Liquid
Peace
5 Best Vacation Destinations in September for
surfing
Monthly Report-September
"When, Where & Why the waves are the
best!"
The
determining factors in the ratings for each month are water
& air temperature, wave consistency, overall weather conditions including
precipitation & winds, (offshore winds receiving a big plus). Break
logistics: Are waves accessible?, Are there places to stay near the breaks?,
Are the breaks crowded?, What are the hazards, rips, reefs, rocks, & water
pollution? Culture: Are there activities to do if the surf goes flat? Other
Liquid activities, kayaking, windsurfing, canoing, fishing, etc...? Good hiking,
site seeing, historical significant activities? Friendly inhabitants? Overall
Safety! Last, but certainly of equal importance, expense, including lodging,
airfare, rental cars, taxis, food & water.
Of course, the list is subjective & only a
guide for those looking for ideas for a vacation destination. We won't list
actual surf spots for three reasons: 1) there are places that do a great job of
listing "most" of the good breaks in the area we mention, like- wannasurf.com. 2) We hope that you are forced
to interact with the people that live there, talk to them, ask them where the
good breaks are, how to get there & how to blend in. 3) Take a chance, do
some searching on your own, chill on the beach awhile & spot a peak for
yourself or go for a long walk & just maybe you'll find a place of your own
to borrow for a session or two. We will tweak the list as needed &,
hopefully, righteously to include unique spots, not just the destinations that
always get the best waves!
September
1) Bundoran, Ireland
2) Newquay, England
3) Outer Banks, United States
4) Western Isles, Scotland
5) New Jersey, United States
Bundoran, Ireland
Ireland surf pictures
September
is a fantastic time to head to Ireland, most of the tourists have
exited, weather & water are still "warm", and the swells increase
in the North Atlantic.
Water Temp: 56-62 degrees, cold, but warm for Ireland.
Water Pollution: Most of Ireland surf is very clean, a few of the bigger cities have some sewage problems.
Wave Consistency: 3-6ft faces are common with any decent swell.
Overall
Weather: September is a drier month in Ireland but still cold, 50-59
degrees in the daytime, colder at night, do you really want to know?
Suggested
Gear: In a word, Neoprene, & lots of it. 2, 4/3mm full wetsuits,
one to wear, and another to be sure you have a dry one to put on.
Booties, neoprene head gear-mass heat escapes through the top of
noggin. Big warm towels, heated socks, lip balm, & sunscreen.
Ireland
is a major tourist destination with it's gorgeous topography, scenic,
untamed coastline, classic cities and social inhabitants. September
marks the end of the tourist season and opens the door for more
affordable accommodations, including hip bed & breakfast cribs, and less beach congestion.
Can you get to the waves? The coastline is rugged but with local guidance, not a problem.
Are there places to stay? Yes, including many small, groovy places were you get a real feel for Ireland.
Is it crowded? When there is a swell the popular places get crowded. Look just a little and you can surf alone!
Is there localism: No, except at some of the popular breaks.
Are there Hazards: One major hazard, very cold water and one minor, some reef breaks with urchin.
Fly
in to Dublin for a taste of big city Ireland, classic architecture,
lively culture and endless pubs with warm residents. Then head west
for a scenic countryside journey until you reach the rustic &
mystical, jagged coast for some righteous surf.
Culture:
Things to do: The Ireland coast offers it all when it comes to Liquid. Except skinning it!
Things
to do out of the water? Stay in a city if you want to test your
chemistry, chill in the countryside if you want to rest your chemistry.
People: Fun & Friendly
Food & Water: Plenty of choices, moderately expensive, stay stocked on water, especially for the day trip adventures.
Nightlife:
Larger cities have all you can handle, smaller towns still have several
pubs, both with social people to share surf stories.
Expense: Above average but manageable and worth the extra dime.
Safety: Very Safe
Newquay, England
England surf pictures
England's
Southwestern Coast line is geographically blessed with scenic, sandy,
beach breaks in between jagged, rocky cliffs that pick up
southwesterly, westerly and northwesterly swell in the Fall.
Water Temp: Mid to upper 50's.
Water Pollution: Very clean, larger towns can have small problems.
Wave Consistency: The southwesterly, westerly & northwesterly swells send consistent 3-6ft faces to the area.
Overall Weather: 50-60 degrees.
Suggested
Gear: Pack the 4/3's, booties and neoprene head gear for extended surf.
Don't forget the lip balm, sunscreen, massive towels, and heated blanket.
Newquay is the epicenter of all that is surf in England, anything and everything you need to surf is all in town.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, most are easy to get to and get out into.
Are there places to stay? Yes, it is not a big city but it is fortified for the surfing traveler.
Is it crowded? You can surf with the crowds or surf some peaks alone.
Is there localism: Very little
Are there Hazards: Cold water, the occasional spiny fish and some reef & rocks.
For a relatively small town Newquay has big city nightlife for every taste.
Culture:
Things to do: It is a surf town but other Liquid activities are available.
Things to do out of the water? Hiking, biking, be sure to walk the Newquay discovery trail.
People: Friendly, surf subculture.
Food & Water: Vast array of options, don't forget to pack the water when venturing out on surf endeavors.
Nightlife: Top notch for a small town. Bar crawls available!
Expense: Above average
Safety: Very safe
Outer Banks, United States
Outer Banks pictures
The
Outer Banks are the pearl of North Carolina and offer over 100 miles of quality,
consistent surf throughout the most beautiful season in the
southeast, Fall.
