DOS East Coast Guide to
Surfing
Surfs up! Welcome to the Nova Scotia surf scene, some of the best in the country… get ready to get pitted! Before you hit the waves be sure you come prepared with proper gear for the conditions and have a solid understand surfing etiquette.
Lawrencetown Beach
40 minute drive
Rentals always available
The most well established surf spot in Nova Scotia, attracting both beginners and international visitors alike. Its unique south facing direction make for consistent swells year round, with only a handful of "unsurfable" days. Lawrencetown beach is only a thirty minute drive from Halifax and has surfboard and wetsuit rental available from both Lawrencetown Surf Co. and Kannon Beach Surf Shop.
Martinique Beach
1 hour drive
Seasonal rentals available
Home of the longest sandy beach in Nova Scotia, Martinique is 5km long with so may spots to surf that it rarely gets crowded. Shallow sandy shores and regular gentle waves make this spot perfect for beginners. It is surfable at all stages of the tide. Hazards here include dangerous rips. Rentals are available for most of the year through Halifax Surf School.
Cow Bay
25 minute drive
No rentals
Once you’ve got your pop up on lock, and have acquired all the gear you need (again, NO rentals), come pay a visit to the infamous Moose! An exposed beach break that has reasonably consistent surf, the best wind direction is from the northwest and the best swell direction is from the south southeast. Waves at the beach are mainly lefts. Best surf is around high tide. Often crowded with experienced surfers. Beware of rips and rocks.
Lawrencetown Beach
40 minute drive
Rentals always available
The most well established surf spot in Nova Scotia, attracting both beginners and international visitors alike. Its unique south facing direction make for consistent swells year round, with only a handful of "unsurfable" days. Lawrencetown beach is only a thirty minute drive from Halifax and has surfboard and wetsuit rental available from both Lawrencetown Surf Co. and Kannon Beach Surf Shop.
Backyards!
40 minutes drive
No rentals
For the salty seasoned surfer! Backyards on the East Shore is an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. Right and better left hand reef breaks… best around high tide. It's sometimes crowded here. Hazards include rips and rocks… and if you’re lucky, a killer sunset!
To learn more about surf conditions we recommend consulting Surf-Reports and Windy for more information about wind and waves. Both can be accessed online or downloaded from the app store. Be safe and hang ten!
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Gear library highlights: Two 8 foot and two 9 foot foamies! Strap on roof racks!