Best cold water spots to surf on the East Coast

The advantage of surfing cold water spots on the East Coast, especially in the winter, is the lack of crowds. Fewer people are willing to surf in the cold, which means you can sometimes have outstanding waves to yourself.

When you head out to these breaks in the winter it’s essential to have a cold water wetsuit that will keep you warm. You’ll need a 5/4/3 wetsuit with a hood, as well as booties and gloves.

If you travel up the East Coast to northern Maine you might even find some practically undiscovered breaks. Just remember that many of these spots have a short swell window, which means they may not be breaking when you visit. However, if you have a spirit of adventure, an open mind, and a good-quality wetsuit, you might have an incredible experience surfing the New England winter waves. 

Winter Surfing in Maine

The best time to surf in Maine is the fall and winter when the area experiences winds from the north and south/southeast swells from the Caribbean hurricane belt. During this time you can find some excellent waves – including impressive A-frames  – at hidden spots up and down the coast.

Head to Kennebunk, south of Portland, for Gooch’s Beach (sometimes called Kennebunk Beach). In the winter you’ll see some good south swells from the mid-Atlantic that are sometimes mixed with offshore winds. When it’s working, this spot has fun, fast waves and even hollow tubes.

Farther North is Reid State Park, a break that’s typically not as big as the winter waves in the rest of the region. The southeast facing coast means it picks up the east/southeast swells. The wave can be messy, but you’ll find lefts and rights with some long rides when it’s working.

The best surf spot in Maine, however – and even in all of New England – is Ogunquit Rivermouth. South of Kennebunkport, this is a point break that is well-positioned to get the south/southeast swells from the Caribbean. Starting at Lobster Point, you can get quick steep lefts or take the rights that will sometimes go into the estuary, and if you’re lucky, with rides all the way to Ogunquit Beach. 

Winter Surfing in Rhode Island

For such a small state, Rhode Island has some great winter waves. Here you’ll find surf in the west, which is mostly beach breaks up to Connecticut, and the east, where Narragansett Bay divides the coast. 

Just over the Massachusetts state line is Goosewing Beach, also called Southshore Beach. This spot is probably the most consistent in the state, and even though it has extreme tidal swings, it works at both high and low tide. Check it out when there’s a late summer or fall southeast swell.

One of the heaviest waves in New England is Ruggles. The shape of the coastline means it can handle double or even trip overhead waves. When it’s breaking this isn’t a wave for beginners, but it will offer a long, exciting ride. 

Although it can be crowded, Narragansett Beach has something for everyone, depending on the time of year. In the summer, when it’s smaller, this is a good spot for longboarders and beginners. However, when an east or southeast swell arrives, you can find A-frame waves that break both left and right. 

Winter Surfing in New Hampshire

Although it has the shortest coastline in the United States, you can still find some quality surfing in New Hampshire – if you’re willing to brave the cold water. 

Some of the best surf, with something for all types of surfers, can be found at Jenness State Beach. Choose from a variety of peaks that are typically mellow and not too steep. When a Nor’easter comes through, however, you’ll see some impressive A-frames all up and down the beach. 

A more challenging break is Rye on the Rocks. Not for the beginner surfer, these heavy waves break at an exposed rock reef above boulders. You have to be careful not to crash into these underwater rocks when wiping out, but it’s a fast, exciting, and often hollow wave.

If you’re in New Hampshire in the winter, be sure to check out Costellos. When it gets some size from winter swells,  you’ll find a substantial wave that breaks on a rock reef. An offshore wind helps the left and right shoulders work, leading to some pretty unforgettable rides in the right conditions. 

Author Hilary Achauer