Surfing in Maine

Maine surfing rewards those willing to brave cold water and variable conditions. The Gulf of Maine produces quality waves from late summer through spring, with fall and winter bringing the most consistent swells. This isn’t warm water beach culture - Maine surfing is wetsuits, rocky points, and dedicated locals who understand that good waves require commitment.

Surf Spots

Higgins Beach

South of Portland in Scarborough, Higgins offers the most consistent surf in southern Maine. The beach faces southeast, catching swells from tropical storms and nor’easters.

Both beach breaks and a rocky point provide variety. The point holds bigger swells and creates longer rides. Beach breaks work better for beginners.

Summer sees minimal surf but heavy tourist traffic. Fall through spring brings real waves with fewer people. Parking is limited and residents restrict non-resident access in summer.

The bottom is sand and rock. Watch for submerged rocks at low tide. The local crew is protective but generally welcoming to respectful visitors.

Long Sands Beach

York’s main beach offers accessible surfing with amenities. The long stretch of sand creates multiple peaks spreading crowds.

This spot works on northeast and southeast swells. Sandbars shift seasonally, creating temporary quality peaks. The beach is exposed, so wind affects conditions significantly.

Summer is flat and crowded. Fall sees the best combination of swells and water temperature. Winter surfing happens but requires serious cold water gear.

Parking, bathrooms, and food are available. Surf shops nearby rent boards and wetsuits. This is the most beginner-friendly location on this list.

Short Sands Beach

Also in York, Short Sands sits in a cove protected from north winds. The compact beach creates focused waves but gets crowded.

Better for smaller swells. Big days create closeouts (waves breaking all at once across the beach). The protected location means it can be surfable when other beaches are blown out.

The local scene is tight. Respect the pecking order. Visit midweek or early morning to avoid crowds.

Ogunquit Beach

This long sandy beach catches swells well. Multiple peaks allow spreading out even on busy days.

The town is tourist-oriented with parking, food, and services. Surf shops operate year-round serving the local surf community.

Rivermouth currents affect the break. Sandbars shift. Rip currents can be strong - know how to handle them.

Winter surfing at Ogunquit is serious business. Water temps drop to the high 30s. Only experienced cold water surfers should paddle out.

Old Orchard Beach

Maine’s most tourist-heavy beach also has surf. The pier creates interesting waves nearby, though avoid surfing too close to the structure.

Beachbreaks are consistent but often messy. This isn’t a high-quality wave but it’s rideable and accessible.

Summer is chaos with tourists. Off-season provides better conditions and fewer people. Winter storms light up Old Orchard with powerful beachbreak.

Good for learning due to sandy bottom and generally forgiving waves. The town has full amenities and welcoming atmosphere.

Peaks Island

Accessible by ferry from Portland, this Casco Bay island has limited but quality surf spots. The rocky points hold swells well.

Access is challenging. You need to bring boards on the ferry or rent on island. Local knowledge is valuable - spots aren’t obvious.

The island community is small. Respect private property and local sensibilities. This is resident territory first, surf spot second.

When conditions align, Peaks produces excellent waves without mainland crowds. Consider this an advanced option for those committed to exploring.

Reid State Park

Georgetown’s state park offers a beautiful setting with two sandy beaches. Mile Beach faces more open water and gets better swells.

Rocky headlands define the beaches. Some reef breaks work during bigger swells but require experience and local knowledge.

The park charges entry fees. Limited hours in winter. Parking fills on good wave days.

Water is colder here than southern Maine. Current can be strong. This is a less-traveled surf spot worth exploring.

Seasonal Conditions

Summer (June-August)

Summer is generally flat. Gulf of Maine swells are minimal. Occasional tropical storms send waves, but consistent surf is rare.

Water temperature reaches the 60s by August, warmest of the year. Tourist crowds pack beaches. Parking is difficult and expensive.

Summer is best for learning to surf. Small waves, warmer water, and plenty of daylight help beginners progress.

Experienced surfers mostly wait for fall. Some travel to warmer waters or focus on other activities.

Fall (September-November)

Peak surf season. Hurricane swells from the Atlantic generate consistent waves. Early season nor’easters begin firing.

Water temperature drops from 60s in September to 50s by November. Fall wetsuits (4/3mm or 5/4mm) become necessary.

Crowds thin as tourists leave. Locals reclaim beaches. Surf lineups get more serious.

