Many people associate surfing with sunshine and warm weather. Here in Erie, the best surf is in the winter. According to meteorologist and surfer Ed Russo, the winter weather creates the best waves.

"Some of the best ingredients in making waves is you need warm water, and you need cold air to flow over top of it because cold air is denser than warm air," said Russo. "When you have cold air, that's coupled with the wind, you have that that cold wind that's literally digging into the lake. So, you get a much more direct energy transfer of momentum from the air into the water. When the water's warm, that cold air is really able to stir up the water quickly."

The winter's bitter temperatures have most people searching for a jacket or warm blanket. The surfers, however, reach for their boards and wet suits.

"I'm surfing. It's ten degrees out. It's snowing, and we're both having the time of our lives," said Russo.

 The Isle Surf and Skate, which opened less than a year ago, is looking to expand the surf scene here in Erie. The owner, Dan Parra, wants to share his passion of surfing with the community. 

"A lot of people like the novelty of going out and walking through the snow and jumping in the water and going surfing," said Parra.

If interested, Parra recommends finding a seasoned surfer. He says that most people in the surfing community are welcoming and happy to help.