Embracing the Winter Waves: The Joy of Winter Surfing in Rockaway
Picture this: it's early in the morning, you're sipping on a cup of coffee, and you're gearing up for an adventure in Rockaway. The crisp winter sky greets you as you step onto the beach, and the waves are pristine - a sight you'd rarely find during the summer months.
Summer in the Rockaways is all about letting loose and hanging out with friends, occasionally catching a wave. However, it comes with its own set of issues. Crowded line-ups, aggressive surfers, and mediocre waves can take away from the experience.
If you're looking for a change, winter surfing might be your thing. Here are five compelling reasons to give it a try:
Less Crowded Line-Ups
Winter surfing is a must for any New York surfer, offering the opportunity to ride fantastic waves without the stress and anxiety of NYC's summer crowds. With fewer people in the water, you can focus more on your positioning and enjoy the waves without the constant worry of interfering with others.
Northeastern Storms: A Surfer's Dream
Nor'easters, those winter storms created off the coast of NY, can bring both heavy rainfall and perfect surf conditions to Rockaway. These storms generate swells that hit Rockaway with just the right strength and direction to create those legendary lefts and occasional A-Frames. Plus, the winds from the northwest keep these swells clean and glassy, providing fantastic surfing opportunities.
Community Connection
Winter surfing allows you to connect with the local surf community. Rockaway may seem hectic in the summer, but in the winter, it transforms into a tight-knit community where surfers get to know each other. Whether it's a pre-surf wave check or a post-surf visit to Locals Collective, the camaraderie and shared passion among winter surfers are palpable.
Wetsuit Surfing as Resistance Training
Donning a wetsuit during winter surfing might feel constricting and make paddling more challenging, but it has a significant benefit: it's like resistance training. After months of paddling in your wetsuit, you'll notice newfound muscles and improved performance when the summer rolls around. More time in the water means more waves caught.
It’s Invigorating!
With the right gear, winter surfing is like the thrill of snowboarding or skiing. While some may shy away due to the cold. The wetsuits, boots, gloves, and Hoods keep you nice and toasty. Plus, paddling generates internal heat. Surfing in winter is an invigorating experience, akin to sipping a hot cup of coffee on a brisk morning.
Conclusion
In summary, winter surfing in Rockaway offers a host of unique benefits - fewer crowds, great conditions, an invigorating experience, and valuable training for the summer season. Give it a try and discover the joys of winter surfing for yourself. We can't wait to see you out there, riding the waves and embracing the beauty of the cold season in Rockaway!
Want to try winter surfing out but don’t know where to start? Locals Surf School teaches year-round and provides all the gear needed to paddle out even on the coldest of days.