I met the ocean for the first time in August of last year when I moved down to the eastern shore of VA. I did not know my a#% from a hole in the sand but the ocean had a unique appeal. Knowing I was out of my element and some common surf culture stereotypes/stigmas, I took a humble and observant approach. I stayed away from other people knowing I had very little control in the water the 1st few times. Eventually the beach regulars started to help me out; some gave me used equipment others spent time coaching and surfing with me. I learned so much about the ocean and I got the bug! I still suck but I always learn and improve every time I go out. Anyway, I enjoy the forum even when the lack of waves creates a level of discourse similar to the social patterns of deranged hyenas on crystal meth. Anyway, I am moving to NH about an hour from the coast. I cannot find too much info on this region and would like some help. I know specifics are tough but as specific as you are willing to get would be great! General differences, culture, spots/breaks and equipment would be a start but I defer to those who know more so whatever you feel is important would be great!
Head on over to The Wall in Hampton Beach, NH. It is a popular surfing beach and there is a surf shop right there - Cinnamon Rainbows. That will get you started. Also check out Pioneers Surf Shop in the area.
Yup, the Wall is a good spot. I was passing through NH last April and got fun waist high waves there to myself. Plenty of room to spread out and not be in someone's way. It's probably much different in summer though. in regards to equipment: http://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/page/WW/CTGY/mens-fullsuits-hooded
I have never surfed in the mid atlantic but do surf in MA/NH. I love it up here. From the sounds of the posts on the boards I would bet there are less crowds. Fall/Winter is awesome up here especially if you board or ski. You can pull a dawn patrol in the morning then head to the mountains for some shredding in the afternoon. Overall the vibe is awesome. There is some localism at a few spots in NH but that's expected and from the sounds of it you wouldn't be paddling out to those spots at this point anyways. Def check out Cinnamon Rainbows and pioneers. Both classy spots. Where are you from originally?
North of the cape = More flat than the mid atlantic during summer(true..if you can believe that) You need a nor'easter for those points in NH to work. Totally blocked off from s windswell. Stock up on a ton of rubber and get another hobby from may to sept.
I have a donated 4/3 wit a few holes that I used in VA for fall and winter? no boots, hoods, or gloves? I ski and climb, that should help! In VA surfing was it and that can be frustrating!
At least in VA, you can drive to the outer banks. Unless you're really into inconsistent BRUTAL FREEZING cold surfing conditions(ie Jan/Feb air temps in the teens or even single digits on dawn patrol, water temps near 30) and an unbearably flat summer, you're not going to see NH as better than where you are.
You are going to need a lot more than a 4/3 with holes for the winters up here. I have a 6/5/4 and 7mm boots, 5mm gloves. Usually wear a 3/2 all summer into fall but that is more of a comfort thing. You can trunk it if/when there are waves from July-Sept depending on the air temp I suppose.
I don't think this is true. When NH isn't working too well there's plenty of surf within a two hour drive to Cape Cod and RI that gets similar swell to Long Island. Also, there's the whole coast of Maine to explore
Yeah it gets seriously cold up north. I took a spring break road trip up to maine and there was f*cking glaciers floating around in the break. In vb wetsuits you only need a decent 4/3, at least 5mm on the boots and gloves. Hood helps. Rarely is it sub 40, and if so, not for long.
Yeah, I was talking about NH., not RI and the cape. 2 hour drive my azz! It's a LONG drive during summer to get to the cape from NH. Over 150 miles from around RYE. And cape cod/RI aint the outer banks! You have to go south through boston which is a nightmare in of itself and the rhody breaks are really really far from nh as well. You're talking 3 plus hours each way.(in the summer on the weekend, way more to get to the cape from nh)That's absurd. He's planning on driving that twice a week or more? Yeah sure. lol And my point was about may to sept time consistency. It's worse in nh than the mid atlanti. Southern Maine needs nor'easters as well.
Ive found new england to be more appealing than most other spots along the east coast, after living in and visiting spots from north florida all the way up. Surfing is different up here, in and out of the water. There are both beach breaks and point breaks, all hosting different swell directions. If youre into traveling you can get a plethora of different waves. Sure winters are cold, but that weeds out most of the bros from the more surly types. Most beach towns up here have a little more character and they arent so overrun with gift shops and overstuffed beach gear stores. Remember its the east coast, everywhere endures long flat spells. Dont listen to townie dudes that refuse to leave their surfing beaches, give it a shot and make your own opinion about it afterwards
Yeah I agree there are good point breaks. No one said there weren't. It's definetly a huge positive over the non stop sandbar from florida to ny. The reefs give you a wide variety of waves to choose from. Being cold sucks. It's nothing to do with being "surly"
Stay Warm You'll find great surf up north. I surfed RI for 4 years before moving to HI. Great points for sure. I suggest you invest and buy the best wet suit possible. That means the warmest and the lightest when wet. I surfed RI down to 34 and any extra weight or leakage can shorten your session. Better to have a new warm wetsuit and a used beater board. Good luck.
Thanks for some great points and now I know point break is not just cult classic- I am definitely moving; that is not up for debate for better or worse, although the consensus seems to better so far! I will try to keep it general but here is some additional info: When in VA I explored as far south as Frisco and as far north as OCM. I really enjoyed Carolina. My go to beach was in Assateague, VA. I went year round and even when I could not manage on surfboard (choppy, big, blowin) I was in the water having a blast on my bb, even if I drifted 3 miles. I might not have taken this new job if we had regular consistent swells! I had a blast and met a ton of interesting people! I’m excited but slightly unsure regarding different type of breaks in terms of falling, I found sand and water an enjoyable medium to plummet into! I am on the wet suit /gear issue! One question about webbed gloves, they seem like a good idea but I have not really seen them in use by anyone? I might not go in the dead of winter as the state parks and ski resorts should keep busy! Still not sure?
