Catch the wave – best countries for surfing

If you want to experience adrenaline and feel the power of nature, have a cool rest and not sweat at all, then you should definitely go surfing. In this article, we will talk about where you can go surfing and which country is worth visiting to get an unforgettable experience.

According to legend, in the 4th century AD the inhabitants of Hawaii already began to ride on special boards on the waves. Today, surfing is not just a sport, but also a philosophy that helps to feel unity with the ocean, overcome your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone. The best surf spots are hugely popular, there are rankings of countries and beaches 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 a unique sense of freedom.

USA and Hawaii

Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu is the perfect surf spot to experience the thrill. This place is considered a paradise for surfers, as the huge waves are ideal for boarding. Banzai Pipeline and Backdoor Surf are among the best beaches in the world for surfing. However, only real masters risk riding here, since it was difficult to conquer the pipes and walls of the Banzai pipeline even in ancient times. Despite modern equipment and sophisticated technique, the ten-meter backdoors of the Banzai Pipeline make even world surfers nervous. The North Shore of Oahu has 36 unique surf breaks that were named as Seven Mile Wonder, but the Banzai Pipeline definitely deserves the title of the best surf spot in the world.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay in Hawaii strikes with its tropical beauty: wild cliffs, rough ocean and waterfalls among exotic greenery create an unforgettable atmosphere. In addition, here you can enjoy stable waves with top tubes, which are suitable for both professionals and beginners. Hanalei Bay is big enough to find sections of varying difficulty making it one of the best surf spots in the world.

Ocean Beach, San Francisco, USA

On the west coast of the United States, there are beaches with great waves, such as Ocean Beach, which are on the list of the best surf spots in the world. In San Francisco, surrounded by water, there are many places for sports. Here you can find constant waves and a variety of breaks suitable for surfing at any level. On these beaches, you can experience the thrill of conquering giant walls and pipes, as well as enjoy scenic views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge between the waves.

Santa Cruz, California, USA

Surfing is popular in Santa Cruz, California, but there are many factors to consider in order to enjoy a great wave, such as season, weather, and location. In addition, the water here is always cold, so you need to get used to the wetsuit. Another disadvantage is the presence of sharks in the waters, but this does not stop people from surfing.

Surfing is very popular in this place, so you can easily find specialized shops with the necessary equipment here. Surfing spots are quite diverse and suitable for different levels of experience. Professional athletes prefer to ride reef breaks, while beginners prefer simple low-ties and beach breaks.

South and Central America

Popoyo, Nicaragua

Popoyo is a popular surf spot for pros, but for beginners just getting to master the board, it can be challenging due to the powerful waves created by gale-force winds off the coast and the strong currents of the Pacific Ocean, which can be life-threatening. However, Popoyo has a relatively calm bay that is suitable for beginners. Here you can learn the basics of surfing, as well as ride a horse along sparsely populated beaches, relax in a cafe on the shore and enjoy the beautiful ocean landscape against the backdrop of harsh rocks.

Pichilemu, Chile

Pichilemu is a city that is considered the capital of surfing in Chile, but the most popular beach is located in the small village of Punta de Lobos, about 3 km from the city. National championships are held here, and professional riders from all over the world gather here the rest of the time. During the season, ocean waves reach a height of 6-7 meters, and strong winds and currents make surfing impossible for beginners.

Pichilemu and its surrounding areas have several beaches suitable for beginner surfers such as Las Terrazas and La Puntilla. For experienced riders, fast waves in Infiernillo are suitable. The water in this area is always cold and rarely warms up above +20 °C, so you need a wetsuit and shoes for surfing.

Europe

Nazare, Portugal

After Hawaiian rider Garrett McNamara tackled a nearly 24m (!) wave at Praia do Norte, Nazare's giant waves became legendary. This beach is now considered one of the best surf spots in the world and hosts the annual WSL Big Wave Contest.

Only experienced athletes are advised to surf in Nazaré. In summer, beginners can try their hand, but in winter, when the biggest waves in the world appear on the beach, only professionals can handle them.

Biarritz, France

In Biarritz, a popular surfing destination, you can practice this sport all year round, however, during the cold season, you must use a wetsuit. Since the early 1950s, this place has become famous among professional athletes and beginners. The rough waters of the North Atlantic lose their strength as they pass through the Bay of Biscay.

There are two main surf spots in Biarritz: Basque Beach (Plage Cote des Basques) and Grande Plage. The first is suitable for beginners - there are schools where children can study, and the second is mainly occupied by experienced athletes. In calm weather, the waves at the Grande Plage calm down, allowing everyone to try their hand at surfing.

