Top Ten
September and October are the cherished months of the year when living on the east end for offering the best of all worlds, especially in Montauk. Ideally the weather is spectacular, the waves are less crowded, and you have the chance to experience restaurants that were too busy over the summer before they close for the winer. Traffic is much better, and the evening sky offers a stunning tapestry of stars and dramatic moon phases much more potent this time of year. This fall has been exceptional for the magical weather and while not hurricane swell, consistent and fun waves have been abundant.
We took an informal survey by asking east end surfers about their favorite aspects of the off-season, and many responses were similar. All agreed how lucky they are to be in Montauk during this time, as it is a reward for handling the masses over the summer.
Kids Are Back in School – This makes driving to the beach and catching waves less hectic, more accessible and offers a less-full line up.
Catching Up with Friends – Along with kids returning to school, you can see your parent friends after drop-off, and spending time feels less rushed and less distracted.
The Light – There is a reason the east end is compared to beautiful places on the planet like the South of France for its picturesque sunshine. The fall is especially known for having an “all day golden hour.”
Warm Water – Finally, the ocean warms up just as summer ends, and it’s a brief window to enjoy the warmest water of the year before putting on all that gear or traveling the globe in search of tropical seas.
Sharks – We can enjoy the lively sea-life of whales, porpoises and seals, and can appreciate the plentiful baitfish that entertain the sharks, so they leave us alone.
Convenience – It’s a novelty to drive on the beach, and a joy to explore the breaks not quickly accessible by foot in search of sand bars.
Costume Changes – It’s time to get used to that 4/3, or is it? Maybe you toggle back and forth between your 4/3 and warm Isurus 3/2 or swap them out for your spring suit because you are too hot.
Wax – Maybe you clean up your board and refresh the base coast from all the junk it collected all summer and applying that first full coast of cold-water wax is immediately satisfying.
Transportation – There is always parking, and a release of stress heading to the beach “in time” according to the strategy you created for the summer to jockey for a spot. On pretty days, you can still ride your bike to the beach and have spaces to keep your cruiser in one piece.
Less Guilt – The sun rises later, it is an incentive to sleep a little longer, move with the seasons, and feel less guilt-ridden that you did not paddle out as early as Carol did.
Happy Surfing!
