The rainy season here can last longer than it seems like it should. Once the first nice days start to show up in April or May, it's easy to be fooled into thinking that the cool, grey, wet days are behind us, and that it'll be mostly sunny until October or November. With at least some rain in the forecast 3 out of the next 5 days, it got me to thinking about how that really affects me as a surfer.
And... It really doesn't. Even with a decent swell forecast, I'm definitely guilty of seeing a bad weather forecast and deciding to not go to the coast. That just doesn't really make any sense, especially this time of year. With the cooler temperatures in the upper 50's or low 60's now, it won't really be that uncomfortable. And, you'll be in the water most of the time anyway! Even in the winter when it is less comfortable, it's still worth it (although a nice wetsuit certainly doesn't hurt).
It's actually quite beautiful and refreshing to be out in the ocean while it's raining. The ocean and sky blend to one color and the beach has little to no crowd. When the ocean is glassy and it pours, just watching the ripples from a squall on the water is a worthy site to admire. It really is a sight worth appreciating. As a photographer, I can sometimes get sucked into only observing my surroundings, but it feels really good to be IN it.
We know almost more than anywhere that surfing isn't all about warm clear tropical water, board shorts or bikinis, and sun tans. It feels good to embrace the elements here, no matter what type of day it is. A rainy day on a surfboard will make you feel way better than waiting for better weather on the couch.
I'm sure a lot of you know that already, as do I. But, sometimes a little motivation and reminder doesn't hurt.
This video has been out for years now, but it is always an inspiration to me. If you haven't seen it yet, I think you'll love it. And if you have seen it, I'm sure that you know it's worth watching again. Surfing in Oregon has some distinct similarities to surfing in the UK.
Enjoy your time out there, rain or shine.
