It is believed that the inhabitants of Hawaii were the first to ride the waves using a special board back in the 4th century AD. Nowadays, surfing has turned from an ordinary sport into a real philosophy. It allows you to feel unity with the vast ocean, believe in yourself and get out of your comfort zone. The best places for surfing are extremely popular – there are ratings of countries and beaches around the world that every rider in love with the sea should visit. After all, a dizzying flight on the crest of a wave is one of the few ways to experience an incomparable feeling of freedom.
Ocean Beach, San Francisco, USA
Best time to visit: March-August
The West Coast of the United States is famous for its excellent waves, and some beaches, such as Ocean Beach, are ranked among the best surf spots in the world. San Francisco is surrounded by water, and athletes have plenty to choose from. Constant waves and a huge variety of breaks allow everyone to ride, regardless of their level. And in this list, Ocean Beach definitely takes an honorable first place in extreme sports and beauty. Here, giant walls and pipes force you to strain all your strength to stay on the board, and the picturesque panorama of the ocean expanses with the majestic Golden Gate Bridge rising above the water makes you freeze with delight in the pauses between waves.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Best time to visit: May-August
J-Bay’s epic waves have long been a legend among professional surfers. There are very few places in the world where you can find a pipeline like this, which is a real wall of water reaching 2-3 meters in height. The season here lasts almost all year round, and the epic marine views combined with a pleasant climate and friendly atmosphere make Jeffreys Bay and its famous Supertubes one of the best surf spots in the world.
Popoyo, Nicaragua
Best time to visit: December-April
Popoyo is a very popular surfing spot among professionals. A beginner just starting to master the board will have a hard time – hurricane winds on the coast create powerful waves, and the incredibly strong Pacific current can pose a threat to life. However, Popoyo has a relatively calm bay suitable for beginners. Here you can not only learn the basics of surfing, but also ride a horse along uncrowded beaches, relax in a cafe on the shore, admiring the incredibly beautiful ocean landscape against the backdrop of harsh rocks.
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Best time to visit: April-October
The Mentawai archipelago has 70 islands, and many of them have great surfing spots. Legendary surf breaks for masters can be found on Pagi, Siparo and Siberut – such famous spots as Bankvaults and Macaronis. Beginners will enjoy the calm beaches on the island of Sumbawa, where there are practically no big waves.
The Mentawai Islands are not only one of the best surf spots in the world, but also vibrant resorts that rival the beauty of picturesque Bali or vibrant Sumatra. Surfers, lovers of diving, snorkeling and relaxing holidays among enchanting tropical nature come here.
Nazare, Portugal
Best time to visit: October-March
The giant waves of Nazaré became legendary after Hawaiian rider Garrett McNamara managed to overcome a wave here that was almost 24 meters high. As a result, Praia do Norte beach has become considered one of the best surfing spots in the world – now the WSL Big Wave Contest is held here every year.
Riding in Nazar is recommended only for experienced athletes. And if in the summer even beginners can test their skills, in the winter only real professionals can cope with the biggest waves on the planet.
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia)
Best time to visit: December-February
The magnificent beaches of the Gold Coast became famous back in the 60s of the last century. The coast’s unique waves, which create ideal surfing tubes and walls, began to attract athletes and enthusiasts from all over the world here after the release of the film “Eternal Summer”, which became a cult favorite in their community. Most surfers visiting the Gold Coast choose to stay in the Gold Coast, which has become one of Australia’s premier destinations due to its excellent conditions for a variety of water sports.
The total length of the Gold Coast is about 70 km. There are a lot of difficult areas here, so loved by professionals, and beginners can easily find beaches with relatively small waves. You can ride on the Gold Coast all year round, but experienced athletes prefer to come here during the winter months, when the ocean is especially choppy.
Skeleton Bay, Namibia
Best time to visit: December-April
The cold and windy coast of Skeleton Bay is a real test for professionals. Powerful surf that does not allow you to calmly enter the water, sharp gusts of wind and huge waves will bring a lot of joy to experienced surfers who love to fight the elements and achieve victory at any cost. In addition, riding here is quite dangerous due to the sharks that regularly visit the bay. But despite all the difficulties, Skeleton Bay is popular among professionals who love adrenaline.
