Thomas Brill
When it comes to surfing, Hawaii and California are of course the most famous states in the USA (and for places in the latter, like Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Malibu, Newport Beach, and Venice Beach, fly into Los Angeles International Airport and can an amazing deal at NÜ Car Rentals). But 21 other states also border oceans, with varyiing qualities of surfing in many. Here are five of the best, should your travels take you there (with at least three in driving distance of another NÜ outlet, at New York City's JFK Airport.
Ocean City, New Jersey
The famous, 130-mile Jersey Shore is lined with fun beach towns, and Ocean City (top) is one of the best known and most classic, with a buzzing boardwalk, vintage atmosphere, and big waves which in addition are always consistent thanks to the local jetties. Professional surfers such as Rob Kelly and Matt Keenan have often been spotted surfing here.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Some people don't realize that this quintessential New England state has a small (13-mile) but nice stretch of coast, and similarly, the resort town Hampton Beach may be relatively modest in size, but rest assured, it's fantastic for riding some also modest but still fun waves, while being protected from the winds that come from the northeastern.
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Some consider this state's barrier islands, called the Outer Banks, to have the East Coast's best surfing, and this town - most famous for being the site of the Wright brothers pioneering efforts at being the first to successfully fly aircraft, - boasts outstanding beaches and fantastic, regular, and sometimes huge waves.
South Padre Island, Texas
On the Gulf of Mexico near the southern tip of Texas, this island and town are a hugely popular beach getaway but not often associated with surfing. But in fact it's one of the best surf spots on the USA's Gulf of Mexico coast, with clear water and empty waves all year round - and especially during hurricane season late summer through fall.
Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
Another East-Coast barrier island, 37 miles long, Assateague is known for its pristine beaches and wild horses, and is split between two national parks. It's also split between Maryland and Virginia, and its the latter part, the southern third, where you'll especially find some of the best waves - and you may even have the beach almost to yourself!
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