Surf’s Up! Your Guide to Surfing on the Cape

When most people think of surfing, they imagine the crashing waves of California, Hawaii, or Australia. But New Englanders who don’t have the time or means to travel to far-flung destinations can get their surfing fix in their own back yard – right here on Cape Cod.

The Cape is known for its water sports, from sailing to jet skiing to paddle boarding. Swimmers and beachgoers flock to the beaches during the summer. Whale watching and fishing are also popular activities for residents and tourists. But the Cape is also home to some of the best surfing in the region.

The best waves for surfing on the Cape are found on the eastern coast, where the Atlantic Ocean pounds the long stretches of beach. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, a section of the Cape Cod National Seashore, is a popular destination, known for its steady swell in the summertime. Also in Eastham, surfers congregate at Nauset Light Beach. Nauset Beach in Orleans, one of the Cape’s most popular beaches, offers a large parking area and a concession stand.

In Wellfleet, surfers will also find waves to catch at Marconi Beach and White Crest Beach. White Crest Beach is known for its excellent longboard waves. And Cahoon Hollow Beach is home to the Beachcomber restaurant, which hosts reggae and rock bands. With miles and miles of beach, surfers can find a stretch that isn’t too crowded.

If you’re a novice surfer who needs lessons, there are a number of companies that offer training by seasoned surfers who know the ins and outs of surfing on the Cape. If you’re a veteran surfer looking for a report on conditions, surf forecasts for the Cape are available online and provide information on surf, swell, wind, and weather so that you can plan ahead.

The Cape is home to a number of surf shops where you can find new and used boards and other surfing equipment, information on lessons, and board repair. Since Cape surfing is cold water surfing, you’ll need a wetsuit, which you can rent or buy at one of the area surf shops. Nauset Surf Shop and Pump House Surf Shop, both located in Orleans, carry everything you’ll need to hit the waves.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of days at the beach, you’ll want to research parking availability and costs, as rules vary from beach to beach. Information about parking as well as amenities like food and restrooms is available online.

Whether you’re a first-time surfer or a seasoned pro, Cape Cod’s beaches offer something for everyone. With surf season just around the corner, now is the time to start planning to hit the beach.