Weather is variable. Beautiful sunny days alternate with storms. Wind can be strong but also creates the swells.

This is the best time to surf in Maine. Consistent swells, manageable water temps, and fewer crowds create ideal conditions.

Winter (December-February)

Hardcore surfing season. Water temps drop to high 30s and low 40s. Only serious cold water surfers paddle out.

Nor’easters produce the biggest, most powerful swells. Storms can generate overhead to double-overhead surf.

Icing is real. Wetsuits freeze between sessions. Changing outdoors requires mental toughness. Water feels painfully cold despite 6mm suits.

Crowds are minimal. The commitment required filters out casual surfers. Respect grows for those willing to surf these conditions.

Daylight is limited. Winter storms bring dark skies. Surfing in the cold and gloom isn’t for everyone.

Spring (March-May)

Water remains cold into May. Wetsuits are still necessary through entire season.

Swells continue but become less consistent than winter. Spring storms generate waves but weather turns variable.

By May, water starts slowly warming. Wetsuit thickness can decrease slightly. Daylight extends.

Spring surfing offers quality without winter extremes. Less crowded than fall but with good waves.

Wetsuits and Cold Water Gear

Wetsuit Thickness

Summer and early fall: 3/2mm fullsuit covers water in the 60s.

Late fall: 4/3mm provides warmth as water drops to 50s.

Winter: 5/4mm or 6/5mm with hood, boots, and gloves. Water in the 30s and 40s requires maximum insulation.

Spring: 4/3mm or 5/4mm depending on personal cold tolerance.

Boots, Gloves, and Hoods

Neoprene boots are necessary October through May. Rocky entries make them essential for safety beyond warmth.

Gloves decrease dexterity but keep hands functional. Mitts are warmer than gloves. Some surfers tough it out without, but most use them in winter.

Hoods prevent heat loss through your head. Essential for winter surfing. Many surfers start wearing hoods in November.

The full cold water setup - thick suit, boots, gloves, hood - is expensive but necessary. Budget $500-800 for quality gear.

Wetsuit Care

Rinse with fresh water after every session. Salt degrades neoprene.

Hang inside-out to dry in shade. Sun damages wetsuits.

Store flat or on wide hangers, never folded. Creases become permanent.

Wetsuits last 1-3 years with regular use. When they lose stretch and warmth, replace them.

Surf Shops

Southern Maine has several excellent surf shops providing equipment, rentals, and expertise.

Aquaholics in York rents boards and wetsuits. Staff provide local knowledge and conditions reports.

Liquid Dreams in Ogunquit has been serving Maine surfers for years. Sales, rentals, repairs, and honest advice.

Cinnamon Rainbows in Portland offers gear and connects you to the local surf scene.

Boards and Bikes in Old Orchard Beach serves the local community with year-round sales and service.

These shops are community hubs. Bulletin boards list used gear. Staff know conditions and will steer you to spots matching your ability.

Most shops rent boards for $30-50 per day. Wetsuits rent for $20-30. Multi-day rates available. Book ahead for weekends.

Lessons

Several shops and independent instructors offer surf lessons. These range from one-hour intro sessions to multi-day camps.

Beginners benefit enormously from instruction. Learning proper paddling, positioning, and pop-up techniques prevent bad habits.

Group lessons cost $50-75 per person for 2 hours. Private lessons run $100-150. Family packages available.

Summer is peak lesson season. Book ahead. Instructors provide boards and wetsuits.

Most lessons happen at Long Sands or Old Orchard where sandy bottoms and manageable waves suit learning.

Lineup Etiquette

Maine surf culture values respect and following unwritten rules. Learn and follow these protocols:

Priority

The surfer closest to the peak has priority. Don’t drop in (take off in front of someone already riding).

If someone is up and riding, you’ve missed your turn. Paddle around the break to get back in position.

Taking Turns

Locals often have understood rotation. Watch and learn the pattern. Don’t paddle out and immediately start taking every wave.

Spread the waves around. If you just got a good ride, let others have turns.

Respect Locals

Regular surfers at a break have earned respect through consistency and commitment. Acknowledge this.

Don’t show up in a crowd and act entitled. Be friendly, wait your turn, and prove you can surf competently.

Safety

Control your board. If you’re learning, stay away from crowds. Loose boards hit people.

Know your limits. Don’t paddle out in conditions beyond your ability. You endanger yourself and those who might need to rescue you.

