Surfing
Frigid New England winters are not what comes to mind when one pictures surfing, yet the region hosts a thriving surf community. World-class waves can be enjoyed among thin crowds within a culture of some of the most dedicated surfers willing to sport thick neoprene and surf even in harsh winter conditions.
Surfboard Trips
MITOC runs surf trips throughout the year to spots in the New England area. Surf trips are posted on the trips page and announced on the mitoc mailing list and surfers mailing list. We welcome surfers of all ability levels!
Looking for folks to surf with? Join the surfers mailing list.
Are you an experienced surfer interested in helping out with beginner surf trips or leading more advanced trips? Email the surf chair.
Surfboard Rental
MITOC has several 8ft soft-top surfboards available for rental with approval from the surf chair.
To rent surfboards on your own:
- Be a MITOC member. Check that your membership is active and your liability waiver is up to date.
- Be a boathouse keyholder. In order to access the boathouse, you will need to attend boathouse keyholder training. Check the upcoming trips page or email the boat chairs to find out when the next training is scheduled.
- Have deposit checks on file. In order to rent gear, you need deposit checks on file to cover any damage or theft of boathouse equipment. Drop off deposit checks at MITOC office during MITOC office hours, prior to your trip. You will need two deposit checks ($300 and $700 in value). These checks are kept for one year, and you can rent (any MITOC gear) as often as you like without writing more checks.
- E-mail the surf chair to check for board availability and fill out a surfing float plan form.
- After your trip: a brief report to the surf chair would be appreciated about any issues with the gear as well as any comments of interest about your experience. Please rinse wetsuits with clean, fresh water after use and hang to dry. Please only return wetsuit gear to the boathouse when it is dry and clean.
For more detailed information about renting surfboards, see the boathouse rental page.
You must be able to swim to rent a surfboard. Be aware that North Atlantic water is cold and conditions can change quickly, so be experienced and prepared.
Wetsuit Rental
MITOC has a small selection of wetsuits, boots, and surf gloves available for rent. Most of our wetsuits are suitable for New England water temps from about May to November. Our surf gear rentals include:
- 4/3 wetsuits
- 4/3 hooded wetsuits
- 5mm mittens
- 5mm booties
Please see the boathouse rental information for a price list and details on rental procedure.
Get Involved Beyond MITOC
- Surfrider Foundation - dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network
- AmpSurf - inspire and rehabilitate people with disabilities and their families through adaptive surfing
- Share the Stoke - support young people globally in having their dreams of surfing come true
- Surfers for Autism - unlock the potential of people with developmental delays, unite communities through volunteerism
Useful Links:
Questions?
Contact the surf chair.