Do people still swim/surf in CA in January?

Question

Do people still swim/surf in CA in January? Is the water warm enough?

Answer 1

I live just a little ways north of trestles, and we surf here all year round.  The water is pretty warm compared to other spots up north, but still cold enough where I'm shivering in my full front zip 4.3 mm thick wetsuit with fireskin (if you don't know what I mean, let's just say it's like wearing a 4 and a half millimeter layer of blubber around your entire body)  So to answer your question, YES, people still swim and surf in CA in January- but the water is only warm enough with a full suit.  It's nice though, because most of the time in the winter, the water's pretty empty except for the locals in wetsuits and the people in their trunks and bikinis visiting from Alaska.

Answer 2

es. I surf anytime and anywhere when I go to California. The best places to surf are mostly in January and I like goin to Salt Creek. So to answer your question. Yes, it is fine to surf in January in California. Just be sure to wear a westuit.

Answer 3

yeahh I surf in january that's when the surf picks upp

but the water gets freeeeezzziiiinnngggg

likee

full wetsuit booties and hood cold

I guess it depends in what part of cali ur going to swim/surf in, but the water should be cold no matter what.

haveee funn!

Answer 4

yes, but wear a wetsuit, you don't need booties and all that stuff. when you need to take a wiz do it in your wet suit. if you don't wear a wet suit hypothermia sets in in about 20min if you don't

Answer 5

yeah. Just use a wetsuit. The water is probably cold. It's still a bit warm in September and October.

Answer 6

i live on a beach in california,i surf in february but with heavy gear you can if you want but its cold water

Answer 7

Seriously? You definately underestimate what we will do to surf whenever the waves are good. In SocAl, the water temperature usually does not go below 55 F, Jan. Feb. and Dec. being the coldest. In Northern California, it usually does not go below 50 F in Jan. Feb. and Dec. For comparison, the North East during those times drops to the mid to low thirties, and we still surf then, with our 5 or 6 mil wetsuits, gloves hoods and boots, oh and a big pair of balls. I've surf CA and never needed anything more than a 4/3 for the coldest of days, heck you'd be okay with a 3/2. The big factor is wind, because on a cold day a harsh wind cuts right through your suit, and thats the only variable.

In the North East, I surf and swim without anything starting in mid-May (where it is around 60 F) unless there is a strong wind or I am out for an extended (more than 2 hours) session, and I am fine. It is a little cold, and you definately feel it in your chest, so its best not to overextend yourself if you're unsure of your capabilities. As a lifeguard in Montauk I've had to save a bunch of tourists who swim too far out and can't get back in because the cold zaps your strength or they aren't capable ocean swimmers. h**l, lifeguard training starts in early June where the water is around 60 F, where we were in the water for a couple hours.  

To discount false answers:

You are not going to get hypothermia in 20 minutes, but you should be careful and still surf with a buddy.

It is not overhead nearly every day, and while the winter is probably the best season for waves, they still depend on the spot, swell and wind.

You definately do not need booties and gloves, if you do, you're a kook.

It is a good idea to pee in your wetsuit. Some may see it as gross, but its something I've and my friends have done all our lives. Urea, the main component in urine, is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Pee may help dispel that nasty "wetsuit funk" smell, as well as extend your session at the right moment another half hour or so. Just make sure to rinse it out afterward. In addition, if you get stung by a jellyfish, pee on the spot your were stung.

Answer 8

yeah, the waves get bigger in the winter but less people go out since it gets colder but if u bring a wetsuit it's not so cold and u can have lots of fun

Answer 9

yeh. its cold, but thats when the swell picks up. head high plus almost daily.