Family-Fun Just Got Awesome
New York may be best known for taxis, skyscrapers, and the subway, but what you might not know is that there is an underground surf culture growing nearby. Winter swell season is right around the corner and we can help you find New York’s best breaks to help you and your family get outside and embrace winter weather. The surf is most definitely up near Westbury, NY. From Montauk to Queens, there is a swell for every skillset nearby. You don’t need to go far to find the perfect wave.
What to know before you go
Making room for a new board is easy
You might be able to get away with storing a boogie board in your home, but if a classic long board is what makes your heart sing, StorQuest has your back. Our storage units can keep an entire family of surfboards out of the elements and out of your way. We are surfers, skiers, bikers, hikers, underwater explorers, and mountain peak conquerors. And we’ve got the extra space you need to make life happen.
NY winter surfing tips
While summer is, of course, the most popular time to surf New York, winter surfing is gaining popularity. With sweet winter swells and dwindling crowds, now is the time to save on last year’s stock of wetsuits and explore New York’s best beaches. But there are a few things you need to know before you go:
- You will need a wetsuit – 5mm rubber with hood, booties, and gloves
- Kids, and probably adults too, should always wear a life jacket and helmet
- The newer you are to surfing, the longer the board you need
- Always bring your leash – and always use it
- Check the surf report before you go – try Surfline or Magicseawood
Learn to surf NY
If you are new to surfing or wanting to get the kids onboard (pun intended) instead of diving board first into the Atlantic, take a lesson from one of the many reputable surf schools nearby? Locals Surf School, Skudin Surf, and New York Surf School are all highly rated, offering private lessons, group lessons, and surf camps. Professional surf instructors will teach you how to read the waves and evaluate conditions so that you know when it’s safe to surf.
Surf mentoring is also available to those with more experience but need to brush up on the basics.
Catch your wave
So where can you find the best winter breaks in New York? Here are a few of our favorites:
Rockaway Beach, Queens – As NYC’s closest surf spot, it gets busy here, especially in the summer. But locals know it’s worth it. With sandy bottoms and a nice left break, this beach is good for both beginners and advanced surfers. Swells peak at 92nd Street Jetty. Get here early to avoid the crowds.
Fire Island, Long Island – Got some time to spare? Hop on the ferry to Fire Island and spend a weekend tearing up the waves on the over 10 miles of consistent beach breaks and barrels. The best swells come in late summer and early fall.
Gilgo Beach, Long Island – With a moderate to difficult paddle out, Gilgo Beach is worth the effort. Winter offers right breaking barrels and a nice, consistent swell. Drop in at low tide for the best waves. Check the swell report before you head out and keep an eye on wind speed and direction.
Laurelton Blvd., Long Beach – Brave the snow covered beach for tasty waves and the adrenaline rush of a perfect day at Long Beach. With waves five feet and higher, this is where you come to find the freedom of the ocean during New York’s coldest months.
Montauk – Named the No. 8 best surf town in the US by Surfer Magazine, Montauk is New York’s surf mecca. Sucking in swells from the south, west, and east, this is the East Coast’s most consistent break. Check out Turtles, Terrace, Poles, or Ditch Plains for the island’s choicest waves.
Tell us, are you an experienced surfer? What’s your favorite New York winter surf spot? Where are the best family-friendly beaches for winter swells in NY? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Tag us on Facebook or give us a tweet.
No matter where you ride, StorQuest has your back. We’ll help you make room so you can make it happen. Just give us a call to get started on a more awesome life.