An Ode To The East Coast’s Cult Of Cold-Water Surfers
By Allison Arteaga
First of all, we must acknowledge something right off the bat, something that we all once knew but forgot somewhere along the road: to the casual observer, surfing in a snowstorm is very clearly an insane thing to do. With arctic temperatures biting through snow jackets, hats, boots, and wool socks, who could possibly imagine choosing to plunge into a dark and frigid ocean over seeking out warmth and comfort? What sort of dire madness is that? Perhaps masochism? It defies basic survival instincts. But yet there is an entire cult built around this particular brand of insanity. And here on the East Coast, their following is strong.
There’s only one way to understand this phenomenon. You’ve got to drink the Kool-Aid. So just take a sip. The first duck-dive in frosty water will hurt a bit. But after that? Bliss. Uncrowded lineups with firing waves. It’s a feast. As many barrels as you can handle. And sure, you may be slowly freezing, but you’re also kind of busy gorging yourself on fun. And by the time you make it back to shore, you’re hooked. Now you’re one of them: the crazy ones. The cult of cold-water surfers. But it’s okay. You know that your insanity is in pursuit of a righteous cause. Because what the unenlightened masses don’t realize is just how much stoke they’re missing out on. On the East Coast during wintertime, where there’s a will, there’s a wave. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what neoprene is for.
Maryland. Photo: Gunner Hughes
If the Hercules winter storm and accompanying swell, shown here in Maryland, have taught us anything, it’s that the cult of cold-water surfing is alive and well here on the East Coast.
New Jersey. Photo: J. Hall
We must acknowledge something right off the bat; something that we all once knew but forgot along the way: to the casual observer, surfing in a snowstorm is very clearly an insane thing to do.” Who dares to even cross this New Jersey street?
Jeremy Johnston. Photo: Marty Ficalora
“With arctic temperatures biting through snow jackets, hats, boots, and wool socks, who could possibly imagine choosing to plunge into a dark and frigid ocean over seeking out warmth and comfort?” Jeremy Johnston, fully immersed in New Smyrna Beach.
Joe Parrino. Photo: James Parascandola
“What sort of dire madness is this cold-water surfing, then? Perhaps masochism? It defies basic survival instincts.” Joe Parrino, thwarting Darwin in New York.
New Jersey. Photo: Matt Clark
“Still, there is an entire cult built around this one particular brand of insanity. And here on the East Coast, their following is strong.” Yet another anonymous practitioner in New Jersey.
Jimi Grimley. Photo: Joe McGovern
“There’s only one way to understand this phenomenon. You’ve got to drink the Kool-Aid.” Rhode Island’s Jimi Grimley would be happy to offer you some.
New Jersey. Photo: Christor Lukasiewicz
“Just take a sip. The first duck-dive in frosty water will hurt a bit. But after that? Bliss. Uncrowded lineups with firing waves.” These New Jersey surfers know what awaits.
Florida. Photo: Tom Dugan
“It’s a feast. As many great rides as you can handle. And sure, you may be slowly freezing, but you’re also kind of busy gorging yourself on fun.” This happy camper is just about full at Sebastian Inlet.
Cam Richards. Photo: Meghan Whitney
“By the time you make it back to shore, you’re hooked. Now you’re one of them: the crazy ones. The cult of cold-water surfers.” South Carolina’s Cam Richards wears his membership with pride.
Tom Petriken. Photo: Donald Cooper
“It’s okay. Don’t be ashamed. Your newfound insanity is in pursuit of a righteous cause.” Tom Petriken follows the light in New Jersey.
Zach Dusseau. Photo: Jonathan Nimerfroh
“Because what the unenlightened masses don’t realize is just how much stoke they’re missing out on.” Zach Dusseau is not about to be left out in Massachussetts.
Tommy Ihnken. Photo: Carter McCoy
On the East Coast during wintertime, where there’s a will, there’s a wave.” Tommy Ihnken puts the two together in New Jersey.
Blake Jones. Photo: Mez
“That, ladies and gentlemen, is what neoprene is for.” Blake Jones puts his to good use at Sebastian Inlet.
Canadian Maritimes. Photo: Trevor Nicodemo
Insanity, as it turns out, depends on your perspective. And from this beach in the Canadian Maritimes, things are looking pretty darn good.
Photo: Clark
So come forth with pride and inherit your promised land, cult of winter surfers. We have a feeling the East Coast will bring you many more blessings over the coming months.
