Surfing
Surfing
East Coast vs. West Coast surfing
The West Coast may boast larger waves, but the East Coast makes up for smaller waves with increased consistency.
Red Bull surfer Izzi Gomez was practically raised in the water. The five-time World Champion sums up her childhood.
“I pretty much grew up surfing,” Gomez tells Red Bull.
Izzi Gomez surfs a huge wave at Cortes Bank, California
© Frank Quirarte / Red Bull Content Pool
As a Florida native, Gomez had plenty of access to some of the best surfing in the country. If you say that to someone who grew up surfing on the West Coast, though, they might challenge that claim.
The subject of East vs. West Coast surfing has been a longstanding debate between surfing communities on each side of the country. While the waves aren’t exactly the same from sea to shining sea, you can still find the best waves in America on both coasts. Read ahead for a complete guide to East vs. West Coast surfing.
Geography and environment
Three essential ingredients are behind the sickest waves — ocean fetch (the distance the wind blows), the prevailing winds’ direction, and the continental shelf’s slope. All three are pretty different on the East and West Coasts, which is why there’s such a contrast in surfing experiences.
Whereas the East Coast has a wide continental shelf with a gradual slope, the West Coast’s shelf is steep and narrow. The West Coast’s prevailing winds also flow from behind the waves, giving each swell some extra power. In comparison, the East Coast’s winds blow right into any incoming waves, often reducing their power. All of this is why West Coast cities from San Diego to Santa Cruz have earned reputations for being a surfer’s paradise.
Jamie O’Brien surfs a wave in Santa Cruz, California
© Long Nguyen / Red Bull Content Pool
Don’t count the East Coast out just yet, though. The 2,370 miles of the Atlantic shore are pretty diverse, so you can find a range of top-notch surfing destinations. There are the cold but consistent waves in Massachusetts. (It’s hard to compete with the storm surges that lead to larger-than-life winter swells.) And further south, you’ve also got the warm beaches of Miami, which also gets some great post-storm waves.
Waves and swells
The wind patterns of the West Coast generally mean longer-lasting swells. In fact, the West Coast’s surfing conditions are the perfect setting for ground swell waves, or waves that last longer than 12 seconds. The continuous Pacific coastline means waves have to travel farther to reach the shore, often resulting in a powerful swell. Plus, if any frontal storms are brewing in the Pacific, the earth’s rotation will send them traveling from west to east. This means that the west coast on any continent tends to get the biggest swells.
East Coast surfers are generally dealing with low-quality wind swells, where the time between each wave is 11 seconds or less. The coastline isn’t quite as rugged, so you end up with shorter waves, both in terms of time frame and crest height. If you’re going for the most possible waves to ride in a day, this can be a great advantage. You don’t have to wait around for waves to form, so if you can’t stand to be idle, East Coast surfing may suit your taste.
2 min
Sessions: Feel the chill with the kings of cold
Diehard Jersey surfers Sam Hammer, Mike Gleason, and Rob Kelly take on blizzard barrels.
Whichever coast you’re on, it’s always smart to check the weather forecast before heading out. You can get a reading on swell size and period so you know exactly what to expect on the water.
Culture and community
Ask anyone to define the East and West Coast surfing cultures, and you’ll probably get a different answer every time. Some say the East Coast surfing community is more competitive, but territorial surfers exist on each coast. The West Coast may be famous for its laid-back, relaxed vibes, but make no mistake — surfers there take the sport quite seriously.
Just as the surfing culture on both coasts can get a little competitive, there are also plenty of surfers happy to welcome you. Many are also actively involved in promoting sustainable surfing practices in their communities so that their coasts stay protected for all to enjoy. You’ll find environmental conservation organizations, such as the Surfrider Foundation in California or Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation in Florida, committed to coastal habitats.
When that competitive spirit comes out on either coast, it’s often channeled into one of many local surfing competitions. From the East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach to the Western Surfing Association series in California, amateur surfers flock to both coasts to compete.
Surfing amenities
If you’re near the ocean on either coast, you’ll find strong surfing infrastructure to accommodate however you want to enjoy the waves. Whether you’re a tourist or part of the community, local shops welcome all surfers on the East and West Coast. For example, you can easily find rentals at the top surf shops in Oregon. And if you want to take surf lessons during your vacation near the best Outer Banks surf shops, local instructors will happily help.
East or West Coast Surfing: a thrill for everyone
The West Coast may boast larger waves, but the East Coast makes up for smaller waves with increased consistency. You might find equal joy surfing one wave after another on the Jersey Shore or taking on the glassy swells in the Lower Trestles. Both the East and West Coast offer surfing experiences that’ll make you never want to leave the water.
