Chances are if you’ve only been to the Beachcomber once or twice, the ocean out front was flat as a lake. Ask any local though, and they will tell you all about how good the surf gets and that: “you should have been here yesterday.” Cahoon Hollow beach, like all of the beaches on the Outer Cape has the potential to produce great surfing waves. Even the days that are less than stellar can produce fun surfing conditions, so if you are planning
a trip, be sure to bring your board. Bring a wetsuit as well. During the summer the water ranges from 55º F to 65º F with very few opportunities to comfortably wear less than a 3/2 mm full suit for any extended period of time. When there is swell, conditions are best at lower tides when there is a westerly component to the wind. Technically, the only Wellfleet beach where surfing is permitted during the summer is White Crest, the beach to the South of the Beachcomber. This is enforced by the lifeguards, who protect a relatively small section of the beaches in front of the 4 town parking lots. If you don’t mind a short walk to the left or right of the crowd you will keep yourself on the right side of the law and probably find a wave all to yourself. If you are unsure of where to go, the lifeguards will be happy to point you in the right direction. If you are not a very experienced surfer, it is usually a good idea to check in with them anyway. They would much rather spend a few minutes giving you advice before you head out than have to rescue you later. If you need equipment, lessons or rentals, SICK DAY surf shop in downtown Wellfleet is the closest spot. They have a good selection of gear and an experienced crew of instructors to help you catch you first wave. The BOARDING HOUSE in Hyannis has an excellent selection of equipment geared toward the experienced surfer and is the only year-round surf shop in the area if you find yourself on the Cape in the off-season. The Pump House and Nauset Sports in Orleans also stock a full supply of gear and provide rentals. If you are fortunate enough to visit the Beachcomber immediately after a storm or in the late summer when there is a hurricane churning up the Atlantic, you may be in for a real treat. It doesn’t happen often, but a few times every year, the waves in front of the Beachcomber rival those of anywhere else in the world. Leave these days to experienced surfers however. The Beachcomber wasn’t always a place to meet your friends for a drink and soak up some rays, its original purpose was to house the life saving crews tasked with the job of pulling ship wreck survivors out of the cold and angry ocean.