It wouldn’t be hard to give the definition of surfing if you were to consider the desire to be out in the water, the freedom to conquer a great force of nature that can push you where you have never been before. It’s a whole new world, it’s like a drug that you start taking. Addictive. But surfing without great waves is like hot beer (totally not cool), therefore we decided to see what are some of the best places for surfers. Here are our 10 picks.
1. Gold Coast, Australia
There’s no doubt that Australia has some of the best beaches and best waves, which are perfect ingredients for a surfer. The sixth most populous city in the country, Gold Coast City is located in the southeast corner of Queensland and is renowned for its sunny subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches and the canal systems. Though expensive, it’s a great tourist attraction.
It’s the 70km of beaches and four epic point breaks (The Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach and Mermaid beach) that made people call it, the surfers’ paradise. Other great places to check out are Snapper Rocks Superbank, Burleigh Heads, Kirra and South Stradbroke Island (Straddie).
2. Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
The Mentawai Islands are a wave-rich chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. There are four main islands (Siberut, Sipora, North Pagi, and South Pagi) that block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, which became noted destinations for wave-hunters that are looking for some of the most perfect surfing experiences in the world. Access is by sea only with ferries and charter boats.
Go there from March to October, but keep in mind that the biggest swells are likely to occur in June - September. Waves are facing almost every direction mainly because the winds are variable, so it’s easy to find a break with offshore conditions. Top Mentawai waves include Bankvaults, Lance’s Left and Lance’s Right, Macaronis, and for the less experienced there is Gilligan’s. Most of the surfers spend at least $125 a day so you should expect to pay for such an experience.
3. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride on beaches like Super Tubes, Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Point and Albatross.
Apart from being a popular surfing destination, Jeffreys Bay is also renowned for its blue flag beaches and for hosting the annual Billabong Pro WCT surfing event at Supertubes during July.
4. Fuerteventura, Spain
Part of the Canary Islands, and the second biggest of them all and located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, Fuerteventura is also known as the Mecca of surfers. Aligned with Florida and Mexico on the same latitude, the temperatures here rarely fall below 18 °C or rise above 24 °C. Surfers visiting the island should be extremely happy with the weather conditions, no matter what time of the year they do it. October to March should be top season for them.
The most popular waves are Rocky Point, Harbour Wall, Shooting Gallery, Generosa, Suicides, Mejillonas, Majanicho, El Hierro, The Bubble, German Rights, Cotillo and Esquinzo.
5. El Salvador
After being baptized by Spanish conquistadors as “Provincia De Nuestro Señor Jesucristo El Salvador Del Mundo”, it’s now known as the Republic of El Salvador. Bordering the Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and Honduras, the country is a natural tourist attraction that is gaining more and more popularity with surfers visiting places like El Zonte, Sunzal, and La Libertad. Why? Because they are not very crowded.
The main swell season, is from March to October and coincides with the rainy season. Experienced surfers should expect the south swells during this time, to get up to 10ft. Don’t forget to take your booties for getting in and out at the rocky points and try to discover more and more new spots in the area.
6. Costa Rica
In Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, the Republic of Costa Rica is a legendary surfing location. Mostly ‘hardcore’ surfers come here mainly because of the consistent waves year round and also to the many great surf spots. Both coastlines produces great waves with the major swell season starting from April and ending in October.
This could be the trip of your life so better prepare yourself for the “country’s best waves” in Playa Naranjo and the quality right river mouth point break at Potrero Grande (Ollies Point). Too bad the road systems are not very good.
7. California, North America
If for some reason you want to surf in North America, the best choice is California. The happiest with what California has to offer, are the big wave hunters that go to places like the mountains of Maverick’s during the huge winter swells. If you just want to enjoy a good wave but you’re not into big waves then why not choose a spot between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, it’s great. Some other great places include Steamer Lane, Malibu and Rincon so don’t miss them.
Keep in mind that the water is cold almost all year round (only hits 24 °C in July and August) and that the surfing spots are most likely going to be crowded with very good surfers.
8. Bali, Indonesia
There aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Bali by now. In the western most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, the Island of Bali is “an enchanted land of aesthetes at peace with themselves and nature” (Colin McPhee). It’s Indonesia’s largest tourist destination.
However, little knew that it’s a great place for surfers, too. A few of the best spots include the area around Bukit Peninsular - directly south from Dempasar, Kuta (Beach), Dreamland, Uluwatu or Padang Padang. With the swells coming from the Southern Ocean, Bali sees consistent waves up to 12 ft high, from April to November. Main drawback is that it’s pretty crowded and you may get hassled (a lot).
