Do people actually go in the paific ocean? (living in, place)

[Wherewillitland]

Especially during the summer. Do people swim in it? Since its so cold even during the summer, does someone have to wear a wetsuit to go into the water.

[tiffela74]

I live at the coast, and I see people in it quite often in the summertime. No way would I go in, its mostly the younger crowd, but I do recall as a kid playing in the ocean, and my brother could (and DID!!) spend all day playing in it. But it is COLD!!! Nowdays, if its a warm day, I'll roll my pants up and walk along the shoreline so that the waves come in and wash over my feet. Or I'll walk along to where the water is just above my ankles when tide is mostly out. Its sure not bathwater though!!
People surf here year round, but you see pretty much all in wetsuits if its not summertime. Some wear them in summer as well. Especially if theyre more used to water like Mexico or such.

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

It's more of a place to walk your dogs, throw rocks and go jogging rather than jumping in the water. It's beautiful, though.

[Oregonbeachlover]

I see people go in the water quite often, but I wouldn't recommend it. Usually they come back out looking kind of blue colored. I even saw some kids in the water the last couple of weeks (it is winter!). Lots of people do water sports in the ocean all year long , but they do wear wet suits.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

If one tried to swim in it without a wet suit, they would get hypothermia. But, it can be taken for short periods of time. Or it's great to wade along the waves edges.

[tiffela74]

this prompted a call to my brother, he who used to spend so much time playing in the ocean water....he said he remembers it as great times, but to keep in mind too, that after he was of age, he also chose to go spend a few years living in Pruedo Bay Alaska and while "yeah, its cold there, but not THAT cold" .....for comparisons on what a weirdo could play in the ocean all day long.
brrrrrr...

[Smiled]

Yes, if you want to surf or boogie board, you'll want a wetsuit year-round. This is due to the Japan Current. The water gets warm at Santa Barbara, CA, where the current changes. The water temp is pretty similar to Northern CA (48-56 degrees). A 5mm body/3mm arms and legs suit used to be my uniform, with booties and occasionally a hood/gloves.