of year most wind will be afternoon thermals out of the south or southwest, so having a direct southern exposure can often avoid shitty cross chop


Unbearably cold? Isnt the only good surfing through the winter and april/may?
Apr 11 2014 1:32PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Link.Unbearably cold? Isnt the only good surfing through the winter and april/may?


He meant for kite surfing. Personally I surf Jenness/Salisbury in NH/MA most of the time but I think you'll find the best surf down in Rhode Island. Water temps should be fine, I'm not too sure what kind of wetsuit you'll need probs a 4/5 or 5mm thick with booties and hood
Apr 11 2014 1:44PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
MooseNutsHe meant for kite surfing. Personally I surf Jenness/Salisbury in NH/MA most of the time but I think you'll find the best surf down in Rhode Island. Water temps should be fine, I'm not too sure what kind of wetsuit you'll need probs a 4/5 or 5mm thick with booties and hood


Yah Im not overly concerned about water temps.

What is the rental infrastructure like? We've got no gear with us so we would need to rent and im wondering if there are just shops down around the beach that are pretty good with that stuff?
Apr 11 2014 1:51PM
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
MooseNutsHe meant for kite surfing. Personally I surf Jenness/Salisbury in NH/MA most of the time but I think you'll find the best surf down in Rhode Island. Water temps should be fine, I'm not too sure what kind of wetsuit you'll need probs a 4/5 or 5mm thick with booties and hood


definitely check out Rhode Island for sure. There's some good surfing in Middletown and there's a camp ground not too far from there. Also, there's a really good rental shop on the main drag heading to the beach.
Apr 11 2014 2:10PM
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BROSEIDON
Posts: 3702 - Karma: 1,495
Go to southern Maine, there's a bunch if spots that are best with different swell directions. Higgins beach, fortunes rocks, goochs beach, wells beach, and ogunquit by the river are all sick! Let me know if you end up in Maine I'd come down and show you some spots and paddle out
Apr 11 2014 6:36PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
BROSEIDONGo to southern Maine, there's a bunch if spots that are best with different swell directions. Higgins beach, fortunes rocks, goochs beach, wells beach, and ogunquit by the river are all sick! Let me know if you end up in Maine I'd come down and show you some spots and paddle out


Sick man! I'll let you know for sure. Were probably going to make this trip on a whim based on weather and swell. Its a four hour drive for us to maine, a little further to Rhode Island but that would be awesome to meet up with a fellow NS'er.
Apr 11 2014 7:00PM
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ZachAndCheese
Posts: 816 - Karma: 5,116
My bro has a house on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. Its a sweet ass island and like everyone surfs. The waves are wicked nice and there tends to be a pretty bomb sand bar surrounding most beaches. Pretty chill all around atmosphere.
Apr 11 2014 8:10PM
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s.parker
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 259
Link.Yah Im not overly concerned about water temps.

What is the rental infrastructure like? We've got no gear with us so we would need to rent and im wondering if there are just shops down around the beach that are pretty good with that stuff?


youll most likely need a 4/5 suit with booties and hoods. if not you will be fucking miserable for sure. most places dont rent out winter suits because its a liability for them, before you go somewhere, definitely call the local shop before to see if they do rent them out.
Apr 11 2014 9:06PM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,268
How northeast are we talking? Jersey's been good. Although jersey seems to disallow everything on the beaches, including camping. I'm usually around the belmar area, everybody nows manasquan so I'll say that. Air's getting warm, I'd be in 5mm since I'm always cold, maybe some are doing 4/3 by now. Boots and probably gloves will be needed, might get away without your hood up. I did that on super bowl sunday and I was fine, save for my ears getting cold if they got wet.
Apr 11 2014 9:19PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
DrZoidbergHow northeast are we talking? Jersey's been good. Although jersey seems to disallow everything on the beaches, including camping. I'm usually around the belmar area, everybody nows manasquan so I'll say that. Air's getting warm, I'd be in 5mm since I'm always cold, maybe some are doing 4/3 by now. Boots and probably gloves will be needed, might get away without your hood up. I did that on super bowl sunday and I was fine, save for my ears getting cold if they got wet.


Saw on the Summer Sessions or Pioneers Boardshop FB page (NH surf shop) that some people ar erocking 4/3's and i think the swell has been about chest high in recent times...not too sure though because ive been stuck in upstate NY. I've heard from friends its been pretty good though..
Apr 12 2014 8:57AM
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BROSEIDON
Posts: 3702 - Karma: 1,495
s.parkeryoull most likely need a 4/5 suit with booties and hoods. if not you will be fucking miserable for sure. most places dont rent out winter suits because its a liability for them, before you go somewhere, definitely call the local shop before to see if they do rent them out.


