Either you do it yourself or you enjoy watching others do it, but to enjoy surfing you have to choose the spot that works best for you. And of course, there are countless options. So to help you decide where you want to start your surfing journey once you have chosen the right surfboard for you, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 Of The Best Surfing Spots In The World.
1. Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay and Muizenberg are two of the most popular spots for surfing in South Africa. Regarded as the best right-hand ride in the world, Jeffrey’s Bay is known for its long, fast barrels off an intense point break. There are many sections of the bay such as Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Boneyards and Supertubes.
2. Pipeline, Hawaii
Hawaii has some of the best surfing spots in the world. If you’re going to Hawaii, don’t forget to test your surfing skills at Sunset Beach, Jaws and Waikiki. The Banzai Pipeline, however, is said to be one of the toughest spots in the world for surfing. Located on O’ahu’s North Shore, this is where the waves start to break once they reach the shallows of a reef, called a reef break. Home to one of the heaviest waves in the world, scaling more than six meters over a shallow base of razor-blade table reef, there are three reefs at Pipeline in progressively deeper water.
3. Hossegor, France
Hossegor, Les Cavaliers, Anglet and Biarritz are the top spots in France to go surfing. But Hossegor is considered to be the best for many. It is often called the surfing capital of Europe. The Atlantic surfing spot is known for the heavy walls breaking on an unnervingly shallow sandbank. People from all over the world come here to watch pro surfers.
4. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
This spot in the Philippines is for fearless and professional surfers. The powerful reef breaks crashing onto shallow razor-sharp coral are not for the faint-hearted.
5. Uluwatu & Kuta, Bali
Indonesia is home to a number of great surfing spots such as Lance’s Right, Sipora, Mentawais Islands and Sumatera Barat. But it’s hard to beat Bali’s Uluwatu, Kuta and Padang Padang. The perfect glassy faces are not only great for professionals but also for beginners.
6. Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout is a great place for surfers who are just beginning, as the place is way less crowded and offers small waves most of the year. The fishing village in the southwest of Morocco has something for everyone. The spot is also great for advanced surfers as it offers stronger waves from September-April.
7. Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Part of the World Championship Tour of the Association of Surfing Professionals circuit, Teahupo’o is known for its glassy waves and shallow coral reef. The iconic break can make it extremely heavy and hollow. This spot is best for professionals.
8. Puerto Escondido, Southern Oaxaca, Mexico
Puerto Escondido, Sayulita, and Nayarit are the top surfing spots in Mexico. Puerto Escondido is a quiet Mexican town, home to surfers and the Zicatela Beach. Nicknamed the “Mexican Pipeline” due to its similarity to the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Puerto Escondido has a long, blessed surf season from March to December.
9. Maverick’s, California
California has plenty to offer for surfers, from Huntington Beach to San Clemente to Trestles to Black’s Beach to San Diego and of course Maverick’s. Surfed by only the bravest of board riders, the mammoth peak can reach up to 25 meters. Storms are one of the reasons for this height. You have to reach the wave by boat or jet-ski. And this one is pretty dangerous and should be left pros, as there have been surfers who have lost their lives here.
10. Nazare, Portugal
Nazare and Peniche are two top spots for surfers in Portugal. Nazare became famous for its giant size waves. Garret McNamara, a Hawaiian surfer, made a record in 2011 after surfing the 23,77 meters waves at Nazaré. During the big winter swells, Nazare becomes a paradise for pro surfers as the big waves started to come.