The wave length in the bay can reach 2 km – this place is considered the longest left-hand surf break in the world. An experienced rider is able to ride 6 pipes in a row on one such wave thanks to the incredibly strong current. Due to difficult weather conditions, skiing in Skeleton Bay requires a wetsuit and, from May to November, boots.
Oahu, Hawaii
Best time to visit: November-February
The north coast of Oahu is a paradise for surfers who come to Hawaii in search of thrills. It is not surprising that this sport originated here – the huge waves are simply ideal for riding a board. On the list of the best beaches in the world for surfing, Banzai Pipeline and Backdoor Surf are at the top positions. Not everyone takes the risk of skiing here – since ancient times, only true masters have dared to conquer the pipes and walls of the Banzai Pipeline. And now, despite sophisticated technology and modern equipment, the exceptionally heavy ten-meter backdoors of Banzai Pipeline make even world surfing champions nervous. Of the 36 unique surf breaks on Oahu’s North Shore, dubbed the “Seven Mile Wonder”, this stretch definitely deserves the title of the best surf spot in the world.
With plenty of reef flats, the North Coast provides some more great surfing opportunities, including Turtle Bay and Waimea Bay, known for their powerful waves. For beginners, the best option would be to head to the beaches of Waikiki. Unlike most surf breaks on Oahu’s North Shore, the ocean here is much calmer.
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Best time to visit: June-August
Cozy Byron Bay is about 70 kilometers of clean sand and powerful waves that do not subside for 12 months. The beaches of the bay are perfect for surfers of any level – both professionals and those who are just starting to learn the basics come here. Beginners should choose beaches patrolled by lifeguards for skiing – strong waves and emerging currents can pose a danger. In addition, you must pay attention to notifications from the coast service – blue jellyfish and great white sharks often swim into the bay. Despite the presence of protective nets, they can reach the coastline.
Teahupoo, Tahiti
Best time to visit: November-April
Tahiti is known for its resorts, but the southern coast of the island is most popular among athletes. Teahupu is one of the best places in the world for surfing, despite the fact that the coastline is practically undeveloped and its wild beaches can only be reached by boat. If you don’t want to live in a tent, you can stay at one of the surf campsites – for example, Tahiti Beachcomber or Papara Beach Campsite.
Giant waves up to 30 meters high are ideal for surfing. Beginners will have a hard time here due to the shallow water – the walls often break, which means staying on the climb and reaching the ridge will be a very difficult task. Despite this, Teahupoo is popular with beginners in June – August, when the winds die down and the waves become smaller, providing an opportunity to learn basic surfing skills.
Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Best time to visit: April-October
Uluwatu beaches are considered the best surfing spot in Bali, but they are not suitable for beginners. Not very large, but powerful and complex waves in this region force even experienced surfers to strain their strength. In addition, there is an incredibly strong current here, which makes skiing much more difficult. But if you feel confident on the board, you should definitely come here to try your hand at it. The festive and incredibly friendly atmosphere of Uluwatu, combined with extreme challenges on the waves, will definitely be remembered for a long time.
Florianopolis, Brazil
Best time to visit: December-April
Florianópolis has more than 40 beaches, and their total length is approximately 1,500 km. The best surf spots are located around the island’s capital, Santa Catarina. Due to the unique climatic conditions, there are waves all year round, and thanks to the vibrant tropical beauty and wide variety of surf breaks, the coast can easily lay claim to the title of one of the best surfing spots in the world.
Beginner athletes usually ride on the beach of Barra da Lagoa. There are no strong waves that make orientation difficult, and you can choose between right and left breaks. For professionals, the beaches of Praia Mole and Praia da Joaquina are more suitable, where the waves are higher and less predictable due to frequent wind changes.
Buxton, North Carolina, USA
Best time to visit: December-February, partly May
The best surfing beach on the Atlantic Coast of the United States is named after the Old Lighthouse Beach lighthouse overlooking Cape Hatteras. This is an open point break with long and fairly powerful waves that do not require special qualifications.
It does not work very often – those who want to ride the wave will have to wait for the westerly wind. The water here is quite cool, so a wetsuit will be required.
Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Best time to visit: May-October
Despite the fact that Thailand is not on the list of the best places for surfing, there are also opportunities for those who like to ride the crest of a wave. One of the most suitable places for this is Surin Beach on the island of Phuket. The cozy and very beautiful coastline, almost 1.5 km long, is perfect for beginners. The waves here are small, but quite stable, although there are days of complete calm. It’s best to ride in the evening, when the heat subsides, the wind rises, and the colorful sunset enhances the feeling of unity with nature.
Black’s Beach, San Diego, California, USA
Best time to visit: all year round
Black’s Beach is the most extreme surf spot in California. There is nothing to do here not only for beginners, but also for those who have begun to feel more or less confident on the board. The best surfers in San Diego gather at Black’s Beach, and athletes from all over the state come here on weekends. The sharp wind and fast currents create high and very difficult waves that are difficult for even a professional to ride. Another advantage of the beach is the almost complete absence of people, with the exception of small groups of nudists.
Bundoran, Ireland
Best time to visit: December-February
Bundoran has a strong claim to being the best surf spot in Europe. Huge waves here can reach heights of 50 m, although in many areas they are much smaller. Such diversity makes this natural corner of Ireland attractive to both professionals and beginners. At Bundoran, everyone can choose a spot that suits their skills – from rough elements to flat, gentle waves. The main thing is to have a warm wetsuit with you, as the water in this region is very cold even in the hot summer months, not to mention the winter when surfers flock here.
Killer Point, Taghazout, Morocco
Best time to visit: November-March
The Killer Point surf spot gets its scary name from the killer whales that often swim into the region. Nevertheless, skiing here is still quite dangerous – sharks are found in this area, and long and powerful waves near the shore crash against the rocks.
Beginners should go to other spots – there are quite a lot of them nearby, but professionals will definitely like the adrenaline-filled Killer Point. The waves here reach 1.5-3 meters, and the strong and changeable current will add to the pleasure. It is necessary to take into account that despite the hot weather, it is worth having a wetsuit with you – it will protect against sunburn and rather cool, especially in season, water.
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
Best time to visit: all year round
Horseshoe-shaped Hanalei Bay has the kind of tropical beauty that can only be found in Hawaii. Wild rocks, a stormy ocean sparkling in the sun and waterfalls flowing among exotic greenery make an indelible impression. Additionally, Hanalei Bay is known for its consistently consistent top tube waves. The bay is large enough to offer areas of varying difficulty. There is a place for both professionals and beginners – which is why Hanalei Bay can easily be called one of the best places in the world for surfing.
Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal
Best time to visit: October-May
Pedra Branca Ericeira Beach is located about 50 km from Lisbon, next to a small fishing village turned surf town. Now this zone has the status of a nature reserve – the only one of its kind in Europe and the second in the world. Its main difference from most European surf points is several powerful reef breaks, which create huge waves.
Only professionals are recommended to surf here – it was in Pedra Branca Ericeira that the first Portuguese surfing championship was held.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Best time to visit: August-November
The Cloud Nine reef break on Siargao Island is one of the most dangerous and at the same time beautiful surf spots in the world. The waves here are powerful left and right reef breaks that shoot into the air over small and extremely sharp corals. Only the most experienced riders can ride Cloud Nine, for whom the dizzying flight at high speed in myriads of water spray is definitely worth risking their lives. There are a few more easier spots near Cloud 9, but they cannot be reached without a boat.
Pichilemu, Chile
Best time to visit: December-April
The town of Pichilemu bears the title of the Chilean capital of surfing, but the most famous spot is located about 3 km from it – in the small village of Punta de Lobos. This is where national championships take place, and the rest of the time professional riders from all over the world gather. Huge ocean waves reach a height of 6-7 m during the season, and strong winds and powerful currents make riding impossible for beginners.
In and near Pichilemu there are several beaches for beginner surfers – Las Terrazas and La Puntilla. Advanced riders will love the fast waves at Infiernillo. The water in and around Pichilemu is very cold and rarely warms up to +20°C, so you will need a wetsuit and shoes.
Santa Cruz, California, USA
In California, Santa Cruz is only slightly behind San Francisco in terms of surfing popularity. But in order to ride perhaps the best wave in the world, you will have to take into account a lot of nuances – choose the right season, weather and place. In addition, the water here is always cold, so you need to get used to the wetsuit that restricts your movement. Another disadvantage is the presence of sharks in the local waters. True, this does not reduce the number of people on the water.
