PNW Surfing 101: Our Guide to Surfing in Washington & Oregon

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!

When most people think of the Pacific Northwest, they imagine towering pines, rushing rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Rarely do people think of the PNW as a beach destination, and they certainly don’t entertain the idea that the Pacific Northwest is a premier surf destination. There are nearly 500 miles of Pacific coast from the California state line to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Within that stretch of coast are long sandy beaches, protected coves, and rocky points, all set against a dramatic backdrop of pine-clad cliffs and otherworldly sea stacks. The northern Pacific is fiercely frigid, and the weather is often unforgiving, but when the conditions line up, the PNW is home to some of the best surf on the planet. If you’re a surfer itching to explore the Pacific Northwest, a Peace Vans Camper is the ultimate PNW surf trip vessel. Read below for PNW Surfing 101: the Peace Vans Guide to Surfing in Washington & Oregon.

PNW Surfing Necessities

Surfing in the Pacific Northwest is an extremely gear-intensive endeavor. For most of the year, water temperatures hover from the high 40s to the low 50s, making a good wetsuit an absolute must. While you can get away with a 4/3 wetsuit during the peak of the summer heat, most PNW surfers are in full 5-millimeter wetsuits year-round. In addition to the thick wetsuit, you’ll need neoprene gloves, booties, and a hood to stay warm in the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Surf Forecasting in the Pacific Northwest

There’s no shortage of swell along the northern Pacific Coast. In fact, during most of the year, there’s too much swell for most unprotected, west-facing breaks. Surf forecasting in the Pacific Northwest is all about understanding where to go on any given day, given the strength of a swell and the wind direction. With such craggy coastlines, Washington and Oregon surfers are usually able to find protected coves that are sheltered from harsh winter winds and massive swell. When the surf is really cooking in Washington, breaks come alive in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Like anywhere, surf forecasting in the PNW is a system of trial and error. A surfer must discover which spots work and when on their own.

The Challenges of Surfing the Pacific Northwest

Surfing in the PNW isn’t all mellow waves and sunshine. It’s often cold, and the waves can get heavy, especially in the winter. If you’re surfing in the PNW, be sure you’re surfing a break that’s within your limits as a surfer. While some waves may appear perfect, the combination of cold water and strong current can make them incredibly dangerous to new surfers. As with any surf destination, when you’re surfing in the PNW, always practice proper surf etiquette by respecting the locals, not dropping in on other surfers, and being mindful of your equipment and positioning in the lineup at all times. One of the greatest challenges of surfing in the Pacific Northwest is accessing many of the region's isolated waves. Unlike California, the best waves in Oregon and Washington aren’t part of a large metropolitan area, they exist in tiny coastal enclaves, small towns, and on protected national parks and Indian reservation land. Hoping in your car and driving to surf in the PNW can become an overnight mission if you’re chasing perfect conditions. A campervan is an ideal surf exploration vehicle for the PNW, allowing surfers to camp wherever the waves lead them.

The PNW coastline is raw and rugged, but for those willing to go the distance, it can be one of the most rewarding surf destinations on the planet. The best way to experience the PNW’s diverse surf scene is by exploring the coast in a camper, taking your time to get to know every nook and cranny you stumble upon.

The Surfing Regions of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is home to a wild, untamed coastline teeming with quality surf. While the PNW may seem like a daunting place to paddle out, especially for new surfers, with the right gear and a bit of local knowledge, surfing in the PNW can be as good as anywhere else in the world. The Pacific coastline from Oregon to Vancouver Island is diverse, with everything from long sandy beaches to protected rock coves. If you’re willing to brave the elements and paddle out in the PNW, you’ll be rewarded with epic waves, stunning coastal views, and a one-of-a-kind surfing experience. To find out where to surf in the Pacific Northwest, continue reading below for The Surf Regions of the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon

Oregon’s craggy coast extends for 362 miles and is exposed to an enormous amount of swell. Home to famed waves like Seaside Reef and the big wave mecca, Nelscott Reef, Oregon has been on surfer’s radars for quite some time. Thanks to the diversity of the coastline, there are waves along the entire stretch of coast, from the California state line to the Washington border. When it comes to surf breaks, Oregon has it all, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to rocky slabs and big wave reef passes. Southern Oregon possesses a handful of solid breaks, with surf schools and shops dotted along the coast. Northern Oregon is more consistent and offers a better variety of surf than the south. However, some of the breaks in Northern Oregon are highly localized.  Be aware of strong currents when surfing in Oregon and prepare for the cold water. Always surf within your limits.

Southern Washington

Once you hit the Washington border, the sea cliffs give way to wide-open sandy beaches that stretch on for miles. The main breaks in Southern Washington include Westport and Long Beach, both of which have several surf shops offering rentals and lessons for new surfers. While these breaks don’t have the same rock hazards as Northern Oregon, strong currents and frigid temperatures are still a factor in Washington.

The Olympic Peninsula

As head north on Highway 101, leaving the long sandy beaches of Southern Washington behind, the road starts to rise as the coastal topography becomes increasingly vertical. After half an hour or so, you’re tracing the edge of seaside cliffs as you enter the Olympic Peninsula. La Push in the Quileute Reservation and Port Angeles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca serves as the centers of the Olympic Peninsula surf scene. When it comes to surfing in the Olympics, you’ve got options. There are dozens of beaches with rideable waves beyond the main breaks frequented by summer crowds. During the winter, when powerful northwest swells travel down from Alaska, your best bet is to surf in the Strait, where the unruly swell is groomed into rideable surf. During the summer, when solid swells are few and few between, the exposed west-facing beaches on the Peninsula magnify small swell and produce fun, playful surf. Outside of Port Angeles, surf shops are non-existent along the Olympic Peninsula, so pack what you need for your entire trip, including wax, extra fins/ leashes, and plenty of sunscreen.

Vancouver Island

Tofino on Vancouver Island is the crown jewel of the PNW surf scene. Tofino sits on the northwest corner of Vancouver Island and is home to Canada's best waves and surfers. Tofino sees year-round swell and is known as a winter surfing hot spot. Home to dozens of breaks for all levels, with plenty of points, reefs, and beach breaks. While Tofino is the center of Canadian surfing culture, many of the country’s best waves can be found offshore by boat or seaplane. Still, the town has several fun waves and is the closest thing to a surf town you’ll find north of the border. Breathtaking beaches surrounded by old-growth forests and steep coastal topography make Tofino one of the world’s most unique surf trip destinations. Summer is great for beginners, but things really start cooking in the fall and winter.

Ready to embark on your PNW surfing journey?

Our Mercedes Metris campers are the ultimate PNW surf trip vehicles. Explore the entire region from southern Oregon to the Olympic Peninsula, Tofino, and beyond when you rent from Peace Vans.