Even though every surfer has a different opinion about the best spots to paddle out, there are a few beaches known for their great breakers, unique landscape, and unique role in surfing history.
Beachgoers who want to go to a fantastic surf spot can choose from various options all around the world. There's a special surf break out there for everyone, from beginners to lifelong shredders, from the tropical, gorgeous sandy coves of Hawaii to the lush jungles of Costa Rica and the tiny beach towns along Portugal's coastline.
Seven best surf locations
Even though every surfer has a different opinion about the best spots to paddle out, there are a few beaches known for their great breakers, unique landscape, and unique role in surfing history. Southern Man surf shop has Balin products for novice and intermediate surfers with a surfboard with fins, a leash, and surf wax. So, if you're looking for a place to catch your own "perfect wave," consider one of these fantastic surfing destinations.
Photo by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
1. Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Jacksonville Beach is home to the Annual Wave Masters Contest, which attracts more than 200 athletes for a weekend of competition on the waves. The Annual Super Grom Surf Festival is also held on the beach. In June, this one is just for the youngsters.
Atlantic Beach is a great place for novices during the summer. Travel south to the pier at Jacksonville Beach, where you'll find plenty of sand breaks at the end of every beach access. Plan a visit in the fall or spring if you're looking for the area's biggest, most demanding swells.
2. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
This is one of the world's strongest waves, scaling more than six meters over a shallow base of razor-blade table reef, and is located on the island where modern surfing was born. The vast majority of surfers will never be good enough to ride here, but everyone fantasizes about bobbing over its beautiful crest. You've communed with one of nature's best masterpieces when you ride this immaculate water tube.
3. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands' superb weather has traditionally made them a popular tourist and adventure destination. Gran Canaria, located in the southeastern portion of the archipelago, is great surfing terrain, hosting several of the sport's international competitions throughout the year. Sotavento Beach holds an annual phase of the Professional Windsurfing Association World Championship, the premier windsurfing competition. The festival is held in July, but the beach is open to the public all year for everyone from beginners to pros.
4. Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, California
Beginner surfers can ride lengthy pulls into the ocean at Cowell Beach because the waves are moderate and dependable. This length of easy waves and immaculate beach, named for Gold Rush-era developer Henry Cowell, was gifted to Santa Cruz in the 1950s. With an average wave height of 2.4 feet, the peaceful roll of the low tide is mellow enough to ride practically any time of year, but the best waves come from a southwestern swell with a western wind.
5. Hoddevik, Norway
Surfing in the frigid waters of Norway is now not only possible but also extremely fun, thanks to recent developments in wetsuit technology. There are no crowds, and the beaches are wild and undeveloped, set in natural amphitheaters surrounded by steep, majestic mountains. The cliffs also provide wind protection for the waves, and the swell is incredibly steady, with breaks for all skill levels.
6. Dover Beach, Caribbean
If you prefer calmer waters, come to Dover Beach, one of the best sites in the Caribbean for novices to learn to surf. There are several well-known surf schools in the area that offer beginning and advanced lessons and surfboard rentals.
The waves might be as small as two feet or as large as six feet. Book a lesson if you're anxious about finding the tiniest waves possible to learn on. That way, depending on the wind and ocean conditions that day, the surf school can drive you to the optimal site.
7. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Learn to surf in a real-life tropical paradise while living the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica. The Guanacaste region and the Nicoya Peninsula have the country's highest number of surf places, appropriate for surfers of all levels.
In Costa Rica, Tamarindo is already linked with surfing. Beginners will like the long beach in the heart of town, and there are several excellent breakers nearby for all levels. The less busy beach breakers in Santa Teresa and the main beach break at Jaco, the country's largest surf town, are worth visiting.
Packing your bags and getting a trip to an adventurous new destination offers a whole new enthusiasm for surfing, whether you're searching for a relaxing surfing vacation, incredible surf adventures, or the ideal way to spend an international surfing day. You get to learn about other cultures while feeling the waves in a different region of the planet—what a great way to connect people from all over the world.
Main photo by Squirrel_photos from Pixabay