Dust off that board, grab a wetsuit and hit the beach: it’s time to go surfing. With a wide array of beaches and break points, Oregon provides an optimal backdrop for one of summer’s most idolized sports.
For those that have never surfed before, the best thing to do is take a lesson, according to Mike Jipp, owner of the Lincoln City Surf Shop. Jipp’s store, located on Southeast Highway 101 in Lincoln City, not only sells boards and equipment, but also provides lessons, mostly taught by Jipp (who has been surfing for several years and knows the sport well).
“If you take a lesson, it makes a big difference,” Jipp said.
According to Jipp, not only are lessons important for learning the basics of how to stand up on a board, his lessons are also designed to inform would-be surfers of some of the dangers of surfing the Oregon Coast. There are several forces such as rip tides and strong under currents that can be hazardous, and it is best to know what to watch for.
While at the Lincoln City Surf Shop, Jipp will help outfit new surfers with the right board. The store has a large collection of surfboards to fit just about anyone.
Another place to check out is Gorge Performance, located right here in Portland at 7400 S.W. Macadam Ave. Gorge Performance has a large line of boards for sale and for rent, perfect for those occasional surfers.
There are numerous spots to surf along the coast, according to Jipp. A few of his top choices include Seaside, Lincoln City, Otter Rock and Devil’s Punchbowl State Park.
A great resource for additional information is www.oregonsurfpage.com. The Web site provides links to current weather reports, surfing breaks, surf shops and even a classified section where you can sell your old board or buy a new one.
Anyone native to Oregon knows that the weather around here can change rapidly, but according to Jipp, the waves remain fairly steady throughout the year.
“We get real consistent surf here,” Jipp said. “It’s hit and miss during the winter time. Fall time is usually our best surf.”
However, no matter what time of year, it is never safe to surf alone.
Always take a buddy. Even the most experienced surfers can get themselves into trouble. And with the remoteness of some of Oregon’s beaches, there is no telling how long it may take for some one to come to your aid if you are alone.
But the most important rule to remember while surfing, is to have fun and make sure to enjoy Oregon’s lovely beaches.
For more information on the Lincoln City Surf Shop, call 541-996-RIDE or visit www.lcsurfshop.com. For more information about Gorge Performance call 503-246-6646 or visit www.gorgeperformance.com.