In the US how does West Coast Surfing compare to East Coast?

Question

I'm about due for a move. I live just outside NYC and am seriously thinking of taking up surfing. What are the best beaches in the US for Surfing?

Answer 1

Don't move if you're going to move to the west coast just for the surf. First, learn to surf. Then, if you really like surfing, see where you fit in on the West coast. North California has pretty much the same weather you get in New York in the early fall for most of the year, and warms up in the summer. So-Cal (Southern California) stays pretty warm and has the more famous surf areas and culture in the continental US. Both the LA and San Diego areas have a lot of surf, an urban setting and a very dominant surf culture.

And unless you're planning on becoming a beach bum, and working either year round and only making enough to live off of, and surf, or working on big ships during a portion of the year and still barely making it. You'll need a good job, one with a good salary, if you're just starting to really get into surfing, it can get expensive (board, wetsuit, medical bills, accesories, and other gear, as well as having to replace or fix the board when there's major dings or it breaks, which can happen).

Figure out what'll work best for you in the long run, 'cause if you're flipping burgers all day, they won't let you take off when the nice swells start rolling in.

Answer 2

West coast IS way better

Im from Boston

And we get no waves down at the beach

Answer 3

California is definitely more consistent. Both can get world class waves.

Answer 4

west coast is way better

Answer 5

in hawaia bro they got some great waves on north shore

Answer 6

Tons of differences but why move?  NYC gets decent surf.  Head out to Long Island and check out the scene.  h**l, you've even got you're own Pro Contest, the Unsound Pro.  

Sure Cali may get more waves and be warmer but its more crowded and WAY expensive to live.