2 surfers in water in Westport, Washington

I always thought surfing was for the type of people who think a little hypothermia builds character. The kind who don’t mind getting tossed by waves and covered in sand. But Westport changed that for me. Maybe it was the peaceful energy, the gently rolling waves, or the fact that at The Jetty, I could ride smaller the waves and still be standing in the shallows. Or it was just because my friend Nick, insisted I give it a go. Whatever it was, I found myself out in the Pacific Ocean, and guess what?

Totally worth it. And this is coming from someone afraid of rip currents. Trust me, if you’re looking to learn how to surf, Westport, Washington has you covered. A little research goes a long way, especially with the help of Westport’s local surf shops to help ease the learning curve and understand surf conditions.

Woman sitting in trunk with wetsuit on in Westport, Washington

The Wetsuit Struggle (A Worthy Battle)

No one warned me that putting on a wetsuit is like trying to fit into a vacuum-sealed bag. It’s a dance—there’s wiggling, pulling, and some one-legged balanced hopping—but once you’re in, you are in. I was worried about freezing—because, you know, the Pacific is cold—but the wetsuit—with gloves and booties to match—kept me warm so I could focus on not falling.

Need to snag a wetsuit or board? Check out one of Westport’s Surf Shops:

Why Westport’s Waves Are Perfect for Beginners

Let’s be honest—surfing can feel intimidating if it’s your first time. But Westport, especially at The Jetty, is the perfect place to start. Depending on the time of year, the waves can be steady and manageable, perfect for practicing at your own pace. The summer season typically offers smaller, calmer waves, in contrast to larger, more powerful swells during the winter months. Don’t let that scare you—with the right conditions, surfing in the winter can be a great opportunity to learn as well (plus you’ll likely have the beach all to yourself).

Overall, Westport gets its notoriety for offering consistent waves and easily accessible surf, earning it the title of Washington’s Premiere Surf Destination. Learn more about our varied breaks here.

Surfer walking on the beach in Westport, Washington

During my first outing, We had great weather to hit the water and the waves came in consistently, giving me plenty of chances to practice and learn at my own pace without feeling overwhelmed. And since the spot wasn’t crowded, it felt like the best possible conditions for a newbie (with the right guidance!).

After getting some beginner tips on land with my ‘instructor’ Nick, I hit the water with confidence—or at least I tried to. OK, fine, I hit the water without confidence…but I hit the water, which is something. His advice—from paddling techniques to positioning—made all the difference and made me feel like I wasn’t just flailing out there. I mean, I was, but you could barely tell! The waves kept coming, and a few times, I even managed to get up onto my knees.

As for the transition to standing? Well, that is for another day.

Pro Tip: Before you hit the water, it’s always a good idea to check conditions before heading out, as wave sizes can vary largely. Check the forecast on Surfline and for further assistance, call the local surf shops for advice on current forecasts, tips on surf etiquette, and to grab the gear you need to ensure you’re prepared for whatever the ocean offers.

We HIGHLY recommend getting a lesson to help buff out the learning curve and get invaluable tips straight from the pros (plus it’s fun). Check out Bigfoot Surf School or Steepwater Surf Shop.

Surfer standing on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Westport, Washington

Surf Etiquette: Respect the Flow

One of the most important things I learned from my first time surfing was surf etiquette—the unspoken rules that keep everyone safe and happy in the water:

Give Right of Way: The surfer closest to where the wave breaks has the right to ride it. Wait your turn, and you’ll earn respect in the water.
Paddle Out of the Way: When you’re paddling out, stay clear of someone riding in. Always paddle toward the whitewash (waves that have already broken) to avoid collisions.

Westport surfers are welcoming, and they’ll be even more so if you respect the surf community so the experience is safe and fun for everyone.

Getting Through the Waves (Without Wiping Out)

One of the hardest parts of learning to surf is something you wouldn’t expect—it’s not riding the wave, but getting out there! Paddling past the crashing waves to position yourself to catch one takes skill, but the surf shops around Westport will teach you some simple tricks to make it easier:

Turtle Roll: When a wave comes at you, grab your board’s rails, flip upside down, and let the wave pass over you. It’s a little awkward at first but super effective for getting through the waves on a larger board.
Punch Through: For smaller waves, you can push your chest down and punch through the whitewash, keeping your momentum as you paddle out.

Why You Should Try Surfing in Westport

Westport is more than just a surf spot—it’s a community. The local surf shops are packed with friendly people who want to make your first time surfing as enjoyable as possible.

And the best part? You don’t need to be perfect. You’ll wipe out, you’ll laugh, and you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve conquered something (I know I did, and I barely stood up!). After your surf session, there’s so much more to do in Westport—from razor clamming to storm watching, or simply soaking in those stunning ocean views. We’ve got your adventures covered.

Ready to learn more? Check out this page for everything you need to know about surfing in Westport—from where to rent gear to the best spots to catch waves.

Where to Stay in Westport

Whether you’re coming for a quick weekend of surfing or planning a longer stay, Westport offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. From cozy inns to beachside cabins, there’s something for every type of traveler.

For more details on where to stay, check out the full list of accommodations in Westport here.