You can safely go to Santa Cruz without equipment – there are specialized shops on every corner, since almost all the locals surf. The spots are quite varied, and it won’t be difficult to choose a place suitable for your level. Advanced athletes prefer to ride reef breaks, while beginners usually choose simple low-tides and beach breaks.
Maverick’s, California, USA
Best time to visit: October – March
Mavericks is one of the most popular spots in Northern California. This place is located near the city of Half Moon Bay – about 48 km south of San Francisco. Mavericks is famous for its giant waves and is suitable exclusively for the most experienced extreme athletes. This is confirmed by the death of Hawaii legend Mark Fu – in 1994, he was unable to cope with a huge wave, despite his experience.
Every year, competitions are held at the surf spot; the most famous of them is the Mavericks Invitational. The best surfers from all over the world come to the competition.
The legendary twenty-meter waves of Half Moon Bay are known far beyond California – thousands of athletes from all over the world come here. Only experienced surfers risk surfing here, but they also put their lives in danger – the coast is dotted with sharp rocks.
In autumn and winter, strong Atlantic Ocean currents create huge waves and the water is very cold. Therefore, surfing in Mavericks requires some serious equipment – thick neoprene wetsuits, helmets, shoes and specially designed boards that can withstand the power of the elements. Surfing Half Moon Bay is a serious challenge that requires preparation, excellent physical condition, experience and caution.
Access to Mavericks is limited. To get to the place you will need a boat – a boat or a jet. In addition, athletes need equipment – a wetsuit and shoes, since the water here can be very cold. Before you go, be sure to check current parking and beach access regulations.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Best time to visit: July – August
The beaches of Puerto Escondido occupy first place in the world ranking of surf spots and are considered a real Mecca for extreme sports fans. This place is known as the “Mexican Pipeline” and is famous for its indescribably powerful and long waves.
Puerto Escondido is suitable only for the most experienced surfers. Giant barrels and the incredible power of the waves of the bay are a real challenge even for the masters. This is not the only reason why the local waters are dangerous – those who come here not for the first time usually take several spare boards with them, since they very often break, unable to withstand the fight against the elements.
Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: October – April
Honolua Bay ranks high on the list of best surfing spots. Few beaches can compete with its right-hand waves – this is the true embodiment and pride of Hawaiian surfing. From November to April, powerful northern waves transform the bay, attracting extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Honolua Bay is a paradise in the northwest part of Maui. The coast is surrounded by tropical forests and coral reefs, being part of the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. Despite the fact that the waves here are quite large, the spot is suitable for athletes of different levels. But beginners are still advised to ride during the summer months when the Pacific Ocean calms down. It is worth considering that during the peak season, due to the influx of people, there are not enough parking spaces, so it is better to come here early in the morning.
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
Best time to visit: summer and winter
The Outer Banks cluster of barrier islands offers excellent surfing opportunities. Athletes of all levels come here to surf – in the summer the ocean is calm, creating ideal conditions for beginners, and in winter the high waves will certainly be appreciated by experts in this sport.
The Outer Banks is known for the beauty of its beaches. Many of the islands are great for skiing, with some of the best including Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras Island. Surfing competitions and tournaments are often held in coastal cities in the region.
Cape Cod, East Coast, USA (Cape Cod, East Coast, USA)
Best time to visit: summer and winter
The long East Coast offers plenty of surf spots, but the best beaches are located in Cape Cod. Thanks to the variety of waves, this region will interest athletes of all levels. In summer the ocean is calm and its soft and low waves are great for beginners. Experienced surfers prefer to come here in winter. But it’s worth keeping in mind that coastal currents are very changeable, and there are a lot of sharks in the ocean waves, which makes the region quite dangerous, especially for beginners.
The best beaches for surfing in Cape Cod are White Crest Beach, Marconi Beach, Nauset Beach and Coast Guard Beach. There are a lot of competitions held here, and if you are new to this exciting sport, there are numerous surf schools and private instructors on the beaches.
Trestles Beach, San Clemente, USA
Best time to visit: summer
Northern San Diego County is a popular surfing destination in California. This is a collection of surf spots between northern San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County and southern San Clemente in Orange County.
