Images of surfers often conjure skimpy swimsuits and warm beaches. Not so for Long Island off-season surfers wearing their wetsuits and running back and forth to get some warmth in their autos.

Those who surf Long Island’s beaches when the temperatures plummet are a resilient bunch. They don’t have to battle summer’s crowds but must contend with wind chills and the chilled waters. These hardy surfers happily make the invigorating trade as LI’s South Shore waves rise higher in winter (hurricane and other storm swells being the exceptions in other seasons).

Before reading on, there are a few things you should know. In the off-season, there are no lifeguards around and there may be no one to offer assistance if you need it, so never surf alone. Hypothermia can set in quickly, so dress appropriately and use caution.There are no amenities (yes, restrooms) nearby. Some places listed are closed to non-residents most if not all year, others have haul out, nesting, and breeding spots that must not be disturbed, and all may be subject to localism — the surfing regulars who love a spot aren’t always welcoming to newcomers, especially those freshly learning to surf. There’s a mix of territorialism in the “regulars,” but there’s also a fear that a newbie might hurt someone else.

That being said, follow the recommendations of an experienced surfer: “Sign up for lessons at a surfing school before learning on a beach by yourself. Once you what you’re doing, show respect for locals and you’ll still learn a lot.”

While not a complete list, here are surfing spots (in alphabetical order) that draw praise on Long Island:

• Cupsogue Beach
• Democrat Point at Robert Moses State Park
• Ditch Plains (Montauk)
• Gilgo Beach
• Jones Beach State Park
• Long Beach (the Nassau city, not the Smithtown beach)
• The Bowl at Ponquogue