Big Waves, Small Crowds, and Cold Water
Ah, surfing in winter! The waves are bigger, the crowds are smaller, and the water is colder. Some love it, others hate it - but regardless of your feelings towards the colder months, there are waves to be surfed here in Southern California. Keep reading for our best tips to score this winter season!Best & Worst Surf Spots in SoCal
Thankfully in Southern California, we get waves all year round, so there is not really a “worst” spot per say. Even if your favorite break isn’t working with the particular swell coming through, you can bet there is somewhere close by that is working. Some of the best spots though for winter are San Diego and South Bay LA. These spots in particular tend to miss the summer swells that come through, but turn into a surfer’s playground in the winter. Other spots in Orange County that turn on as well are Seal Beach and of course Huntington Beach and T Street, which are both some of the most consistent breaks in Orange County. Be sure to try out a few of these spots this winter to get some great waves!
Best Beginner Spots
- Los Angeles - Torrance Beach, Redondo Beach, El Porto Beach
- Orange County - Newport Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach (inside section)
- San Diego - La Jolla and Encinitas
For beginners, consistent spots take the worry out of figuring out the surf report
Best Advanced Spots
What swells to look for
Winter swells are created by strong wind in Sibera and the North Pacific
Recommended gear
A 4/3 wetsuit should get you through the winter comfortably
Tips and tricks
When you start surfing in colder temperatures, it’s best to have a system dialed in so you are prepared before and after a surf to stay warm! Here are a few simple tricks to make that easier, or to add to your surfing checklist:-
Have a warm beverage ready to go
This can seem pretty standard, but is important! Having a warm cup of coffee or tea before and/or after you surf in the chillier temperatures definitely helps get your internal body temp up. Plus, there’s just nothing better than checking the surf in the morning sipping on your warm cup of coffee. -
Wear or pack layers
beanies, socks, slippers, jackets - everything! Your best bet is to have layers on when you are surfing in the winter in Southern California as many times the temperature goes up and down, so one minute you’re freezing, and the next it can randomly feel like summer, so come prepared for anything! -
Pack hot water to pour on yourself
The best trick in the game! There is no better way to warm up after being in cold water than to simply pour some warm water on yourself. There are many ways you can go about this, but the easiest is to reuse a gallon water bottle (also, yay sustainability and reusing!), fill it up with hot water before you leave to surf, and then when you are out of the water you can enjoy a lovely warm water shower at your car before you head home! (Become an Amazon affiliate and link to the rinse kit?? Maybe add other products to other blog posts?) -
Pull wetsuit over gloves and booties
This may be something you don’t think about, but it is key (especially surfing in cold water) to make sure that your wetsuit sleeves go over your booties and gloves and are not tucked into them. This way, water does not seep into them and you can stay warmer longer.