subject: Top Places To Go Surfing [print this page] Top 10 Places To Go Surfing. Top 10 Places To Go Surfing.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Places To Go Surfing around the world. Boogie boarders and body surfers are also welcome, just had to make the title shorter. It wouldnt be hard to give the definition of surfing if you were to consider the desire to be out in the water, one with nature, the freedom to conquer a great force that can push you where you have never been before. Its a whole new world, its like a drug that you start taking, I was addicted from the moment I felt the power of the ocean beneath me. Surfing without great waves is like hot beer (totally not cool), therefore we decided to see what some of the best places are for surfers. Grab your passport, wet suit, board wax, sun tan lotion and a few friends; we are covering every corner of the world with this list.
North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii (most visited surfing destination in the world)
The North Shore is a seven-mile stretch of the best waves in the world. Between Kaena Point and Kahuku Point are breaks such as the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. In winter, especially, these places come alive with huge yet perfect surf, when I say huge, Im talking about waves that are 3 to 5 stories tall.
Costa Rica
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 produce 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 countrys 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.
Santa Catarina, Brazil
In southern Brazil, the island of Santa Catarina is one of the countrys 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.
Gold Coast, Australia
Theres no doubt that Australia has some of the best beaches and best waves, which are perfect ingredients for a surfer. The 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. Its the 70 miles 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.
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. Waves are facing almost every direction mainly because the winds are variable, so its easy to find a break with offshore conditions.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hours 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.
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. Surfers visiting the island should be extremely happy with the weather conditions, no matter what time of the year they do it. The most popular waves are Rocky Point, Harbour Wall, Shooting Gallery, Generosa, Suicides, Mejillonas, Majanicho, El Hierro, The Bubble, German Rights, Cotillo and Esquinzo.
El Salvador
After being baptized by Spanish conquistadors as Provincia De Nuestro Seor Jesucristo El Salvador Del Mundo, its 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. 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.
Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa is part of the Samoan Islands archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean just north east of Fiji. Its 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. Some of the renowned surf spots in Samoa, are the Aufaga Village, Salani, Boulders, Coconuts, Salamumu and Tiavea, Laulii, Faleapuna, Fagaloa Bay or Solosolo.
Northern California, California (Doesnt really belong on list but Im bias)
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 Mavericks during the huge winter swells. If you just want to enjoy a good wave but youre not into big waves then why not choose a spot between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, its great. Santa Cruz, south of San Francisco, has a seemingly endless selection of surf spots for surfers of all abilities. If you rip, theres Steamer Lane, a world-class right-hand point break, while intermediate-to-good surfers will love Pleasure Point and The Hook, two nearby right-handers. If youre a beginner, there are easy waves at Cowells, while along the coast Waddell Creek can provide almost empty, though sometimes sharky, surf.
Or you can go to your local water-park and ride man made waves, either way, surfing truly is a way of life.
