Sun, surf, and sand: the staples of a Westhampton summer. Our coastal town on the eastern end of Long Island attracts seasonal tourists, with cars crawling along Dune Road in search of a coveted spot on our picturesque shoreline.
Along with the tourists are the local surfers seeking out the best break from Cupsogue to Shinnecock. As August starts to spill into September, fewer visitors populate the beaches, satisfied in thinking that they got the best Westhampton has to offer. However, the locals know the best is yet to come.
On an icy December morning, senior Ziggy Mallmann awakens to his alarm at 5:15 AM, and gathers his gear, a 5mm wetsuit, gloves and boots into a bag, before heading out to the beach. A fresh coat of snow has fallen overnight: perfect conditions for a winter surfing session.
This is what the locals have waited for, air temps in the low thirties and icy waters with pieces of icy shrapnel crashing in the break. To a regular person, this sounds unbearable, but to weathered surfers, the waves are worth enduring the harsh winter conditions.
Ziggy says, “There’s just something different about a winter swell” as the ocean waves in the winter can get up to six to eight feet, whereas the summer typically features one to three footers. The challenge of these bigger waves is what lures surfers out into the cold.
Not only do the waves loom larger, but the waters empty out, with only those most dedicated to their boards remaining. Shawn Mett, both a surfer and the owner of Island Surf, Westhampton Beach’s local surf shop, says, “Westhampton Beach has a tight surf community that makes it really special. In the winter, when the crowds disappear, you’re mostly sharing the water with the same dedicated group of local surfers who you grow to rely on.”
During the winter months, surfers develop a camaraderie of sorts, looking out for each other in the dangerous waters. Not only are they more susceptible to hypothermia or cold shock, but the winter waves bring stronger rip currents and shards of ice that are concealed in the swells. Surfers must be extra cautious to avoid both these shards and runaway boards, as low temperatures cause the fiberglass and resin to become more brittle, making them less flexible and more prone to snapping under stress.
Ziggy recalled encounters with these experiences, remembering when “one of my buddies split an eye open and had to get stitches, and I’ve been knocked out by a board before.”
While these injuries may seem standard, their impact is doubled in the winter as the cold shock can amplify panic, causing the surfer to lose awareness of their surroundings and control of their body.
The solution, Mett says, is preparation. Training both the body and mind year round helps to both increase skill and prevent panic during dangerous situations when fight or flight takes over. This training includes swimming laps, building strength and stability, and acclimatizing to the water with cold dips or showers. Some surfers focus on their breathing, using breathwork exercises as a pre-surf routine to increase oxygenation, which helps with endurance, mental sharpness, and staying warm.
Another crucial piece is the gear. Island Surf, Mett’s store, offers a plethora of options for surfers old and new. As “cold hands and feet are the biggest challenge,” he recommends a 5mm hooded wetsuit, plus 7mm gloves and boots.
Ziggy, who works the register, adds that “getting a durable and warm wetsuit will make or break your surfing experience.”
This equipment, dubbed as the “season pass” by Mett, can be an investment of up to $600, but he thinks it’s worth it, as these wetsuits feature thicker neoprene, specialized inner thermal linings, and sealed, watertight seams. They can also include built-in hoods, chest-zip systems to prevent flushing, and specialized panels to block wind chill.
Despite these obstacles and expenses, Ziggy says it’s worth it to find “comfort in the uncomfortable.” Not only is winter the perfect time to develop and test new skills on your board, but it’s where the surf community comes together. Ziggy spoke about how he values the relationships he’s developed through surfing. “I get to hang out with my friends before school and also learn from some local surfing legends; it’s a win-win all around.”
Mett, who has owned the surf shop for 28 years, still thinks the best surfing is in the winter. To anyone debating trying it, he urges, “Find the bravery. Face your fears. It’s worth it. There’s nothing more invigorating than a winter session. It wakes you up and makes you feel alive. Try it, and you’ll see.”
Ultimately, winter surfing develops serious mental and physical resilience. It’s a workout like no other, and the reward is better waves, smaller crowds, and a deeper connection to the ocean and each other. In Westhampton, surfing isn’t limited to just the summer months, but can be enjoyed year round if you’re willing to brave the bite of winter.
