Surfing Westhaven State Park in Washington

When I think big powerful waves I always think Washington State. After five Hawaiian winters you would think that the first thing that would come to mind is the big waves of Hawaii. But of all the places I have surfed in my life, Westhaven State Park has been one of the most challenging. The water is so cold that even with the right extreme wet suit, booties, gloves and hood, the water still hurts to touch.Because it is so darn cold. The waves are generated by the same powerful Aleutian storms that produce the swells for the North Shore of Oahu. They do not have as far to travel to get to Washington State and many times they are dis-organized massive lumps of cold pleasure. An average winter day at Westport can see ocean swells of over 20 ft.

The jetty at Westhaven State Park in Westport is the most frequently surfed spot. I believe the reason for this is because you can actually get out in the ocean from the park. Using the jetty and an out going tide to suck you into the massive waves of the Pacific North West. Surfing Westport is not something to take lightly. Westhaven has no lifeguards. No one will come to rescue you when you get into trouble. Notice I say when you get into trouble. Because most of us that have experienced Westhaven on foggy winter days have been at the mercy of the ocean more than once. If you are planing to have a life changing experience and get some big waves under your belt try Westport. Come prepared to ride big cold waves in deep water.

Not many surfers know about Westport compared to other spots in the Pacific North West. Westhaven is not the only surf break at Westport. If you look to the north of the jetty in-land you will see a place that is sometimes called groins. When it is to big to get out at Westhaven and the swell and winds are just right groins becomes a nice option. Also Half Moon Bay as it is called by locals can produce a world class wave. If you are planing on surfing Westport be sure to bring a good wet suit. Here's how I drive to the beach from Seattle. Get on 5 south if you are coming from Seattle, go west on 101 to Highway 8, go to Aberdeen. When you get to Aberdeen go on 105 toward the coast and Westport, about 15 miles from Abeerdeen you will find Westhaven State Park. There are some nice places to eat in Westport, its a fishing town so the fish and clams are great.