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Surfing · Washington

Surfing in Washington

Surf 5 surf schools, camps and coaches across Washington. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

North Cascades, the Olympics, and 3,000 miles of saltwater coastline.

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About Washington

Washington's surf is cold, remote, and mostly empty, the opposite of the crowded, sun-warmed breaks people picture. The waves sit along the rugged western edge of the Olympic Peninsula and run south toward the mouth of the Columbia River, backed by dark evergreen forest and fed by North Pacific swell. Westport, La Push, and Ocean Shores are the main jumping-off points, and between them you'll find everything from mellow beach breaks to point and reef setups that punish a mistake.

The appeal here is the wildness, solitude and raw coastline that come with the waves. The water stays cold all year, so a thick wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood are standard kit even in July. The trade for the chill is reliability: fall and winter in particular deliver steady swell for anyone prepared to meet it. Surf schools and independent coaches cluster where the access is easiest, mainly Westport and Ocean Shores, teaching newcomers how to handle this kind of coast.

These beaches carry weight beyond the surf. Many of the best spots, especially up on the northern Olympic Peninsula, sit on or beside tribal lands, and getting in the water there means respecting local customs and rules. Olympic National Park is right next door, so a surf trip can just as easily turn into a walk through old-growth rainforest. Surf camps are less common than in warmer places, but the ones that exist tend to pair time in the water with time spent understanding the coast itself.

Best time to go

When to surf in Washington

Full seasonality
Peak season Sep–Nov
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June through October.

  • September–November: the cleanest, most consistent surf of the year
  • Winter: largest, most powerful NW swells (advanced)
  • Summer: smaller south swells and the warmest water, best for learning

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Quick facts

Surf schools, camps and coaches listed
5
Best season
June through October

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5 surf schools, camps and coaches

across Washington

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Live webcams in Washington

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Map of where the Westport Marina & Jetty Cams webcam isLocation
Surf cam · Westport (Grays Harbor), Washington

Westport Marina & Jetty Cams

via Experience Westport

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Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Washington

Swell Season and Consistency

Fall and winter offer the most consistent and powerful swells, while summer provides smaller, more beginner-friendly waves. Washington benefits from year-round swell exposure from the North Pacific.

Beginner vs. Advanced Breaks

Westport's Half Moon Bay is a popular beginner spot, while other areas along the Olympic Peninsula can be significantly more challenging with powerful waves and strong currents, suited for advanced surfers.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Needs

Washington waters are cold year-round. A 5/4mm or 6/5mm full wetsuit, along with booties, gloves, and a hood, is essential for comfort and safety, even in summer.

Surf School and Lesson Availability

Surf schools and coaches are primarily concentrated around Westport and Ocean Shores, with peak availability during the summer months. It's advisable to book lessons in advance.

Local Etiquette and Access Notes

Respect private property and tribal lands. Many prime surf spots are within or adjacent to Native American reservations; always check for specific access rules or permits. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Tribal Land Access Permits

    Many significant surf spots, particularly on the Olympic Peninsula (e.g., La Push, Neah Bay), are located on tribal lands. Visitors may need to obtain permits or adhere to specific tribal regulations for access and recreation.

  • Olympic National Park Entrance Pass

    If accessing surf spots within or through the Olympic National Park coastal strip (e.g., Shi Shi Beach access), a valid entrance pass or fee may be required.

  • WDFW Coastal Recreation Rules

    While not a specific surfing license, general rules regarding coastal resource protection, clam digging, and fishing apply to all users of Washington's beaches. Always check for current regulations from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

  1. 01

    Research Your Destination

    Identify specific surf towns or regions that match your skill level and desired experience. Consider Westport or Ocean Shores for easier access and lessons, or the Olympic Peninsula for more remote, challenging waves.

  2. 02

    Check Surf Forecasts and Conditions

    Before heading out, consult reliable surf forecast websites to understand swell size, direction, period, and local wind conditions for your chosen spot.

  3. 03

    Acquire Proper Cold-Water Gear

    Invest in or rent a thick wetsuit (5/4mm or 6/5mm), booties, gloves, and a hood. Washington's waters are consistently cold, and appropriate gear is crucial for comfort and safety.

  4. 04

    Consider Lessons or a Guided Tour

    Especially for beginners or those new to cold-water surfing, taking a lesson from a local surf school or hiring a guide can greatly enhance safety and accelerate learning.

  5. 05

    Understand and Respect Local Access

    Be aware of land ownership, especially tribal lands, and follow all access rules, permit requirements, and local etiquette. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

01Is Washington state good for beginner surfers?
In summer, yes. The swells drop and settle, and a spot like Half Moon Bay in Westport gives you a gentle beach break to learn on. Several surf schools work these areas with lessons and gear rentals to get you started.
02What kind of wetsuit do I need to surf in Washington?
A thick one, no way around it, the water stays cold all year. Most surfers run a 5/4mm or 6/5mm full suit with booties, gloves, and a hood, and that holds true even in the middle of summer.
03Are there surf camps available in Washington?
A few, mostly in summer. They're less common than in warmer regions, and the ones that run here tend to fold in an appreciation for the Pacific Northwest coast alongside the instruction. Local surf schools are the place to ask.
04What is the best time of year to surf in Washington?
Depends who's asking. Experienced surfers chasing bigger, steadier swell want fall and winter. Beginners will have a far easier time in summer, when the waves shrink and the water warms up just enough to make learning pleasant.
05How consistent are the waves in Washington?
Very. The coast sits wide open to the North Pacific, so swell shows up year-round. Summer runs smaller, but fall and winter bring regular, powerful sets, a dependable place to surf if you can handle the cold.
06Can I rent surf gear and wetsuits in Washington?
Yes: the surf shops and schools in towns like Westport and Ocean Shores rent wetsuits, boards, and the rest of the essentials. Call ahead to make sure they've got your size, especially in the busy summer stretch.

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