Northeastern Women's Obsession with Winter Surfing Explained
The chill of winter hasn't deterred a growing number of women from hitting the waves along the U.S. East Coast. From the Hamptons to New England, women are embracing winter surfing, extending their season and finding solace in the ocean's embrace.
The East Coast, particularly areas like the Hamptons at the eastern end of Long Island, offers excellent surfing opportunities even in winter months (December to February). These surf spots attract surfers who want to extend their surfing season despite colder temperatures.
Improved gear and wetsuit technology have made cold-water surfing more accessible and comfortable, encouraging more women to surf in winter conditions. Winter surfing wetsuits, gloves, and boots have seen significant advancements in technology and women's sizing, democratizing access to the sport.
There is a growing cultural movement toward inclusivity and empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated sports like surfing. Professional female surfers are gaining visibility and inspiring others, with women now comprising about 20 to 30 percent of surfers worldwide.
The popularity of winter outdoor activities on the East Coast, combined with the appeal of a unique challenge, motivates women to take up winter surfing as a way to enjoy the ocean in less crowded, serene environments. Many women surfers report feeling a kinship with others who abandon everything to pursue waves, deliberately choosing to make time for their passion despite their other responsibilities.
Tess Jacquez, a 31-year-old from Portland who works in solar energy and as a part-time surf instructor, is one such individual. She enjoys winter surfing at sunrise, describing it as a form of therapy, church, sanctuary, meditation, or outlet.
Tricia Pan, the owner of Sommers Surf Lessons in Ocean City, Md., founded her business because she could not find a female instructor in her early days of learning to ride. Her surf shop, Narragansett Surf & Skate in Narragansett, R.I., is located close to some of the best spots for winter waves in New England.
Ashley Gunn, a 34-year-old nonprofit professional and AMC member from Boston, is another winter surfer. Kate Strait, an eighth-grade science teacher from South Portland, Maine, and Lee "Gidget" Ferrera, a past winner at ESA's annual Mid-Winter Championships, are also part of this growing community.
Michelle Sommers, the executive director of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA), anticipates more women will continue surfing through the winter as the pandemic continues to strain people's mental health and they seek restorative outlets. With the number of surfers in the water growing significantly during winter, it seems winter surfing is here to stay along the U.S. East Coast.
- Science and technology advancements in wetsuit and gear manufacturing have contributed to the growing number of women participating in winter surfing, making it more accessible and comfortable for them.
- Lifestyle choices and the appeal of a unique challenge motivate a rising number of women to engage in winter outdoor activities like surfing on the U.S. East Coast, as shown in the popularity of winter surfing.
- The East Coast's home-and-garden locations, such as Ocean City, Maryland, and Narragansett, Rhode Island, offer exceptional winter surfing opportunities for surfers looking to extend their season and embrace the ocean during colder months.
- Relationships and shared experiences bond a community of women surfers, who find solace in the ocean's embrace while pursuing waves despite other responsibilities and commitments.
- Winter surfing has gained prominence in the travel and tourism sector, as more people seek healthy-and-wellness experiences, including surfing, to improve their mental health and well-being during the pandemic, resulting in a significant increase in the number of surfers in the water during winter months.
