Surfing is often associated with warm beaches, tropical weather, and sunny skies, but there is a growing community of adventurers who embrace the challenge of cold water surfing. Cold water surf spots offer unique experiences, stunning scenery, and waves that are often less crowded than their tropical counterparts. If you’re willing to brave chilly waters and invest in a good wetsuit, these locations offer some of the best cold water surf experiences in the world.
1. Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes are the perfect backdrop for a cold water surfing adventure. The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to consistent waves and a rugged coastline that attracts surfers seeking solitude and adventure. While the water temperature rarely goes above 10°C (50°F), the unique volcanic scenery and potential to catch the Northern Lights make it an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Surf: Fall and winter months when swells are strongest.
What to Pack: A 5/4mm or thicker wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
2. Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Nestled on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Tofino is a charming surf town surrounded by pristine wilderness. With a variety of beach breaks and a welcoming surf community, it’s an ideal destination for surfers of all levels. The Pacific waters are cold year-round, but the stunning scenery and vibrant surf culture make it worth it.
Best Time to Surf: Fall and winter offer the best swells.
What to Pack: A 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
3. Thurso East, Scotland
Thurso East is a world-class surf spot in northern Scotland, known for its powerful reef break and long rides. The waves here can be challenging, making it a favorite among experienced surfers. The town of Thurso also offers a cozy escape after a cold session in the water.
Best Time to Surf: Fall and winter for consistent swells.
What to Pack: A high-quality wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
4. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are a dream destination for cold water surfers seeking both waves and jaw-dropping scenery. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fjords, this Arctic Circle location offers consistent waves and unforgettable views. Unstad Beach is the most famous surf spot in the region.
Best Time to Surf: September to November for the best waves.
What to Pack: A thick wetsuit (6/5mm), booties, gloves, and a hood.
5. Moriya Beach, Japan
Located in Chiba Prefecture, Moriya Beach is a cold water surf spot with a mix of reef and sand breaks. While Japan may not immediately come to mind for cold water surfing, its northern regions and winter swells offer excellent opportunities. The surrounding countryside and unique Japanese culture add to the experience.
Best Time to Surf: Winter months.
What to Pack: A 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
6. Humboldt County, California, USA
Northern California’s rugged coastline is home to some incredible cold water surf spots, and Humboldt County is one of the best. The area offers a mix of beach, reef, and point breaks with consistent swells. While the water temperature hovers around 10–12°C (50°–54°F), the waves are worth the chill.
Best Time to Surf: Fall and winter.
What to Pack: A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
7. Peniche, Portugal
Known as the “Wave Capital of Europe,” Peniche offers cold water surfing with a variety of breaks to choose from. Supertubos, its most famous spot, delivers powerful barrels that attract surfers from around the globe. While Portugal’s winters are milder than other cold water destinations, the Atlantic Ocean remains chilly.
Best Time to Surf: Fall and winter for consistent waves.
What to Pack: A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, and gloves.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a mix of warm and cold water surf spots, with the Atlantic side providing some chilly but rewarding waves. Muizenberg and Long Beach are popular spots for surfers of all levels. The backdrop of Table Mountain adds a dramatic touch to your surf session.
Best Time to Surf: Year-round, though winter months bring larger swells.
What to Pack: A 4/3mm wetsuit, booties, and gloves if surfing in colder areas.
9. Yakutat, Alaska, USA
For the truly adventurous, Yakutat offers a unique cold water surfing experience in Alaska. Surrounded by glaciers and mountains, this remote spot provides powerful waves and a sense of solitude. Be prepared for extreme conditions and the possibility of encountering wildlife such as seals and eagles.
Best Time to Surf: Fall for consistent swells.
What to Pack: A 6/5mm wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood.
10. Dunedin, New Zealand
The southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a cold water surfing haven. Dunedin, in particular, offers a variety of beach and point breaks. The area’s raw beauty and consistent waves make it a must-visit for surfers willing to brave the chilly waters.
Best Time to Surf: Winter months (June to August).
What to Pack: A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, and gloves.
11. Biarritz, France
Known as the birthplace of surfing in Europe, Biarritz offers excellent waves during the colder months. While not as frigid as other destinations on this list, the Atlantic waters can still be chilly in winter. Its combination of world-class waves and French charm make it a top choice.
Best Time to Surf: Winter for consistent swells.
What to Pack: A 4/3mm wetsuit and optional booties.
12. Santa Cruz, California, USA
Santa Cruz is a well-known surf town with a thriving cold water surf culture. Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point are among its iconic spots, offering high-quality waves year-round. The vibrant surf community and mild winter temperatures make it a favorite.
Best Time to Surf: Winter months for bigger swells.
What to Pack: A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, and gloves.
13. Taranaki, New Zealand
The Taranaki region on New Zealand’s North Island offers a unique cold water surfing experience with consistent waves and stunning views of Mount Taranaki. The Surf Highway 45 is dotted with numerous breaks, catering to surfers of all levels.
Best Time to Surf: Winter months (June to August).
What to Pack: A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit, booties, and gloves.
