Nearing perhaps a balmy 58 degrees, only a few degrees warmer than winter months, the ocean water on the Oregon coast isn’t exactly welcoming this time of the year.

Though few may brave the frigid waves, if outside temperatures peak high enough, those seen in the water are likely donning wetsuits. The protective layer is useful to many water sport enthusiasts, especially surfers.

“We surf all year round here,” Mike Jipp, instructor and owner of the Lincoln City Surf Shop and Museum, said.

Surf culture may be strongest on the beaches of Hawaii and southern California, but many practice the sport here, too.

“About 10 years ago, surfing started to boom here,” Jipp said. “Also now, you see a lot of women in the water. There’s probably one woman to every two men surfing.”

In the spring of 2005, Northwest Women’s Surf Camps was created to accommodate the newest surge in the surfing demographic. Lexie Hallahan started the program and now has five other instructors that help lead the camps.

In addition to helping participants learn the craft, their goal is to build a network.

According to their website www.nwwomenssurfcamps.com, their eyes are set on increasing “a women's surfing community; networked and supported by individuals, private contractors, local/regional business partnerships and ocean conservation liaisons.”

The organization hosts a variety of camps this summer. One-day camps are offered throughout the summer, from July 11-September 19. Originating in Seaside, the camp includes two lessons, morning beach yoga, water-board-beach safety instruction, all equipment and meals.

Women’s weekend surf camps are scheduled for July 11-12 and July 25-26. Also, a couples weekend getaway is set for August 7-9 which includes accommodations at The Ocean Lodge in Cannon Beach.

While surfing requires at least a beginner’s level of swimming skill, children may participate and take the same kind of lessons. Hallahan offers, for the first time this summer, a Girl Power Day Camp on July 18 for those ages 8-13. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., features a lowered student to teacher ratio (from 4:1 to 3:1) to assist in the hours of on-land and in-water surf coaching for the participating children.

Most beginners, both kids and adults, begin surfing on long boards (usually over 9') in effort to help achieve the balance required to stand up on the board. Short boarding (usually a 5' to 7'6" board) is thought to be about as equally popular, but it takes time to feel comfortable on the limited surface.

“Look at professional gymnasts; the girls compete on a four inch balance beam. They didn’t start there. They started on a big platform, like the floor,” Jipp said. “It’s the same idea with surfing. It’s better to start on a bigger board and then downsize.”

Unlike the 30-foot waves that riders brave in Hawaii or California, huge swells are found on the Oregon coast but are not advisable to ride.

The terrain just doesn’t lend itself to allow riders to safely conquer large 20-30 foot swells.

“20 to 30 feet is un-rideable because it usually beach break, so there aren’t protective coves where the waves come in,” Jipp said.

Whether a beginner or an expert, this sport is a mix of the human element and natural element.

Year-round surfers can be found donning gloves and booties in effort to remain protected and warm.

There are a selection of state parks and beaches that are surfing hot spots on the north and central coast, most of which are useable because the swells are managed by natural reefs or capes.

“The best beginner spot around here is the Devil’s Punch Bowl State Park at Otter Rock,” Jipp said. “That’s where I do most of my lessons.”

According to oregonsurf.com, another good beginners spot is Short Sands at Oswald State Park south of Cannon Beach. In Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda is an ideal spot for those of all levels. There are beach breaks for beginners and a reef peak along the south side of the cape for more advanced riders. Further south, Agate Beach is popular with longboarders. When waves are small it’s useable for beginners, but waves can reach quite high making it better suited for more advanced surfers.

Not quite ready to take on the bigger waves, but wish to get the feet wet?

Skim boarding is easy option that allows riders to literally “skim” small waves while laying flat on a skim board (a smaller version of a surf board made of glassed plywood or foam) after running from the beach onto small breaking waves.

“You just lay on those boards,” Jipp said. “Anybody can do that their first day.”