Surf Spots

It's Cold & Foggy but Cape Cod=
Great Surf!

Story & photos by Ron Sanda
 Harwich, MA, USA

Nauset Lighthouse

February at Nauset Beach

Dave Guiliano goin' left

Dave gets closed out

Dick Davis backside

Davis trying to beat the soup

Sometimes the weather’s cold, sometimes the fog obliterates your vision, but the waves are often incredible along this part of the Massachusetts shore.

The beach at Cape Cod National Seashore stretches from Chatham to Provincetown and when the Nor-Easters hit, look out!  You'd think it was Hawaii’s North Shore. These winter storms are common and the locals suit up to catch a few after work - before it gets dark or the fog buries you in. Fog banks come in without warning and envelop the area in less than 15 minutes. So it's best to keep a good eye on shore when its starts getting dusky.

At the end of summer 2000, a small hurricane missed us and went out to sea, but we had 5-8 ft waves all week. The locals loved the quick wave challenges and rode right over the rocks, which are just below the visible sand line. Nauset Beach sits just below the Nauset Lighthouse which is featured on a Massachusetts license plate for Cape Cod and the Islands.

You’ll often find local surfers Dick Davis of Harwich, MA, and Dave Guiliano of Dennis, MA, there having fun and teaching Dave's daughter Jenna the ropes. During the season, she was out there catching a few and making her dad proud.

Other popular areas on the seashore are Coast Guard Beach, about 1/2 mile to the South and Marconi Beach 1/2 to North. Additionally, the entire shoreline all the way to Chatham has great challenges. However, you need a good four-wheel drive vehicle to get there. This place makes for a great winter getaway. Surf an hour or two then retire to a colonial style Bed and Breakfast or local Inn, preferably one with a fireplace!

Editor's note:  For more information on surfing along the Cape Cod shore, visit Harbormaster Tom's web site.