Communication

Make eye contact and communicate in the lineup. A nod or hand signal clarifies who’s taking a wave.

Apologize when you make mistakes. Drop-ins happen. Say sorry and move on.

Hurricane Season

August through October, tropical systems in the Atlantic send swell to Maine. These can create the best waves of the year.

Monitor weather forecasts and surf forecasts. Hurricanes tracking up the coast produce the most consistent swell.

The danger is that these storms also bring wind and rain. Timing is key - waves arrive before storms make landfall.

Rip currents intensify during big swells. Strong surfing skills are necessary. These aren’t beginner conditions.

Maine rarely sees hurricane direct hits, but the swell energy travels hundreds of miles ahead of storms.

Safety Considerations

Cold Water Shock

Sudden immersion in cold water triggers gasping reflex and rapid breathing. This can lead to drowning.

Enter water gradually when possible. Splash cold water on face before duck diving under waves.

If you fall in suddenly, control breathing. Focus on calm, measured breaths until shock passes in 1-2 minutes.

Hypothermia

Extended time in cold water lowers body temperature dangerously. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination.

Limit session length in winter. When you start feeling cold, end your session. Don’t push it.

Have warm clothes ready in your car. Change immediately after surfing. Hot shower or bath helps.

Drink warm liquids. Avoid alcohol, which increases heat loss.

Rips and Currents

Rip currents pull water away from beach through channels. They’re strongest during big swells at low tide.

If caught in rip, don’t panic. Swim parallel to beach until out of current, then angle back to shore.

Rips can aid paddling out but make getting in harder. Plan your entry and exit points.

Rocky Entries and Exits

Many Maine surf spots have rocks. Time waves carefully when entering and exiting.

Booties protect feet. Watch where you step.

Getting thrown onto rocks happens. Protect your head. Accept some scrapes as part of Maine surfing.

Marine Life

Great white sharks visit Maine waters in summer, following seal populations. Attacks are rare but possible.

Avoid surfing near seal colonies. Don’t surf at dawn or dusk when sharks feed.

If you see a shark, exit water calmly. Don’t thrash or panic.

Jellyfish are more common problems. Lion’s mane jellies sting. Rinse with vinegar if stung.

Local Culture

Maine surfing culture is less flashy than California or Hawaii. It’s a working-class sport practiced by dedicated locals.

Many Maine surfers are fishermen, lobstermen, or blue-collar workers who surf before or after work shifts.

The surfing isn’t about lifestyle branding. It’s about riding waves in challenging conditions because you love it.

Respect this culture. Don’t show up with expensive gear and attitude. Humility and genuine stoke earn acceptance.

The community is small and tight. Regulars know each other. New faces are noticed. Be friendly and respectful.

Getting Started

Rent equipment and take a lesson. Don’t buy a board until you know what you want.

Start in summer on small days. Build skills before tackling fall swells and cold water.

Surf with others when learning. Never surf alone in challenging conditions.

Study surf forecasting. Learn to read swell direction, period, and wind forecasts.

Accept that you’ll be uncomfortable. Cold water, wipeouts, and tired muscles are part of learning.

Progress takes time. Don’t get discouraged. Every session builds skills.

Beyond the Beaches

Maine’s surfing extends beyond established spots. Rocky points and remote beaches offer uncrowded waves to those willing to explore.

This requires local knowledge, proper equipment, and skill. Don’t explore alone. Hazards include cold water, rocks, and remoteness.

Some surfers keep their secret spots private. Respect this. Sharing information isn’t expected in Maine surf culture.

The reward for exploration is empty lineups and quality waves. This is advanced surfing requiring confidence and competence.

Why Surf in Maine

It’s challenging. Cold water, rocky coasts, and variable conditions demand commitment.

It’s rewarding. Catching waves when water is 38 degrees, when snow falls during your session, creates stories and builds character.

It’s beautiful. Surfing with pine forests on shore, rocky cliffs, lighthouses in view - this is surfing in a unique setting.

The community is authentic. Maine surfers do it for love of surfing, not image or status.

And when everything aligns - clean swell, offshore wind, no crowds - Maine produces world-class waves.

If you’re serious about surfing and willing to embrace challenge, Maine offers opportunities that fair-weather surfers never experience.

Bundle up, wax your board, and paddle out. The water’s cold, the waves are waiting, and the Maine surf community welcomes those brave enough to join them.