The York Beach Surf Club Opens In Maine

Maine might not be the first place that comes to mind when the word “surfing” is mentioned, yet the state has a long history of hardy surfers braving the cold waters of the Gulf of Maine in search of the perfect wave.

That Maine surfing culture is the inspiration and the motif of the York Beach Surf Club, which recently opened in Southern Maine. The original York Beach Surf Club was founded in 1963 as an organization for local surfers by York’s Sonny Perkins, a surfer who was pivotal in the overall emergence of East Coast surf culture. It took on a new life when his son Taylor purchased the former York Harbor Motel and Cottages and transformed it into this unique hotel that draws inspiration from the surfing culture of Sonny and his friends. A restored vintage 1964 International Harvester milk truck sets the tone. Named The Rolling Pearl, it has been transformed into the property’s signature raw bar.

The York Beach Surf Club has 42 guest rooms and 10 bungalows, and a heated saltwater pool with a pool bar. The Pineapple All Day Café is set oceanfront on the resort grounds and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while The Board Room Coffee & Cocktails is open all day. There is also a poolside cocktail and food service menu. Later this summer, the property will debut Fiske, a full-service, open-to-the-public restaurant featuring an elevated perch atop the Oceanfront building overlooking Long Sands Beach.

Fishing and lobster trips, sailing charters, a food & wine tour, and day trips to Portland can also be arranged.

Deeply rooted in the history of the Northeast surfing culture, the hotel has been re-envisioned as “Scandinavian Modern Maine,” incorporating minimalist Scandinavian style with the spirit of Maine’s traditional coastal architecture and surfing culture. Every guest room offers its distinct vantage point of the ocean or the resort’s grounds, while every aspect of the design was crafted to evoke that 60’s surfing culture. The textures of the exterior celebrate the art of board making, thanks to natural wood bands around the perimeter of the Waverider building and the coral doors. On display are hundreds of photographs lining the walls of guest rooms and public areas depicting the sport’s evolution in southern Maine and original 1960s surfboards gifted by Sonny Perkins and other members of the original York Beach Surf Club. Above the check-in desk classic are 1960s-era longboards hanging from the ceiling.

Sitting next to the front desk in the lobby is a balsa surfboard that belongs to Sonny Perkins, signed by every living member of the York Beach Surf Club and visiting surfers over its tenure in the 1960s.

York Beach is renowned for its surfing and the consistency of its surfing breaks. One of Maine’s best beginner-to-intermediate breaks is on Long Sands Beach, offering first-timers a fun and exciting set of waves to learn on. The York Beach Surf Club is partnering with local vendors to provide summer surfing camps and instruction, whether in a class or a private session.

Guests also have access to complimentary foam surfboards and weekend yoga classes. Evenings are meant to be spent at the property’s communal firepits and oceanfront lawn. Sounds from the house DJ will be hosted on weekends and for special nightlife events exclusive to guests of the Surf Club. Visit The York Beach Surf Club for more details.