3 Winter Surfing Spots for the Whole Family
Winter brings with it cooler temperatures and, much to the delight of surfers, it typically ushers in bigger waves. While you can make the trek south of the equator and chase an endless summer, there are plenty of family-friendly surfing spots in the U.S. that are worth exploring. With that in mind, here are three winter surfing destinations perfect for the whole family:
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Regardless of season, it’s pretty hard to list the best surfing spots and not mention Hawaii. If you’re on the West Coast, it’s a relatively easy flight. And for anyone else, it’s well worth the effort. Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu is a popular surfing spot and for good reason. And winter surfing can be very rewarding here—the waves can be big, and the highs rarely dip below 80
Waikiki Beach offers incredible views and a wide variety of consistent waves. One of the best waves at Waikiki is Queen’s Surf, which is directly in front of the beach from the east end of Kuhio Beach Park. The wave is great for a longboard like the Froth 9’ Longboard
If Waikiki is crowded when you visit, check out Pokai Bay. It has waves perfectly suited to beginners, thanks to a breakwater offshore that serves as protection for the beach. Plus, you won’t have to dodge other surfers as often. It’s a great spot for the lightweight, yet durable Froth 9’, as well.
2. Cocoa Beach, Florida
The Canaveral Pier at Cocoa Beach is perhaps the most well-known surfing spot on the East Coast. When the pier was built, it changed the layout of the sand around the structure, which intensified the waves. Today, it’s a great spot for the whole family—its waves typically won’t intimidate beginners.
In addition, you can take a short trip to Sebastian Inlet, as it’s only about 30 miles away. Sebastion Inlet has swells throughout the year, including during the winter months. And, as with much of this part of Florida, the water is typically on the warmer side. For that reason, many choose to go without a wetsuit. Still, some prefer wearing thin wetsuits during the winter months.
A versatile SUP like the Kraken 9’9 is an ideal board for the waves of Cocoa Beach or cruising on the adjacent Banana or Indian rivers. With its wide stance and sharp nose, it can handle just about anything the Florida coast has in store for you in winter. Plus, its three front tiedowns make storing gear a breeze while exploring the calmer waters behind the beach.
3. San Diego, California
You’ll want a wetsuit in these waters during the winter months, but the outside temperature is still somewhat mild, so it doesn’t take much to stay comfortable. While San Diego beaches are extremely popular during the summer and fall months, you’ll largely avoid those crowds when the days become shorter.
The San Diego area offers some of the best surfing in the states, and Blacks Beach is a big reason why. Blacks Beach, which is located beside the famed Torrey Pines golf course, benefits from the same underwater canyon that produces big waves in La Jolla. The waves here are not for beginners, so if all your family members aren’t competent on shortboards, you may want to visit Pacific Beach instead. Not only does the beach have a welcoming vibe, but it offers varying breaks for different skill levels in your family.
Whether Blacks Beach or Pacific Beach, a Froth shortboard makes for an excellent ride. Both the 5’ and 5’6“ versions are lightweight, soft-top boards that are engineered to last and designed with all skill levels in mind.
There may be no such thing as a bad time to take the family surfing, but fewer crowds and bigger waves make winter an undeniably wonderful time to make the drop. And no matter which Froth board you choose—a SUP, longboard or shortboard—or which beach you choose to visit, you’ll be more than ready for the next swell.