9. Santa Catarina, Brazil
In southern Brazil, the island of Santa Catarina is colloquially referred to as ‘Florianopolis’ (the capital) and is one of the country’s most visited places because it has a great number of beach resorts. The island is generally considered to be blessed with the best Brazil has to offer to a surfer, including a great consistency and a huge variety of waves, such as Santinho and Mocambique.
Joaquina Beach is one of the best places for your surfing vacation, that won fame as of the 1970s, when surfers from around the world discovered its waves. Other world class surf spots in Floripa (from Florianopolis) are Praia Mole, Campeche and Lagoinha do Leste.
10. Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa is part of the Samoan Islands archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean just north east of Fiji. It’s one of the best surfing destinations offering a rich Polynesian culture, warm waters, a tropical island paradise, and most importantly consistent quality waves. One of the best things, is that the South Pacific ensures that there is plenty of swell from pretty much every direction, all year round. The best time to roll is from April to October, when waves are created by the big lows down near Antarctica.
Some of the renowned surf spots in Samoa, are the A’ufaga Village, Salani, Boulders, Coconuts (compared to Hollow Tree’s in the Mentawai Islands), Salamumu and Tiavea, Laulii, Falea’puna, Fagaloa Bay or Solosolo.
We’re pretty sure these are great places to be if you’re a wave hunter, so please stop by and let us know how your trip was, “Great” may not be enough.
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Costa Rica is DEFINITELY a top 10 surf location in the world.
wow they’re all beautiful..too bad none from Thailand.
I can’t believe you left off Hawaii?! The North Shore is the mecca for surfing and the congregation grounds of all the best surfers in the world in December. Also, El Salvador was a bit of a huh? I’ve been there, they’ve got good waves and good surf and it’s not that crowded but definitely not one of the top 10 destinations. In fact Nicaragua has better waves.
By coincidence I’m the owner of the pictures 2 and 3 of samoa, and I must say that Samoa should be on top of Santa Catarina (I’m brazilian from the south so I know what i’m talking about).
Salani is a really powerful wave i’ve got there with more than 4 feet everyday and surfed the odd 6+ to 8feet one day that was absolutely glassy, warm, uncrowded (6 guys).
Sorry but the coral reefs of samoa have just no comparison with the overcrowded beach breaks and rare points of the brazilian coast.
do u ever know “ombak tujuh(7)”,in west java,indonesia,,,the wave awesome
I think Indonesia is the most beautiful and the best surfing place.
What about Puero Escondico in Mexico?
I think El Salvador has everything : beaches, culture , volcanoes etc, everything in one pack (surf) that’s the best thing.
Haii.
The gold coast is DEFINATLY number 1! good call.
i live there and i live to surf.
what about the sebastian inlet or the monster hole in fl?
North Shore?
i reken margaret river, western aus is way better than surfers paradise
What about Hawaii?
yess i agree, these places are all amazing surf spots, but margaret river should deffinately be in that list somewhere
I think Costa Rica offers some of the best beaches I´ve ever seen, definitely a major spot, too bad its becoming so popular !
I think this refers to the current hot spot not the best of all time because if you dont include hawaii in the top 5 this has 0 credibility! After being in all many of those places I like El Salvador and Costa Rica!
I dont know about Spain for sure not a top ten and brazil too crowded
yeye
um, bondi?
I think Peru has the best beaches for fanatics surfers
How about California?
great spots! specially costa rica
but come on you left out hawaii!?
i agree with b-rent
monster hole is a pretty good spot
Cant beleive that surfers paradise got a mention and not Victoria Australia They have heaps more variety of breaks than surfers and more swell
Hawaii ??? thats a given?? north shore come on
El Salvador may not be best country BUT ONE OF THE BEST SURFING SPOT ON EARTH
oh bra! How cum no like put hawaii on top here cuzz.
Brah hawaiian surf da best and den…ahhh brah lose money
hawaii shoul be on top here…i bet plenty ov u guys neva go to
north shore ahhh?
come on what about jaws in hawaii
El Salvador is definitely one of the best surfing spots i have experienced even better than costa rica… Its a great surfing spot all year around
El Salvador is my favorite . i found a perfect spot .i wont tell u its location is my secret i hope nobody found it so i can keep it for me and my friends. is a surfer paradise ……Brian from Canada.
def Indonesia there’s too many too list
You forgot NIAS ISLAND, it lies on the northern part of Sumatera-Indonesia, it should be included in the list. for SURFERS….YOU MUST TRY!
watch out for cloud 9 siargao, philippines. surfers are beginning to invade this paradise island southeast of the country
none of you been to oman hey? long long point breaks like indo .got 2 go there
UJUNG GENTENG - WEST JAVA - INDONESIA… It’s new !!
