Surfing while raining?

Hello guys, just another newbie question,

Can I still surf while raining?

We used to do that all the time growing up. Some of my fondest moments are sitting out in a lonely lineup at County Line listening to the pitter patter of rain drops. It's spiritual, really.

But since then, I've come across sickness and such likely from surfing during or shortly after rain. First rain of the season in particular is the worst - all the built up crap in the sewage systems gets flushed out into the ocean.

The official answer is to wait at least 48 hours (Surfline will call it 72 hours) after a major rain. At the same time, Sean Collins has said to me personally that he thinks we've built up an immunity to all the crap lol. It's really up to you whether you want to risk it. If you decide to risk it, might look into getting some hep shots - there's been some extensive discussion on that in the forums if you try searching for it.

Thanks man, will look into it.
5 days waiting for the weekend to come then it rained 3#@6?!

Well so much for that. Surf withdrawal kicked in hard and we paddled out in the downpour lol. Really fun surf though and oddly glassy for the conditions. Missed the sound of rain coming down on the water. Good times!

i love surfing in the rain especially when the waves are pretty fun! i do think it is safer to surf in the rain than the 2 days after the rains because of the runoffs.

I dont mind surfing IN the rain... I DO mind surfing AFTER the rain.

If its the day of a rain.. Ill surf if conditions are decent. If its the day AFTER a rain.. I wont surf.. even if the conditions are decent.

surf in rain but precautions must be taken...

I also think it depends on the location. For example, I would feel more comfortable surfing after it rains in less developed places like Santa Cruz or Ventura (especially away from rivers and drains) than populated ones such as LA/OC. I think each beach is graded for cleanliness at www.healthebay.org. When in doubt, don't go out though.