Among the many excellent locations, Trestles Beach is considered the most famous. Due to the variety of breaks and very long waves, it is often used for training. It is part of San Onofre Beach and mainly attracts experienced surfers. However, beginners will also find relatively calm areas here.
Access to Trestles Beach is limited – to get here you have to walk from the parking lot next to the San Clemente train station. The main surf spots are Lower Trestles, Upper Trestles and Cottons. They vary in difficulty and attract large numbers of athletes during the summer months, especially on weekends.
Ocean City, Maryland, USA (Ocean City, Maryland, USA)
Best time to visit: summer
The beach town of Ocean City is one of the best surf spots on the East Coast of the United States. Its strip of beaches stretches for about 16 km, and sometimes athletes have to walk a significant part of them to find a suitable wave – the ocean here is very changeable. But when it works, pleasure is guaranteed, because in Ocean City everyone will find exactly the type of wave that they like.
There are several schools for beginner surfers on the coast. Here you can rent all the necessary equipment. During the summer, Ocean City hosts competitions and surf festivals. Anyone can take part in them, not just professionals.
Tofino, Canada
Best time to visit: autumn – winter
Tofino isn’t one of the top surfing spots, but it is considered one of the best surf spots in British Columbia. The perfect waves on the many beaches in this region have long been legendary. Cox Bay, Chesterman, Wiccaminish and Long are names well known to beginners and pros alike. They gained fame due to the huge variety of waves – from slow to powerful and high. The only drawback to this region is the low water temperature, so it makes sense to take appropriate equipment with you – shoes, suits and sunscreen.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Best time to visit: April – November
Surfing in Santa Teresa is a fun and inspiring adventure in a friendly atmosphere and beautiful natural backdrop. There are many beautiful beaches with excellent waves suitable for both beginners and professionals. The most popular of them are Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Ermita and Playa Hermosa.
There are many surf schools and rental shops along the entire coast where you can rent everything you need for surfing. There are campsites near some beaches, where it will be nice and comfortable to settle down among like-minded people. During the season, local events include not only surfing competitions, but also all kinds of entertainment and festivals.
Cape Town, South Africa
Best time to visit: May – September
Surfing in Cape Town is the perfect combination of waves, exotic African nature and cultural diversity. The most popular beaches for this sport are Muisenberg, Commando Beach and Llandudno. Here you will find almost all types of waves – from broken to long reef ones, and during the peak season they become more powerful and flexible. There are shops with equipment along the entire coast, and there are several surf schools where you can learn the basics of boarding.
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Best time to visit: April – October
A popular surfing destination, Arugam Bay, is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka. This place is included in the list of the most famous surf points in Southeast Asia. The main beach for athletes is Main Point with its broken and very long waves. There are several other break points nearby, offering varied riding conditions.
Arugam Bay will appeal to athletes of all abilities. And the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of this place, restaurants, bars and cafes where the surfing community gathers, not to mention the magnificent nature, make it ideal for an active holiday.
Soorts-Hossegor, France
Best time to visit: September – April
The commune of Sort-Hossegor is located in the southwestern part of France. The region’s coastline is ideal for surfing and is one of the best places in Europe to practice this sport. Stable left and right breaking waves vary in strength, so athletes of different levels, including beginners, can ride here.
Soort-Hossegor hosts part of the World Surfing Championship (WSL), attracting professionals from all over the planet. The best beaches for skiing are La Greve, La Normandie and La Savannah.
Barbados Island
Best time to visit: November – April
With its varied high waves and stunning beaches, the thrilling surfing of Barbados is one of the most popular and exciting activities on the island. There are several locations here that are ideally suited for this sport. Silver Rocks is an all-reef swell destination, while Bathsheba and Armie beaches offer athletes a chance to try their hand at a wide variety of waves, depending on the winds and the season.
Dungeons at Hout Bay, South Africa
Best time to visit: May – September
If you are attracted to giant waves, dangers in the form of numerous sharks and underwater rocks, and the accompanying extreme sports, Hout Bay will not disappoint. Powerful surf and winds create special conditions for big wave surfing. Only experienced professionals who have all the necessary equipment can ride here and feel safe.