Dante Madrigal
With summer winding down and fall finally upon us, we can take a moment to enjoy the coast without the litter of tourists and schoolchildren in the lineup. Additionally, the arrival of fall brings the first inklings of proper north swell, and as the snow starts to fall in the mountains inland, offshore winds will dominate the forecast. Fall is an extraordinary time to be a surfer on the West Coast, and the team at FIX wants to be sure you have everything you need to make the most of the favorable conditions. Dive below as we explore how to prepare for the upcoming swell season in The Fix Manufacturing Guide to Swell Season Prep.
Santa Ana winds Photo: Surfline
What Makes Fall Conditions in California Ideal?
Several factors collide to make fall our favorite time to surf in California. The obvious difference between fall and summer is the crowds. Tourists tend to return home by the start of September, and school begins again, which lightens lineups even further. From a meteorological standpoint, it doesn’t get much better. The lingering warm water and air maintain a comfortable surf experience through the first half of fall while north swells rise, and offshore winds become a daily occurrence. The initial swell comes from a combination of early winter storms that form thousands of miles away in the coastal waters of Alaska, and existing summer south swells that travel north from South America. The “Santa Ana” offshore winds are a direct result of dry desert high pressure colliding with low pressure coastal air.
How to Prepare for Swell Season in California
Swell season prep is all about dialing your gear for longer sessions in serious waves. Fall typically means we put away the grovelers, take out our high-performance shortboards, and our step-ups when the occasion arises. A good fall quiver has something for every potential forecast, from your daily driver shortboard for average Joe conditions to a step-up with enough paddle power to get you into solidly overhead waves.
The Kraken is a handy tool for surf prep
Swell Season Gear
Beyond dialing in your quiver, you’ll want to be sure you show up to the beach with everything you need to paddle out, like a fin key, wax comb, extra fins, and a spare leash. Our Kraken Surf Tool is a ten-in-one multitool designed to meet all your surf equipment needs. The Kraken features a wax comb, scraper, leash cord, leash cord feeder, hex fin key, slotted screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, easy-out to remove striped screws, a re-threader, and a bottle opener. In addition to the Kraken, it’s always wise to have ding material repairs on hand, including resin to match your board construction, fiberglass, q-cell filler, and various sandpaper grits.
Fall water temperatures in California
As the days grow shorter and the air cools, so do the water temperatures along the California coast. In early fall, surfers can still enjoy the lingering warmth of summer with water temps hovering in the high 60s to low 70s, especially in Southern California. However, as October and November roll in, the Pacific cools significantly, often dropping into Northern California’s low 60s and even the high 50s. By mid-fall, it’s usually time to dust off your thicker wetsuit and prepare for the chillier water ahead. Investing in a solid hooded 4/3 and quality booties will allow you to surf for hours, even on the coldest days of the year.
Fall is hands down one of the best times to be out in the water, and with the right gear, you’ll be ready for anything. From lighter crowds to perfect swell, it’s the season to make the most of every session. Stay tuned to the FIX Garage for swell stories and gear guides this season.
