Massachusetts: Here’s How You Can Prepare For Surfing In The Winter
We may be in the thick of winter, where snow is both behind and ahead of us, but that doesn’t mean to you have to forget about surfing. In fact, there are many winter surfing activities you can do to practice your wave-riding skills.
While there are certainly many parallels to snowboarding, and even skateboarding, surfing does require a specific technique. I liken it to golf in many ways. Sure, swinging a baseball bat or even a hockey stick mirrors the general motion, but not exactly. You still need the perfect grip, hip rotation, and follow-through to smack the golf ball. The same holds true for surfing. Your foot placement and direction is the same in snowboarding, as is the need to look forward. However, your upper body paddle movements and pop-up positioning are different.
Surfing The Cold Oceans Of New England
I have found in recent years, the fall months in New England can provide some of the best surfing swells and experiences. Disclaimer – I am an intermediate surfer who prefers longboards. My point is, I am not very particular or on the hunt for massive breaks. Nonetheless, it is becoming more common to surf in the colder months here in the northeast. Towns like Hull and Marshfield along the south shore certainly provide spots to partake in this. Get a great wetsuit, with adjoining boots and a hood, and you can endure the very cold ocean waters and air.
Here Are A Few Tips On Winter Surfing Activities
- Get a balance board. INDO makes a great one, and of course, there are a few on Amazon. This can be used anywhere and forces your eyes and core to be harmonious in order to balance properly.
- Practice paddling. Lay flat on an elevated bench-style surface (bench press seat, for example). In your arched-back surfing position, simply paddle your arms slowly for 30 seconds.
- Swim. Any indoor lap pool will suffice. In a freestyle or breaststroke motion, you are strengthening your body movements and muscles required to paddle out properly. Sometimes, that’s the hardest part of surfing.
- Snowboard. As mentioned earlier, it’s certainly not the same technique-wise, but snowboarding does depend upon similar leg and core muscles.
- Keep an eye out for unique opportunities. Boston Surf Adventures typically holds a winter camp in November and December. Their Instagram account will provide tips you can learn from. In addition, they hold gatherings, excursions, and trips throughout the year. They have organized a group to go on a surf trip to Puerto Rico this January and March, for example.
5 Of The Best Outlets For Surf Attire In New England