Aquaholics rents winter suits
Apr 12 2014 10:33AM
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elinde
Posts: 1467 - Karma: 3,054
It's slowing down but definitely still going for a bit. Definitely get a winter suit (probably more than a 4/3 but you might be alright in one), and booties, hood, and gloves are essential. There is surf all along NE coast, just ask around for the best spot near you. Have fun!
Apr 12 2014 11:22AM
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-AM-
Posts: 162 - Karma: 116
There are definitely some good spots in Maine. All of the spots previously mentioned seem great (I go to them all the time, and they have decent sized waves for New England for the most part). Last year I tried surfing for the first time at Ogunquit Beach, and the only issue I had with it was that the place where the waves tend to be the biggest is right in front of a rock wall. If you're a first timer (like me), it can be a bit intimidating. The other option would be to surf right where the river hits the ocean, but the currents can be iffy and the waves REALLY vary on the day there. That being said, Scarborough seems to have consistently large waves, and if theres some sort of a storm offshore when you go, definitely hit up scarborough or old orchard beach.
Apr 12 2014 9:39PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
Alright well my buddies and I are heading down tomorrow.

We are staying at a place called old orchard beach and are going to try and rent from around there. We talked to some lady on the phone and she was a hell of a bitch to us, it was kinda weird.

Anyways let me know if anyone is around.
Apr 23 2014 12:37AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51654 - Karma: 162,373
Honestly if you're new you really need overhead waves. If you can find somewhere with long rides in the waist high range that's perfect.

If you figure out where you're going you can check surfline to see what's happening there look at forecasts or even watch cams of the breaks(for some)

also

People who have seen point break have a 62% higher success rate at surfing.
Apr 23 2014 2:19AM
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Jro.
Posts: 628 - Karma: 655
Come to York Beach, Maine. Usually great surf this time of year and you might see me out in the water. Plus if it's not good you can also try the Ogunquit River Mouth which is about 10 min away and usually better than york
Apr 23 2014 10:03AM
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esotericjive
Posts: 1889 - Karma: 1,445
I surf long beach NY. Its pretty mellow, some nice surf in the summer.
Apr 23 2014 10:19AM
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mski
Posts: 4791 - Karma: 3,803
I grew up surfing pretty much exclusivly the beaches from Salisbury, MA to just below Portsmouth, NH. Jenness Beach was a spot my buddies and I frequented often, as well as The Wall & Rye on the Rocks. Not sure about camping, but I'm sure there are spots. Surf can be hit or miss, but the spring normally has some storms that kick up some decent swell. I'd say have a board thats around 7.5 to 9 ft just in case the surf is small.

Cape Cod can have some really good surf late spring early summer as well.
Apr 23 2014 3:58PM
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northeast
Posts: 2119 - Karma: 254
if you try to surf in me I'll scream
Apr 23 2014 4:18PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
SURFLINE ---> NJ /end thread
Apr 23 2014 4:27PM
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fortyvalve
Posts: 1442 - Karma: 1,573
Come to RI there are plenty of places to surf. Matunuck is one of the better places though, it's been a surf spot for decades.
Apr 23 2014 4:56PM
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raull
Posts: 384 - Karma: 2,232
first of all, before you go anywhere you need to learn how to read swell forecasts because it would really suck to go somewhere thinking there's gonna be waves everyday and it ends up being flat the whole time (which happens frequently for the entire east coast.)

Since you have a whole two weeks off, i recommend going somewhere warm (if the forecast looks good). the water temps this year have been the coldest in a long time so the water's taking a while to warm up. My recommendation is to go to the outerbanks. It receives more swell than most places on the east coast as it is less effected by the Continental shelf than anywhere else on the EC, which weakens swell considerably.

Going to the outerbanks is your best bet if you want to surf everyday. in New england, there can be waves for 2 weeks straight, but it'd be rare. in the outerbanks you are most likely going to be able to surf (probably tiny) but surfable waves everyday.

The problem is that you dont know if theres gonna be waves, so at the end of the day, you should just go where theres gonna be swell. surfings not like skiing where the mountains arent going anywhere. waves are not always there, especailly in new england.
Apr 23 2014 5:40PM
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jaylib
Posts: 4523 - Karma: 777
To everyone saying higgins/fortune rocks for surfing this time of the year can be fun for sure, and there are a few shops real close by to rent from. Alberg's Surf and Sport in Scarborough is 5 minute drive from higgins beach and you can rent big beginner boards and wetsuits. You won't be able to tent on the beach but there is some good camping not too far from the coast
Apr 23 2014 7:08PM
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beardstatus
Posts: 800 - Karma: 19
I go to school in Nova Scotia and surf as much as possible

Unfortunately, over the next week or so the waves look like shit. Looking ahead long range, just as May is starting (May 2 to May 4), we may have some waves. This is still 10 days away so a lot can change but that's what is forecasted now.

If you have two weeks off and are interested in making the (long) trip up here, message me and I can show you around
Apr 23 2014 9:03PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,169
Alright so we made it down to Maine today, were staying in old orchard beach and surfed down at kennebuke. It was super small, only like 2 3 feet max but still really fun.

We're heading out again tomorrow and may try to head to anther beach. We dot want to go to far because we are planning to come back to canada tomorrow night.

Anyone going to be out in the area? Suggestions? Any input is appreciated haha
Apr 23 2014 9:48PM
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