Bundoran, Ireland

Bandoran is one of the best surf spots in Europe, where you can find huge waves up to 50 meters high, although in some sections they are smaller. This place attracts both professionals and beginners, as there is a variety of surf spots - from rough and choppy to flat weak waves. It is important to have a warm wetsuit as the water in this region is very cold even during the hot season.

Asia

Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu is one of the best surf spots in Bali, however it is not recommended for beginners. The waves here are not very high, but very powerful and complex, which requires maximum concentration from surfers. In addition, there are strong currents in this region, which makes skating even more difficult. However, if you are confident in your skills, then be sure to come here - a friendly and festive atmosphere reigns here, which you will remember forever.

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

The Mentawai archipelago, which consists of 70 islands, offers excellent surfing spots. The islands of Pagi, Siparo and Siberut are home to legendary pro surf breaks such as Bankvaults and Macaronis. For beginners, calm beaches on the island of Sumbawa are suitable, where there are practically no big waves.

The Mentawai Islands are not only a great place for surfing, but also a popular resort that is not inferior in beauty to Bali or Sumatra. Here you can go surfing, diving, snorkeling or just enjoy a relaxing holiday surrounded by tropical nature. Lovers of outdoor activities and those who are looking for solitude and peace come here.

Siargao Island, Philippines

Cloud Nine is a reef break on the island of Siargao, which is considered one of the most beautiful and dangerous places for surfing in the world. There are powerful left and right reef breaks that rise above the sharp corals. A dizzying flight at high speed among water splashes is available only to experienced riders. There are other surf spots near Cloud Nine, but they can only be reached by boat.

Australia

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Since the early 1960s, the beaches of the Gold Coast have become famous for their unique waves that create ideal conditions for surfing. After the release of the cult movie "The Endless Summer", this place has become even more popular among athletes and surfers from all over the world. Most surfers visiting this place stop off at the Gold Coast town, which is one of Australia's premier resorts thanks to its excellent conditions for a variety of water sports.

The Gold Coast has a total length of about 70 km and offers a variety of surf spots that are suitable for both professionals and beginners. The waves on the beaches of the Gold Coast persist all year round, but in winter they are especially strong, which attracts experienced athletes.

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Byron Bay is a cozy resort located on 70 kilometers of pure sand and surrounded by powerful waves that do not subside all year round. This place is suitable for surfers of all levels, but beginners are advised to choose beaches with patrolling lifeguards, as strong waves and currents can be dangerous. It is also important to pay attention to the notices from the coast guard, as blue jellyfish and great white sharks can swim into the bay, breaking through the protective nets.

Africa

Jeffries Bay, South Africa

J-Bay is a legendary place for professional surfers, where you can find a unique pipeline, which is a wall of water 2-3 meters high. The season here lasts almost all year round, and the pleasant climate and friendly atmosphere make Jeffreys Bay and its famous Supertubes one of the best places for surfing in the world.

Skeleton Bay, Namibia

Skeleton Bay is a place where professional surfers can test their strength and challenge the elements. Cold and windy coastline, powerful surf and huge waves create ideal conditions for experienced riders who are ready to take risks for the sake of emotions and adrenaline. However, surfing here can be dangerous due to sharks visiting the bay regularly. Despite all the difficulties, Skeleton Bay is popular among professionals.

Skeleton Bay is considered to be the longest left surf break in the world where the wave length can be up to 2 km. Experienced riders can ride up to 6 tubes on one wave thanks to the strong current. However, due to difficult weather conditions, skiing in Skeleton Bay requires the use of a wetsuit and shoes from May to November.

Killer Point, Taghazout, Morocco

Killer Point, known for its intimidating name, gets it from the frequent sightings of killer whales in the area. However, surfing here is quite dangerous due to sharks, as well as long and powerful waves that break on the rocks near the shore.

Beginners are advised to choose other surf spots - there are many other suitable places near Killer Point. But the professionals will definitely like it, as the waves here reach a height of 1.5 to 3 meters, and a strong current adds adrenaline. It is important to remember that despite the hot weather, you need to use a wetsuit, as the water is quite cool, especially during season, and the sun is very active.

Surfing is an activity for freedom-loving people with a burning heart. This is a wonderful sport that you can fall in love with for life and devote yourself to it.

To stay in touch with reality, connect mobile Internet from fedafone and indulge in pleasure. We have bundles for each of the indicated country, as well as regional bundles (e.g. South America) and Global bundle for the most popular destinations. Book your flight and hotel with fedafone booking.