Cold Water Surfing 101: How to Prepare to Surf in the Pacific Northwest

We’ve partnered with local writer, photographer, and surfer Morgan Bernard who put together this curated guide to surfing in the Pacific Northwest. Check out more of his work here!

The Pacific Northwest possesses the most wild and rugged coastline in the continental United States. In the nearly 500 miles from the California-Oregon border to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, ancient rocks rise from the depths of the ocean to form offshore sea stacks, and seaside cliffs tower over an ever-changing shoreline. When most people think of surf travel, they imagine warm tropical beaches, swaying palm trees, and postcard-worthy electric blue water. The Pacific Northwest doesn't quite fit the bill for a surfer's paradise. The chilly northern Pacific may not always be the most inviting, but it’s home to some of the best waves in the country. If you’re new to the PNW or new to surfing, you may be wondering how to get started. Surfing cold water may come with its share of challenges, but it’s also a rewarding and exhilarating experience. Continue reading below for Cold Water Surfing 101: How to Prepare to Surf in the Pacific Northwest.

Bundle Up for Cold Water Surf Checks

While summer sees its fair share of fun, small swells, the real surf season in the Pacific Northwest begins in the fall. By the time October rolls around, temperatures on the coast of Washington and Oregon can feel frigid compared to the summer. Always bundle up for your surf checks in the Pacific Northwest. Nothing is worse than feeling cold before you even paddle out.

Spring for Premium Neoprene

Water temperatures in Oregon and Washington can drop as low as the mid-40s and only reach a high of the low to mid-50s in the peak of summer. If you’re surfing in the PNW, you’ll want to spring for premium neoprene. A good 5/4 mm wetsuit should last you a few seasons and keep you nice and toasty even during your chilliest winter surfs.

Warm Up Properly

When we surf in warm water or exercise on land in normal temperatures, our bodies naturally warm up, and old aches and injuries fade away. In cold water, it's a different story. Once you're in the water, old injuries can flare up and your joints may stiffen due to the chilly temperatures. So, before paddling out for a session of cold-water surfing, make sure to warm up adequately to help your body adjust to the cold conditions.

Gear Up with Gloves, a Hood, and Booties

Surf for longer with the right gear. While surfers in California and other parts of the world ditch the gloves, hoods, and booties after winter, we typically use them year-round. In the summer, even when air temperatures are at their highest, the water temperatures in the PNW stay ice-cold. Summer can even see colder water temperatures thanks to upwelling. Gloves, booties, and a hood will help you stay cozy in the surf and allow you to surf for longer.

Surf Within Your Limits

Surfing in cold water takes an enormous amount of energy, dedication, and prep. No one just shows up to the beach on a cold winter day, decides to rent a board, and paddles out. The cold can be disorienting and adds another layer of difficulty to surfing, so it’s always wise to surf within your limits in cold water. Surfers should always strive to surf waves that match their skill level, but in cold water, it’s especially important.  

Experience the PNW in all its glory traveling by camper van. A camper van is the ultimate PNW surf exploration vehicle. Camp out at remote breaks, warm up post-surf with fresh coffee and a hot meal, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of PNW at your own pace. With a campervan as your trusty companion, you can chase the waves and discover hidden gems along the wild PNW coastline.