Maine, USA

Country/State Data

Regions

1

Breaks

15

Coastline

367 KM

Cost of living

Capital

Augusta

Current Time

Security

Health

families beginners
Positives
  • Reefbreaks and rivermouths
  • Ogunquit surf central
  • Discovery potential up north
  • Lower crowds for East Coast
Negatives
  • Sub-zero water temperatures
  • Sub-zero land temperatures
  • Sub-par hurricane exposure
  • Summer swell blues

Where to surf in Maine, USA

Maine gets the frontiersville tag if you’re looking at surfing north of Portland. South of the capital, Ogunquit is the main focus, with its shifting rivermouth sandbars and both Short and Long Sands offer something for all abilities. Winter NE swells provide the most consistent source of sizeable waves since the Maine coast can find itself eclipsed from some hurricane swells by Cape Cod to the south. Winter water temperatures can plunge below freezing with the ocean “slushing” in places, while summer sees a fleeting period where a 3/2mm suffices.

Surf spots in Maine, USA

Research the 15 surf breaks in Maine, USA and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Maine, USA.

scroll / drag

When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Maine, USA

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
37,000,000
Population
14,810,001
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
USD

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+1
Dialing out
011
Emergencies
911
Language
English
Electricity
Plug Type
a
b
Visas

Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip.Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States

Getting There


Portland International Jetport (airport code PWM), is the largest airport in Maine, well-connected to the rest of the USA and only a couple of miles from downtown Portland. Driving up from New York city will take 5hrs+.

Getting Around

You've got to have a car to access the surf in Maine.

Accommodation

Maine is a popular destination in the summer months when beach accommodation gets booked out, but aim for late fall/autumn when the surf improves and prices drop.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Hit the slopes at Sugarloaf or Sunday River, 90min inland.

Hazards & hassles

Pretty much all the hassles associated with surfing Maine revolve around the cold! Take plenty of rubber! Also be aware that mid-winter light and big tides can conspire to close the surfing window of opportunity.

Handy Hints

Take 2 wetsuits and pairs of boots so you can dry one set while using the other.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

Surf Culture

History

Surfer Crow is the name that always crops up when you ask about the history of surfing in the northeast corner of The States. A colorful, easily identifiable character who’s always seen out in the line-up at Ogunquit wearing a scruffy old canoeing helmet, Crow had a small shop in town during the 1960s, when he shared the line-up with just a handful of locals. Other than that, there was an old lady who ran a classic shop from her basement in York, which she stocked each year on a winter van trip to California with her husband. Maine enjoyed the latter days of the pre-shortboard surfing boom, but followed the rest of New England into the dead 1970s. Only the core kept surfing year-round here; most of them are still scattered through the line-ups, among a new breed of Maine surfer, who has only known the comfort of modern wetsuits and drysuits.

The Stormrider Passport

Get your Stormrider Passport to explore 5000 surf spots for as little as £1 a month.

What’s in it for you?
  • 01.
    5,000 DETAILED BREAK REPORTS

    Access to 5,000 detailed surf spot descriptions with ability to save spots for offline access.

  • 02.
    10 STORMRIDER ICONS FOR EVERY SPOT

    Compare our iconic, easily recognisable symbols, highlighting 10 crucial factors for every surf break.

  • 03.
    VIEW 4,000+ PROFESSIONAL SURF PHOTOS

    Feast your eyes on over 4,000 surf shots from professional photographers.

  • 04.
    WINDY FORECAST FOR EVERY BREAK

    Get the latest surf conditions from our forecast partners at Windy, plus webcams and forecasting links.

  • 05.
    COMPARE REGIONAL SURF SPOT DATA

    Compare regional break data and statistics to quickly discover your ideal surf destinations.

  • 06.
    CREATE YOUR PERSONAL WORLD SURF MAP

    Easily build a map of your worldwide surf travel adventures, or create a bucket list of future destinations.

Upcoming Features
  • 01.
    Partnerships

    In the future we will be partnering with the coolest surf content commissioners to bring you some great value deals and collabs.

Stormrider guides have got more in the Pipeline
We've got more in the pipeline

Signing up not only gives you access to the World’s best surf information, it allows us to create even more amazing features in the future.

Never miss an update

Sign up to our newsletter and get a weekly digest