New England

What makes New England a special destination for surfers?

There’s no place on Earth like New England, which covers a lot of territory: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine; technically Connecticut and Vermont are part of New England, but there’s little to no coastline. We have four distinct seasons, and each brings its own special beauty. If you really want to test your mettle, try surfing in New England during a snow-white winter, which bring unfriendly weather, biting-cold winds, deep snow drifts, freezing water, gnarly conditions, and some of our biggest, most challenging waves. Snow, sleet, ice and rain pelting you in the face like a firehose. Zero visibility for virtually blind takeoffs. Freezing hold-downs while numbness sets in. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you want it, come and get it.

Once spring rolls around, the air temps ease up but the water temps remain chilly. Mother Nature awakens all the dormant vegetation, though, lighting it up with color. And the beach roses really come alive along the coastline. Combine those brilliant visuals with a crisp spring swell, and you have the makings of a truly memorable session. Summers are more hit-or-miss. Clearly, we suffer from the typical summer flat spells — although we might get an early tropical storm, and on rare occasions, a legit hurricane — but you’re really rolling the dice on getting decent surf. The water temps are warm, though — multiple days in July and August will be in the low 70’s, surfers will be wearing light rubber or even trunking it. However, we do get hit with the greenheads in July — nasty, relentless bugs that will bite you on the beach and in the water. I call them Satan’s Little Helpers. By August they’re gone, but then the mosquitoes and no-see-ums come to take their place.

But of all the seasons we get here in New England, fall is hands-down my all-time fave, and I think most of my fellow surf brethren would agree. The water temps are still favorable, the air temps are still plenty warm enough, the tourists have all packed up and left town, and it’s when we get some of our best surf. Besides that, the best thing about autumn is the breathtaking colors. If you’ve never experienced the stunning display of reds, yellows and oranges when the leaves change colors in New England, you owe it to yourself to witness it firsthand.

What kind of waves can visiting surfers expect?

We have it all in terms of what kinds of waves we get: beachbreaks that rival the sand-sucking barrels of Jersey and Hatteras; perfectly shaped reefbreaks that produce pitching A-frame peaks that’ll dazzle you for hours on the right tides; a slew of rivermouths where the outgoing river combined with a rising swell offers long rides at low-mid tides; and of course, our world-class pointbreaks — from wrapping, 150-yard-long lefts to hollow, winding and grinding rights, all of which unload on solid rocky bottoms chock full of nasty boulders that can hurt you and your boards. There are none of those soft, sandy-bottom points up here, but there’s all kinds of waves that will suit any preference.

What’s the vibe?

It’s positive overall, but it varies depending on your skill level, and more importantly, your manners. The vibe could be anything from lukewarm friendly, to in-your-face hot. So, if you paddle out at a new break that’s teeming with locals, be humble, be gracious, and work your way into the lineup. Don’t just paddle out and sit deeper than everyone else. That will not fly here. If you’re being a loud, aggro hotshot, New Englanders won’t mince words with you. They might, however, point your way to the beach. The local tribes vary from state to state. There are the older crews who’re set in their ways, then there’s the up-and-coming rippers, then there’s gaggles of beginners. But respect them, too, because those beginners could very well be related to the older locals, who won’t take any crap.

What should surfers bring?

Wetsuits. For winter, you need a 5/4mm with an attached hood at the minimum, some people even wear 6-mils, but you definitely want 7mm boots and gloves/mitts. Extremities are the first to go out here. For fall and spring, a 4/3mm hooded suit and 5mm boots and gloves is tolerable. For early summer and late fall, you’ll need a 3/2mm, no gloves, although there have been summer days when they were absolutely needed, so have a pair handy just in case. And wear your boots regardless because if there’s a real swell running and you’re out surfing the points, walking over the rocks is easier.

And if you forget anything, there are several great surf shops along the New England coastline, so you’re never too far from picking up a wetsuit, trunks, rashguard, clothes, wax, or a new board. You got Water Bros in Rhode Island. In Massachusetts there’s Levitate in Marshfield and Surfari in Gloucester. In New Hampshire there’s Zapstix in Seabrook and Cinnamon Rainbows in Hampton/North Hampton and Summer Sessions in Rye. And in Maine there’s Liquid Dreams in York and Ogunquit. All these shops have everything a traveling surfer could possibly need. No matter what you ride, they can accommodate you.

When is the best time to score?

The best time for solid surf is late summer to mid fall, which is peak hurricane season and also primetime for nor’easters. With active tropical systems still churning off the coast of Africa, plus those coveted nor’easters, plus our own little local swell makers, fall is absolutely the best time to visit New England. You can’t go wrong. If you come here in fall and score during a good swell, you will never forget it. It will stay with you. The colors, the waves, the people… It’s why I still live here. That New England charm is for real.

What else is there to do when you’re not surfing?

While I personally never liked golf, we have some of the prettiest golf courses in the country. There’s also great fishing, both freshwater and saltwater, and some beautiful bike trails, both mountain biking and road biking on paved surfaces. Just under an hour away there are mountains for hiking and whitewater rafting, and for those who enjoy dropping into cement bowls, there are lots of skateparks all over New England. Of course, there’s some world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter, and at night, there’s plenty of music venues with both national and international acts, as well as some really talented local musicians covering every genre. It’s true, New England has it all.

What’s your favorite local cuisine?

There are several fine-dining restaurants throughout New England, along with many other affordable restaurants along the entire seacoast. We’re famous for our seafood, and there are dozens of restaurants that offer some of the freshest around, while on Boston’s North End, you’ll find some of the best Italian cuisine anywhere in the country. Flatbread Company and American Flatbread are located all throughout New England, Secret Spot in Hampton is a fave of local surfers for wraps, smoothies and acai bowls, and Seaglass in Salisbury is one of our all-time favorites — where you can sit right on the ocean and watch the waves peel off in front of you while you dine. The Old Salt in Hampton is another. You just can’t go wrong when it comes to dining around these parts.

Where can people learn to surf?

Most of the many surf shops in New England, and all those mentioned above, offer surf lessons and provide soft-tops and wetsuits. Just pick one and call them up. Certain individuals who will take on beginners, too, and there are guide services available for intermediate to advanced surfers.

What are some things people should be aware of when it comes to local culture and customs?

Oh, it’s like anywhere. We all have our little innuendos, and each local tribe has their own inside jokes and sayings. Just don’t have such thin skin around some of the more obvious locals. We have our accents, too. I don’t have that stereotypical Boston accent, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been looked at sideways when I open my mouth. Oh, and we love our professional sports teams. The Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots rule, so if you come wearing a Yankees hat, you’re gonna raise a few eyebrows. Bottom line, though, is we’re all surfers. The customs are just part of our culture. If you surf, you speak our language.

Any other local tips?

Come here with a positive attitude, an open heart, a smile, and make friends with the locals. Don’t start off on the wrong foot by showing up with a ready-made crowd of a half-dozen surfers for your own packed lineup. Eat, shop and buy locally. Surf shops make their living selling to people like you, so visit them all and buy something from each one. Even if it’s a bar of wax. Compliment the locals — nothing over the top, just be cool and throw out a subtle hoot. Please be discreet when it comes to cameras, and whatever you do, don’t be blowing up special surf spots by posting them on social media. Nobody who lives here wants to see that. Finally, follow the golden rule: Give a wave, get a wave.