Surfing in USA
The United States of America is the third largest country in the world and has thousands of incredible surf spots scattered around the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The country is known for having a long history of beach and surf culture that influenced music, language, fashion and lifestyle. The famous american rock band “Beach Boys” is world wide recognized for their greatest hit “Surfing in USA”. Hawaii is the birthplace of modern surf and it’s arguably the best surf area in the country. Every surfer dream is to surf the legendary hawaiian waves of Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimeia at least once in a lifetime. The USA is also home for the greatest surfer of all times and 11x world champion, Kelly Slater, and other famous surf figures like Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Laird Hamilton, Rob Machado, Andy Irons and many others. There are no shortage of great surf spots for all kinds of levels of surfers both on the east and the west coast. When it comes to surf holidays the USA should definitely be one of the top destinations in the world.
Climate in USA
The climate in the United States of America (USA) is mostly temperate but due to its large size there are different weather patterns in some areas. Alaska has an Arctic tundra climate. Northern California is colder than the south but most of the state has great weather throughout the entire year and presents a Mediterranean climate. Hawaii and South Florida have a tropical climate with warm and pleasant weather. The east coast of the USA has a humid subtropical climate. The areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico are always affected by the hurricane season. El Niño and La Niña affect Florida’s climate drastically. In general the best time of the year to surf in the country is during the winter months from November to March.
Best surf spots in USA
The USA has a vast number of surf spots scattered around the country. On the East coast, Florida is probably the best choice. Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet, Long Beach (New York) and Cape Hatteras (North Carolina) are iconic surf spots. California is the best surf region on the west coast. Huntington Beach, Trestles, Oceanside, Santa Cruz, Mavericks, Rincon, Newport Beach, San Clemente, Malibu are the most famous and best surf spots.
Hawaii is probably the mecca of surfing in the world. The best surf spots are Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea, Hookipa, Jaws, Hanalei Bay, Waikiki, Pine Trees, Log Cabins, Honolua Bay and Kalapaki Beach. The freezing northern state of Alaska also has great surf spots. The best ones are Kodiak, Yakutat, Sitka and Cordova.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $7 USD. Mid-range meals start at $20 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $70-130 USD
Equipment rental
There are plenty of places where you’ll be able to rent gear. A surfboard rental starts at $10 USD an hour.
Prepaid SIM cards
T-Mobile or AT&T are a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from official retailers.
Prepaid packages start at $30 USD.
Public transport
In major cities you’ll find extensive bus, subway and light rail networks.
For longer distances you can take a bus, plane or train.
You’ll find taxis (always metered) in most cities as well as suburban areas.
Uber and Lyft are also in most cities and towns.
Rental cars start at around $25 USD a day.
Gas prices
$0.60 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Sharks, cold water, rip currents, rocky shores, localism. Hurricanes, earthquakes.
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 39 countries, including Australia and the UK, can enter the US on a visa waiver, but they must obtain electronic authorization (ESTA) beforehand. There are a handful of countries that are visa exempt, like Canada. All other visitors require a visa to enter.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
The US has no official language, English is regarded as the de facto national language.
US dollar ($)
Best time to go
In general the best time of the year to surf in the US is during the winter months from November to March.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 911
Check surf pictures of the USA at #surfusa.
