Surfing in Maine

Imagine the excitement of paddling out into the ocean on your surfboard and hanging out in the swells to await the perfect wave. Suddenly you see it rolling in and your heart pounds as the momentum builds. Then the wave is upon you! You hop up onto your board and catch it, turn toward the beach, and surf the wave’s energy for a thrilling ride.

Maine is well-known as a user-friendly surfing destination, with many miles of easily accessible sandy beaches. From Long Sands Beach in York to the legendary Ogunquit Beach to the beaches of Wells, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Portland, you’ll find great surfing waves and very likely the company of other surfers out on the water enjoying the sport.

Experienced surfers need only grab their wetsuit and surfboard and go! Inexperienced surfers will want to check in with a surf shop and arrange for a lesson from a professional who will guide you through the fundamentals, alert you to the potential hazards, get you properly equipped, and get you out enjoying the waves in just a few hours time. Anyone can learn to surf; it’s a great way for the entire family to spend time out in nature in an athletic pursuit.

Maine’s surf shops are also a great source of information and advice on surfing spots and weather conditions, which aren’t always cooperative. But when the waves come up, it’s time to go surfing, and you can bet the shops will know where and when to head out.

A new twist to the sport of surfing are stand-up paddle boards, which are bigger, thicker and wider than a regular surfboard, making them more buoyant. Stand-up paddle boards are another great way to explore both the ocean waves and our inland lakes. Equipped with a paddle you stand atop the board for a great head to toe workout.