The best place in europe to surfing is ERICEIRA!
no its not is ESPINHO!
El Salvador definitely has it all, the perfect weather, friendly locals, no crowded at all, and such a great food for the right price…is a small region so the spots are pretty much one after the other, waves range from 6-10′…
I personally had a great time…check Olas Permanentes in El Zonte…great folks..
Hawaii, North Shore should be up there
I’ve been living in southern California for over 20 years and used to live/surf in north shore, Oahu. Honestly I don’t think the person that created this list has ever surfed the pipe in Hawaii!? I suggust any surfer visit Hawaii in winter! One of the top ten places to surf in the world.
Indonesia still has alot of surfing spot except bali and mentawai…..
because the country is surounding by sea…….
I’ve been to Costa 9 times Fiji once and Hawaii and Hawaii is the proven ground for sure, I’ve been surfing for 20 years and Hawaii humbled me for sure I surfed the sickest and most powerful waves in my life and I’m going back but first I’m off to Nicaragua
Batu Karas & UJUNG GENTENG, West Java - Indonesia
Umm..hello..ARUGAM BAY!!!
I just came back from Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka. I’ve been waiting to go there after i heard about it from other surfers. I loved the surf there and the surf life. Its still rather isolated and pure, but it will become more popular as word gets around. Also went to the wild life parks nearby too.
Arugam Bay rockz!!!
I’ve surfed up and down the California coast, Costa Rica, Peru, Hawaii and Australia. All of these places have great waves and cool vibes (with a few exceptions), but by far Hawaii is the Mecca of surfing. Hands down, no place where surfing is taken more seriously. It should be #1 on the list.
hawaii is a great spot for surfing if you like really hard monster waves and massive amounts of people but thats the problem to many people i was thinking of a place with a 15 ft face every day with warm water and maybe 5 people there that would be the best in the world. brian from canada you suck waves are for everyone
How can you take this seriously without Hawaii in it. What rubbish. Not that the breaks mentioned aren’t great, but top 10????????????????? I smell a bias to Austrialia. Of course, I live near Maveriks in lowly California. Am I west coast bias?????? I think so.
San Diego California has some of the best breaks which include Swami’s and Black beach.
Hi, d’ya guys know that indonesia has the second world longest beach line.. i think there are a lots of surf spot there that is yet to be found or kept secret anyway try south coast of nusakambangan island - central java, indonesia
typical,all nice tropical surf.come to the west of ireland and surf the big stuff where its not all about posing for the girlies.
WHAT!!!!!! El salvador beter then CSTA RICA!!!!!! NO WAY !!! I don´t think El Salvador should even be on the list and Hawaii shoud definitely be at least top 5. OOHHH AND BY THE WAY THEY DIN´T PIC COSTA RICA AS THE 09 ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES LOCATION FOR NOTHIN!!!!!!!!!
Yep, came to add Donegal on the Irish West coast. About nothing but the waves so if you don’t mind the colder clime then the waves will impress any real big-wave surfers among you. Check out the movie ‘Waveriders’ for a look at what’s on offer. You’ll be impressed.
Yes George, El Salvador is “BETTER” “THAN” Costa Rica. And yes el Salvador is in this list.
1. Sunset Beach Hawaii(surfed it 20 ft March ‘04 at 50 yrs old…almost drowned but got killer rides)
2. Margaret River- surfed it 12-15 ft with cyclone coming May ‘78…like a Sunset Beach left.
3. Cloudbreak Fiji…was a peace corps volunteer there in ‘77 but never surfed Tavarua..surfed Singatoka rivermouth. Went back in ‘90 & caught classic 6-8 ft Cloudbreak. Rode a locals trash board but didn’t matter-take off & get barreled.
4. Mahia Peninsula New Zealand..Black’s beach..caught it 10 ft & perfect in Nov ‘77. Beautiful wave.
5. Bali…surfed Uluwatu & Kuta Reef everyday for 2 months in June ‘77…surfed Ulu’s with Terry Fitzgerald and amazed at his speed.6.
6. Monster Hole Oct ‘91 during perfect storm 20 ft swell…8-10 ft and perfect…closest thing to Hawaii in Florida.
7.Hossegor France..caugt it sept ‘75 classic watched Bruce Valluzi tear the place up & surfed with the Tahitian surf team during the french surfing contest there.
8. Hanalei Bay Kauaii…killer break.
9. Waimea Bay…rode it 15 ft march ‘04…actually a fun day.
10. Playalinda Beach..grew up surfing with the Crawfords…Jeff & his brother..many great memories surfing there..great A frames in Oct.
have you ever thought of PNG ??? the surf is realy good…!!!!Its one of the best surf spots…
Cornwall is better than the Gold Coast!