Surfing the North Oregon Coast – SurfLife Blog

Surfing at Short Sands Beach is often misunderstood by visitors. From the outside, it looks like a simple beginner beach. To locals, Short Sands—often called “Shorty’s”—is a nuanced, cold-water surf zone where timing, conditions, and equipment choices matter more than raw bravado. Learning to surf here the right way means learning to read wind, tide, and swell the way locals do, and understanding why smaller, cleaner waves are actually the fastest path to real progression.

If you’re looking to take a beginner surf lesson at Short Sands Beach, choosing the right type of instruction matters just as much as choosing the right beach. Short Sands Beach, located inside Oswald West State Park, is widely considered one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots on the Oregon Coast. Its sheltered cove, sandy bottom, and consistent waves make it a common starting point for first-time surfers—especially adults learning later in life.

Short Sands Beach, tucked beneath the cliffs of the northern Oregon Coast, has quietly become one of the most consistent and beginner-friendly places to learn to surf in the region. Its protected cove, sand-bottom break, and reliable swell exposure create an environment where new surfers can focus on learning fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed. Unlike more exposed beaches, Short Sands benefits from natural headlands that help manage wind and wave energy. This makes it

Visitors to the North Oregon Coast often ask the same question once they arrive. Where is the best place to learn to surf if you’re staying in Cannon Beach or Manzanita? While both towns offer stunning scenery and access to the Pacific, learning to surf successfully as a beginner depends on choosing the right location and instruction rather than the closest stretch of sand.

Surf Lessons at Short Sands Beach, Oregon: What Beginners Should Know Before Their First Session If you’re searching for surf lessons on the Oregon Coast, you’re probably feeling drawn to the water already. There’s something about the rhythm of the waves, the cool air, and the quiet energy of places like Short Sands Beach that makes people curious about learning to surf here.

Starting something new can feel a little intimidating, especially when it involves the ocean’s powerful waves. But trust me, beginner surf lessons are the perfect way to dive into the world of surfing with confidence and excitement. Whether you’re standing on the sandy shores of the Northern Oregon Coast or dreaming of catching your first wave, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Starting your surfing journey on the Northern Oregon Coast is an exciting adventure. The waves at Short Sands Beach offer a perfect playground for beginners eager to catch their first ride. But before you paddle out, having the right surf accessories can make all the difference. I’ve put together this essential surf accessories guide to help you gear up confidently and comfortably. Whether you’re shopping for your first wetsuit or looking for handy extras, this guide will wal

If you've ever dreamed of riding the waves along the stunning Northern Oregon Coast, now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. Learning to surf can be both thrilling and challenging, but with the right guidance, you’ll be catching waves confidently in no time. I want to share my experience and tips on how to master surfing skills with the best surfing lessons in Oregon, especially at Short Sands Beach, a true gem for beginners.

Starting your surfing journey on the Northern Oregon Coast is an exciting adventure. The waves at Short Sands Beach offer a perfect playground for beginners eager to catch their first ride. But before you paddle out, having the right surf accessories can make all the difference. I’ve put together this essential surf accessories guide to help you gear up smartly and confidently. Whether you’re shopping in-store or browsing surf accessories online, this guide will steer you in

Choosing your first surfboard can feel like a big challenge. There are so many shapes, sizes, and styles to consider. But don’t worry - I’m here to make surfboard selection easy and fun. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills on the Northern Oregon Coast, this guide will help you find the perfect board to catch your first waves at Short Sands Beach.

Taking beginner surf lessons is the best way to start your surfing journey. Why? Because you get hands-on guidance from experienced instructors who know the local waves and conditions. At SurfLife Surf School, lessons are designed to be fun, safe, and tailored to your pace.

Rugged Oregon North Coast waves rolling into a misty cove beneath cliffs and sea stacks, showing the dramatic cold-water surf conditions of the Pacific Northwest.

Aldous Huxley once wrote that the world is “infinite in every direction,” but most of us only experience a tiny sliver of it. Our minds run on old habits, old worries, old stories about who we think we are. We walk around half-asleep. But certain practices — meditation, breath, art, nature, even plant medicines — can open the doors of perception  and let us step into a more vivid, connected reality. Surfing is one of those doors. Full moon reflecting over ocean waves on the N

Every surfer has a board that feels different — one that seems alive, connected to something deeper than foam and fiberglass. For me, that board is Bob.  Bob isn’t just a surfboard; he’s a reflection of spirit, a sacred bridge between the physical and the unseen rhythm of the ocean. When I first got Bob, I’ll be honest — the connection wasn’t instant. The board felt stiff under my feet, unpredictable, like we were speaking different languages. I tried to control it, to force

Learning to surf is an exciting adventure, especially when you choose the right place and the right instruction. The Northern Oregon...

If you’ve ever dreamed of catching your first wave, the Oregon Coast is a place you should seriously consider. The combination of...

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding the waves and feeling the ocean’s energy beneath your feet, there’s no better place to start than the...

Learn to surf at Short Sands Beach with SurfLife Surf School. Beginner-friendly lessons tailored to your pace. Safe, fun, and unforgettable. Book now!

Surfing and the Art of Adaptive Attunement When we step into the ocean with a surfboard under our arm, we aren’t just chasing waves—we’re...

Starting your surfing journey on the Northern Oregon Coast is an exciting adventure. The waves at Short Sands Beach offer a perfect...