Why are you here? Maybe, like us, you grew up on a body of water (i.e. Lake Michigan), surfing was life, but you took a job in the desert. Perhaps a long layover has you stranded while a huge swell pumps on the coast. Or, you are looking to escape the house during a lingering trip to your in-laws in Sun City. Whatever your reason for trying to find surf in AZ, there is hope!
We are always looking for ways to catch the stoke of surfing, and we are sure this list will grow as we discover more ways to surf in AZ. Now, before anyone gets offended with us labeling these alternatives as “surfing”; just know we believe as long as you are having fun and your heart is in the right place, that’s all that matters. We wont keep you waiting, Here is what AZ has to offer:
Wake Surfing
We know, we know. It’s really hard to wake surf without a wake surf ready boat. BUT, that simply is not true. You just have to be willing to meet some new people! Check out MeetUp: There are a handful of AZ wake surfing meet up groups. Sign up to a group and keep an eye out for boat owners to post outings where they will offer up a few extra seats on their boat. As long as you show up to the dock on time with the gas money they specify in had, you will meet some new peeps and have a great time surfing in AZ.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
The best way to SUP in Arizona is to purchase your own stand up paddle board. That way you can take it wherever you may wonder, and explore all the different lakes/views AZ has to offer. However, if you are looking for a quick fix, head out to Lake Pleasant and rent yourself a SUP for the day! If you start your journey at Lake Pleasant Harbor you can paddle across the lake to Scorpion Bay Marina where you can stop off for some mid adventure eats. On your paddle over, in addition to the incredible views, you might catch a few yacht wakes!
Powder Surfing
If you find yourself up north in Flagstaff or out east in Show low, during the winter months you can still score some surf. You will need the right equipment, and possibly the willingness to hike to access untouched powder. The right equipment comes in the form of a Powder Surf Board. There are a number of great companies out there who make really incredible boards, and to help jump start your powder surf equipment research check out the Teton Powder Surfboard by Hydrus. When is comes to locations to powder surf down some AZ mountains, check out Snow Bowl and/or Sunrise.
Wave Pools
Like we were saying earlier, if you are someone who is in PHX for a short amount of time, this may be your fastest option. Yes, you can surf the wave pool at Big Surf Water Park. There is a PM Surf session from 5 – 6 and if you become a member you can surf during the AM sessions Mon-Sat 9 -10 a.m. & Sundays from 10-11 a.m. We know for a fact there is solid crew of surfers who get together for the 9am surf sessions.
KEEP THE STOKE ALIVE!
Find what you where looking for? If you want to join the Land Locked Surfing Crew, Follow our feed by clicking the menu button & subscribe, then head on over to our Instagram page and check out what Land Locked Surfers from all over the world are doing to keep the stoke alive!
