Surf's Up Dude - Surfing in Oregon!
Surfing in Oregon? It's true. In fact, surf shops continue to pop up all along the coast, from Seaside to Pacific City to Depoe Bay and farther south.
The Pacific Ocean hovers around chilly so you'll definitely want to step into a wet suit before paddling out. Like any surfing waters, please take caution, check the conditions before heading out and talk to the folks at the surf shops, where you can rent equipment and take lessons from certified surfing instructors. For more information on water safety and certified guides, please visit the Oregon State Marine Board or call (503) 378-8587.
To find your perfect surfing spot, consult our water sports page (be sure to check "surfing") or check out our friends at oregonsurf.com.
1.
North Coast
At the north coast’s Oswald West State Park, a half-mile forested walking trail takes you to a popular surf spot called Short Sands. It’s tucked between two giant cliffs, and surfers can ride on the north or south end walls. It’s a popular spot so be prepared to share the surf.
Another great spot is Pacific City, near Cape Kiwanda. It’s a long stretch of surf, and a beautiful beach, with Haystack Rock just offshore and a sheer cliff to the north. And after a day surfing the swells, walk over to the beachfront Pelican Pub & Brewery for fresh fish and chips and a microbrew (try the Kiwanda Cream Ale).
For more spots on the North Coast, check out http://www.oregonsurf.com/html/surfspots_north.html
2.
Central Coast
In the Newport area, Agate Beach is a popular longboard spot. The beach is protected from north winds by the massive headland and is a great place to learn to surf. Farther north, Otter Rock located on the south side of Cape Foulweather is easily the area's most popular break.
When in Newport, be sure to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and to chow down on some fresh and simple sea food from Mo's on the old bayfront; they are an Oregon icon and a "must-eat" stop with a knack for producing clam chowder to die for!
For more Central Coast surf spots, visit: http://www.oregonsurf.com/html/surfspots_central.html
3.
South Coast
Bastendorff Beach in Coos Bay is an exposed beach break that has quite a reliable surf. Best wind direction is from the southeast.
Hubbard Creek is another idyllic spot that is located about one mile south of Port Orford where you'll find sandbars that can produce good, hollow rights and lefts from several peaks.
For more South Coast spots, head to: http://www.oregonsurf.com/html/surfspots_south.html
4.
Surf Camps
In addition to many private and semi-private lessons being offered by Oregon’s coastal surf shops, there are at least two actual surf camps at the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach’s Oregon Surf Adventures offers daily surf lessons, as well as one and two-day surf camps to teach both adults and kids the fundamentals. While Northwest Women’s Surf Camps, out of Seaside, offers nine camps throughout the summer that are open to women of all ages and skill levels.
Eugene's River House Outdoor Program also has two surfing camps that journey to Newport during July 23-27 and August 13-17. For more information, please visit www.eugene-or.gov.
5.
Nearby Surf Shops
There are a number of surf shops along the Oregon coast to serve your every need, including:
Kiwanda Surf Co.
www.kiwandasurfco.com
Lincoln City Surf Shop
www.lcsurfshop.com
Ossies Surf Shop, Newport
www.ossiessurfshop.com
Otter Rock Surf Shop, Depoe Bay
www.otterrocksurf.com