It’s all about the location, or so they say. Having a great time surfing isn’t just about getting your board and gear, and flinging yourself at the largest water mass close to you. To get the most fun out of surfing, you should know the best places to go surfing.
Why ride a “crumble wave”, when you could be feeling glorious at the top of a “reef break”. Besides surfing elements like waves and tides, other factors like access, cost, and accommodation matter too, especially for travelers. These all affect how much fun you have surfing and should be carefully considered.
In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the best surf destinations to help you have a grand time when you decide to go out surfing.
Australia (Newcastle)
Australia is popularly known for its mountains which draw lots of tourists, but it also has noteworthy and large access to open water. Especially in the city of Newcastle which lies on the east coast. Due to its (Newcastle) proximity to the sea, it is the central destination for various beaches.
One unique feature of this city to surfers is the diversity in water conditions it offers. All kinds of surfers – whether learners or pros will find their desired breaks. Besides the joy of riding waves, Newcastle also offers lots of hotels and guest houses for those who plan a trip spanning days.
Do not worry about the prices as you can get adequate rooms as cheap as $20. If you would rather prefer a luxurious type of set then they are also available, all within a short drive to the beaches. Therefore, if you’re a pro or a beginner looking for a change in the surfing environment then Australia should definitely be on your list of options.
Spain (Fuerteventura)
It is no news that Spain has always been a magnet for tourists as it’s one of the countries in Europe with the largest tourist attraction sites. So it’s of no surprise that Spain is on this list. Fuerteventura in Spain is a famous surfing spot known for hosting water sports, thanks to its adaptable weather.
It is a doubly preferable venue for surfing since there are wonderful wind flow and wave conditions during the year. During the winter, surfing becomes very enjoyable as there is a significant decrease in storm activities and tide levels around the equator.
Low seasons like winter will also help reduce traffic and prices for flight tickets. Not only are there decreased prices for plane tickets, the price for housing is also cheaper due to the reduced incoming traffic during this time.
It should be noted that waves and breaks are generally smaller because of the decrease in storm activities during winter. For beginners, smaller waves and breaks are great surfing conditions that you can learn from. If you’re a beginner at surfing or you prefer riding smaller waves during the winter holidays, Spain (Fuerteventura) is the place to go.
California (Santa Cruz)
Asides from being one of the most beautiful places in the United States, California is home to lots of beaches and beautiful weather. Most notable among them is the Santa Cruz beach. Jack O’Neill once called it home, according to reports. He gained acclaim as the very first surf shop owner, where he sold boards and other basic surfing tools.
Riding the waves of Santa Cruz’ beaches is probably one of the most thrilling surfing experience you can have. The breaks are tricky and sometimes borders are dangerous. Nonetheless, Santa Crus is possibly one of the busiest spots for surfers. Beginners may want to consider less tricky beaches and a friendlier “foreign surfer” environment. Thrill-seekers will prefer Santa Cruz over Fuerteventura’s gentle waves for more excitement.
Costa Rica (Santa Teresa)
Santa Teresa boasts beginner-friendly waves and a noteworthy surf school. Yeah, you read that right, a surf school is available at Santa Teresa. You get to interact with friendly coaches who are more than willing to help you through whatever surfing hurdle you come across.
Santa Teresa beach is warm and calm all year, perfect for beginners or those who prefer easier waves. It’s great for surfing lessons and welcomes foreigners with advanced surfing gear. If you’re coming from a colder region, remember Costa Rica is very sunny. The warmth enhances your surfing experience, making the water feel refreshing. If you’re a beginner or any level surfer needing an expert instructor in good weather, Santa Teresa is the place for you.
Hawaii (North Shore)
It would be an incomplete list without Hawaii on it. Some have referred to the beaches of North Shore as the Valhalla of surfing destinations. Despite sounding a bit morbid, the North Shore in Hawaii remains one of the best surfing spots.
The North Shore, with over seven miles of surf beaches, hosts some of the world’s top surfing competitions. Its beaches are known for the Triple Crown Surfing and Pipe Masters because of their consistently perfect waves.
Visiting Hawaii offers more than just surfing; you can enjoy various water sports, meet surfing legends, and have fun. The North Shore is popular and crowded, which makes finding your own space tough, but it’s part of the adventure.
