West coast vs east coast surfing?

Question

what's different? i learned how to surf in SoCal, after couple of days i was able to ride, not to do any tricks, nothing like that, but catch the wave, stand up and ride now back in NY i couldn't wait to go again but i swear i wasn't able to stand up for the whole day what's so different here in east coast?

Answer 1

It's a tough call but my guess is you learned on a long rolling type wave and the waves in New York jump up quicker.  Overall the waves are a little smaller most of the time on the East Coast and many beach breaks in the east have shifting sand bars.  The West Coast (So Cal) has a condition called the Littoral Cell where sand shifts along the coast and then ends up filling in an offshore trench.  That's why there aren't barrier islands offshore. Also, it depends on where you took your lessons or learned and where you are surfing now.  Rockaway Beach is similar to the cliffs in Huntington Beach.  Montauk is a lot different then the So Cal beaches.

You shouldn't have any problems adjusting to East Coast surf, just stand up qnd turn quicker.

Answer 2

ha right now the east coast is nothing but weak ripples thats why.

Answer 3

I think HB's on it.  East Coast waves tend to be steeper since they are typically wind swell rather than ground swell.  This also means that the wave periods are much shorter on the East Coast, which can cause problem trying to get out to the line up.  We don't really get sets so you pretty much have to get good at duck diving and not mind taking a few on the head.

Answer 4

Probably the wind. SoCal beaches aren't that windy most of the time while on the East Coast, especially the Northeast, the wind is pretty constant. That will make each wave break differently from the previous one and make it tough for you to get good balance. With exceptions, SoCal waves are pretty constant with the tides.

Answer 5

its all about the swell push under the water... its super gnarly on the bottom!!

Answer 6

West Coast is way better coz their in the Pacific, coz long beach and newgate beach are the best surfing and bodyboarding places, but Huntington Beach is the number one hotspot for surfing in California.

Answer 7

uhm i dont know but wst coast water is warmer