Surfing in Maine

It’s not the first place you think of when planning a surf trip. It’s obviously cold and not really on the radar as a first-class surf destination. Well, little did I know. I made the trip to the top Eastern edge of the United States and found a vibrant surf scene. I planned it right to go in September, when the water is no different than Southern California this time of year- around 63 F. Not bad at all and quite refreshing after surfing in 85 F water for the past 3 months in Florida. By accident, my timing worked out great and the day I arrived, a swell had also arrived and produced some really fun waves.

There is a lot of coastline to surf with a lot of different breaks. I surfed the South side of the Ogunquit River mouth. It produced a fairly fast right with a nice wall or a little slower left that gave lots of opportunities for turns and snaps. Both equally enjoyable. The crowd was friendly and there was a bit of talent in the water. To be a full-time surfer in Maine, you have to be pretty hardcore, and it showed in the lineup with the talent.

I was told it was a very slow summer and the waves finally started to show up, and the locals took full advantage of the surf. Still, nothing like the crowds you see along the coast of California. It was a short swell, so I was very lucky to have timed it right, but it was extremely fun and one that I will soon revisit.

As the seasons set in, the water temp will drop very quickly and the hardcore Maine surfers will find better surf and less crowds. I have a lot of respect for their commitment to the sport as the water becomes legitimately freezing, along with the air. 

We stopped in a lot of the local surf shops and met the owners while driving around. Our experience was a very stoked surf community and great people. Thank you to the Maine surfers for letting me surf your waves and I look forward to our next adventure in your beautiful state. Cheers!