Surfing
By Emily Moskal
The ocean can be a fickle beast when it comes to providing optimal waves to surf. Texas can’t claim the regular reef-break barrels of Hawaii or the crested-tsunami waves of California, but we’ve got determined surfers and — during winter surf season — waves that sometimes max out at more than 12 feet along certain sections of our 367 miles of coastline.
On some notable beaches worldwide, surfers hang up their boards at the sight of not-so-optimal waves. A few mushy waves, however, are enough to get a Texas surfer’s blood pumping, and winter is actually the best opportunity to find surf-able waves here. On calmer days, Texas enthusiasts get creative and surf the 3-mile-long wakes of oil tankers.
You’ll usually find surfers on Texas beaches from fall to late spring, when hurricanes and strong fronts push wind swells to shore. On almost any given day, the intensity may be low, but the frequency of waves is among the highest in the country, placing Texas on the national roster of competitive surfing.
A schedule of Texas competitive surfing events can be viewed on the Texas Gulf Surfing Association’s website: www.surftgsa.org.
Try it for yourself and experience the thrill of the chase that stokes this state’s surf culture.
Surf Safe
Texas Surf Camps offer personal and group lessons in Galveston, Port Aransas and Corpus Christi to prepare beginners for their first successful wave rip. Techniques include paddling and standing, predicting waves, assessing water conditions/dangers and life-saving etiquette.
- Surf to your level: Stick to waves that you can successfully maneuver. If you’re a beginner, paddle out only if you can swim back. On flat days, consider doing some stand-up paddleboarding to keep in shape.
- Keep your distance: Don’t cut off or cross paths with other surfers when riding or paddling. Beginners should stay on small waves and out of the path of the big kahunas — both of you could get hurt by a wrong move.
- Know the surf: Heed surf condition flags. Watch the surf before entering, ask locals about the surf conditions, and never swim near jetties. Always surf with a buddy.
- Hands above your head: To avoid getting smacked by your board after a wipeout, wait three seconds before emerging to the surface with your hands protecting your head.
The Breaks
- GALVESTON - Pleasure Pier, 37th Street, 51st Street
- SURFSIDE - Surfside Beach Jetty, Octagon
- MATAGORDA - Matagorda Pier
- PORT ARANSAS - Horace Caldwell Pier, Port Aransas Jetty
- CORPUS CHRISTI - Fish Pass, Packery Channel, Bob Hall Pier
- SOUTH PADRE ISLAND - Isla Blanca Beach Park, Boca Chica Jetty, Port Mansfield Jetty
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