Water Temp: 73-78 degrees
Water Pollution: Very clean
Wave Consistency: 2-6 ft faces are common and with any hurricane swell waves can get bigger.
Overall Weather: 85-90 degrees
Suggested Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, sun block, bring some neoprene at
the end of September the water starts to cool, 70 degrees.
Once
a getaway for only rustic fisherman, campers & well informed
surfers, the Outer Banks has become a tourist trap mecca but the
increase in traffic, fast food & hotel chains & bitterness are
worth the hassle to score some of the best waves in the southeast.
Can you get to the waves? Most are easily accessible but having a 4x4 can prove useful to find the less crowded peaks.
Are there places to stay? The hotel chains have moved in but the Outer Banks still scream come camp on me!
Is
it crowded? It is no secret, every surfer knows when to escape to the
Outer Banks, and when it is firing, line-ups can get thick.
Is there localism: Yes, and they wait all year for the Fall swells, be polite and gracious and you won't have any problems.
Are there Hazards: Anything associated with being near deeper waters, sharks?
The
Outer Banks have most of what you will need but you will require a
vehicle to get around and don't expect to be overwhelmed with
cosmopolitan charm, it is not that kind of place.
Culture:
Things to do: In and around the water; everything, including epic fishing & diving.
Things to do out of the water? Wright Brothers National Memorial, is worth a look if the surf goes flat.
People: Friendly but the locals are half-past tourists, they have seen it all.
Food & Water: You will need a car but everything is available, including 1st class dining.
Nightlife: Enough to get in trouble and possibly miss the best day of surf.
Expense: Moderately expensive depending on your lodging & food choices.
Safety: Very safe
Western Isles, Scotland
Scotland surf pictures
The
Western Isles of Scotland are actively attempting to unleash the word
of untapped perfect surf off their coast. That's right they want you to
come and surf their waves, skip their beaches and spend a little loot,
refreshing!
Water Temp: 55-60 degrees
Water Pollution: Very clean, maybe some worries near the nuclear power plant.
Wave Consistency: 3-6ft faces are common & consistent.
Overall Weather: 50-60 degrees, & windy.
Suggested Gear: Multiple 4/3mm wetsuit, booties, neoprene head gear for longer sessions, warm towels, blankets & a tent.
The
North Atlantic awakens from its summer slumber sending consistent swell
to Scotland's western & northern coasts. The Western Isles will
take some logistical planning & hard work to get to the breaks, but
are worth the effort. The breaks on the northern coast, especially near Edinburgh, are easier to get to but less consistent.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but the remote excursions will require
the help of a guide or very detailed instructions. Enjoy the adventure!
Are
there places to stay? Yes, less in the smaller towns, plan ahead and
have an itinerary as a guideline. Reserve a room in the Western Isles.
Is it crowded? Some crowds near the cities, nothing dramatic.
Is there localism: Very little.
Are
there Hazards: Surfing in desolate areas with no help to be found in an
emergency situation. Beware near the nuclear power plant. Hypothermia...
Scotland
culture is equally distinct within in its own borders and when compared
to the rest of the UK. Diversity of culture and geography are the
standard in Scotland.
Culture:
Things to do: Plenty to do in and around the Liquid but the water is cold.
Things
to do out of the water? Near Edinburgh and other major towns lots to do
but as you venture to more exclusive breaks, Western Isles,
alternatives diminish.
People: Very friendly. Lots of Gaelic spoken in the Western Isles and old customs are cherished.
Food & Water: Near major towns plentiful, stock up on goods as you hit the remote spots.
Nightlife: Varies with location. Edinburgh has 1st class nightlife.
Expense: Expensive but can be done on a budget if you camp at the remote locations.
Safety: Very safe.
New Jersey, United States
New Jersey pictures
New Jersey may be a small state but it is packed with people, loaded with beaches and gets plenty of good surf.
Water Temp: 60-68 degrees
Water Pollution: Some problems but not as bad as the rumors. Nothing to worry about!
Wave Consistency: Expect 2-5ft faces and much bigger with any hurricane activity.
Overall Weather: 65-75 degrees
Suggested Gear: 3/2mm wetsuit, neoprene jacket, vest & shorts, board shorts, rash guards & sunscreen.
The
Jersey shore offers an enormous array of styles of beaches, from the
seedy casino strip to quiet laid back beach towns, but to avoid traffic
get out early for the morning session.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, and a host of surf shops to ask questions.
Are there places to stay? Everything imaginable, but a little thin on budget accommodations.
Is
it crowded? The crowds thin in September but when swells arrive
it still gets crowded. New Jersey is home to many good, dedicated
surfers.
Is there
localism: Yes, but overall New Jersey surfers are pretty forgiving as
long as you understand etiquette & show some respect.
Are there Hazards: Parking, beach badges, required to access beaches, and yes, ridonkulous!
A
huge bonus to surfing in New Jersey is its close proximity to many
major East coast cities including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore
& D.C.. Even if the surf goes flat there will not be a shortage of
things to do and see.
Culture:
Things to do: Anything is available related to Liquid.
Things to do out of the water? The more difficult question is how to fit everything into your plans.
People: Friendly
Food & Water: N.J. is densely populated with places to eat, drink & stock up on supplies everywhere.
Nightlife: A little something for everyone & with transportation endless.
Expense: On the expensive side but with a little discipline can be done cheaper than expected.
Safety: Safe
"The destination is the purpose but the journey is the adventure." -ceholli
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