Obviously, this has been a brutal winter on a lot of levels. Between snowfall records, freezing cold temperatures, and bouts with relentless offshore winds I have begun to question how I have survived as a surfer in New Jersey. When most people think of surfing they imagine palm trees swaying the breeze, clean blue water, and beaches with scantly clad beach goers littering the shore line – in other words, paradise. But Jersey doesn’t exactly embody that concept. It’s more like old folks swaying in a stiff wind, dirty brown freezing water (temps are in the mid 30′s as we speak), and dirty grey snow littering the roads.

But every now and then I’m reminded of how to survive winters in New Jersey. When a low pressure system pushes off the coast and the winds clean everything up – even if for only a day – surfing here can be magical. Sandbars can be firing, crowds can be minimal, and barrels can be surreal. So here are a couple photos that show why surfing in Jersey can be worth the hassle. (I think)

Golden slabs are a Jersey signature. Photo: Trevor Moran

Nothing like a thick ledge to get the blood pumping. Photo: Trevor Moran

A pulled back view that would make most surfers drool...no matter how cold! Photo: Trevor Moran