Best Surfing Destinations to Visit in 2023

Surfing is a sustainable way of having fun and keeping fit. It’s minimal waste yet a highly rewarding way of having fun. There is a sense of nostalgia when you spend many hours in the ocean riding the waves.

Whether you are looking for short lessons or full immersions, it’s best to look for beginner-friendly spots. The best thing is that there are several spots in the world where you can learn to surf and enjoy the thrill. The best surf destinations are gentle and forgiving and will help you learn how to surf.

In this article, we are recommending ideal destinations to take surf trips and learn how to surf. Read on!

Why Take Surfing Trips?

Traveling to exotic surf locations is an adventurous way of exploring the world. Surf trips are sustainable ventures for many reasons. First, it’s a great way to support local communities who offer lessons and facilities. Second, it’s a minimal waste and zero-pollution sport that doesn’t have a hard impact on the environment.

We recommend taking surf trips to beginner-friendly destinations to learn to surf. If you are an adrenaline junkie, a surf trip will definitely be your thing. Besides, you can combine surfing with swimming, diving, and other water sports.

Best Vacation Destinations to Learn to Surf in the Americas

Some of the world’s top surf destinations are found in the Americas. Thanks to the rich surfing culture, beginners can easily hop on a paddleboard and get going. Most of these destinations double up as vacation destinations with lots of adventure and thrill.

Our top destinations to learn to surf in the Americas include:

Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, California

Huntington surf tours are not only scenic but also full of thrill and excitement. The Bolsa Chica State Beach is a short paddle beach ideal for learning how to surf. The combination of mushy waves and a sand bottom makes the beach not only an ideal vacation destination but also a safe place for beginner surfers. Mushy waves are gentle and slow rolling waves that break softly.

The sheltered nature of the beach gives it a consistent surf. There are excellent facilities such as outdoor showers, barbecue grills, and camping spots.

The endless summer weather and uninterrupted coastline of the Bolsa Chica State Beach are perfect to learn to surf. Here, there is a vibrant deep-rooted surfer culture all year round for every newbie to savor. You can as well join a surf school or group lessons offered at the beach.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Photo by Jess Vide from Pexels

Waikiki Beach in Hawaii ranks among the most exquisite places to learn to surf. You don’t have to battle through huge waves or spend lots of energy understanding the grasp the skill. Think of perfect weather, calm waters, and friendly amateurs trying to learn.

The best thing about surfing at Waikiki Beach is that you will have more fun than frustration. You can surf while enjoying your vacation thanks to the laid back vibe around the beach. The superb surf schools around provide the ultimate guide to improve your surfing skills.

Oahu Island, Hawaii

Oahu Island is another popular Hawaiian destination where you can master surfing skills. This vacation destination has various beaches where you can relax, have fun, and take on the waves.

The White Plains Beach is an ideal surfing location for beginners. Located on the southwest of the island, this beach offers gentle surfs with consistently slow breaking waves. Here, the waves are manageable, and with a few lessons offered on this beach, you can quickly learn how to surf.

White Plains Beach has an ambient, relaxed atmosphere. You can take a vacation and spend time learning to surf. Also, this quieter beach doesn’t have the same hustle of the bigger beaches. Also, some of the best hotels in Hawaii are found here, and you can be assured of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Short Sand Beach, Oregon, US

Surfing in Oregon is fun, and Short Sand Beach is an ideal destination to tune up your surfing skills while enjoying the beach’s soft sands. Tucked along the rugged Oregon coastline, this hidden gem attracts amateur surfers all year round. Surfing at Short Sand beach provides not only adventure but also an exquisite outdoor adventure.

Late summer is the peak season for surfing. The water is crystal clear, with surfers taking on the calm waves with their surfboards. When done with surfing, you can hike in the gorgeous trails and around the waterfalls off the beach.

Tofino, Canada

Tofino is Among the Best Places to Learn to Surf in Canada
Photo Credit: Pacific Surf School

Tofino is inarguably Canada’s most famous surfing destination. Surfers travel from all over the world to take on the excellent waves.  Located on Vancouver Island, this 16km beach space offers plenty of room to work on your surfing skills.

The best part about Surfing in Tofino is that it’s suitable for everyone regardless of their experience. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or an enthusiastic amateur trying to master the skill, Tofino is the place to be. It’s an ideal spot for surfing all year round as the weather is fair for the better part of the year, and the waves are consistent all through. Because it’s in the north, the water temps require wetsuits for thermal protection.

Tofino is also famous for its spectacular hiking and when you feel like changing from water to land, Tofino will give you the opportunity to do both beautifully!

Sturgeon Falls, Manitoba, Canada

Located a few miles from Winnipeg on the Winnipeg River, Sturgeon Falls has various waves to suit your level of expertise. Here, you can take surfing lessons while also learning from seasoned surfers how to get it done. This location also provides the perfect opportunity to join surfing clubs and groups.

If you are interested in river surfing, the Winnipeg River is the ideal playground. The best time to surf here is during the summer as the waves are more consistent and the weather is consistent. When surfing here, it’s best to ensure you pick the right waves that you can tame depending on your experience.

Mancora, Peru

Mancora is among Peru’s most luxurious surfing destinations. With warm weather all year round, the Mancora Beach is a perfect location for any beginner. The professional instructors introduce you perfectly to the craft, ensuring you can learn to surf with minimal risk of injury.

The aqua-blue sea and beautiful white beach make this town a surfer’s paradise. It has maintained its charm over time by providing competitive surfing. The most thrilling left-hand point break waves can be found here, providing a great surfing experience. Besides surfing, adventure lovers are treated to a variety of adventurous activities such as kitesurfing and snorkeling.

ocean facts

Best Destinations to Learn to Surf in Asia

Asia is popular for many things, from stunning scenery and flavorful food to exciting culture. To add into the mix, there are a variety of surf destinations to learn to surf and have an epic adventure.

Here are our favorite destinations to learn how to surf in Asia:

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a moon-shaped bay ideal for surfers looking for a thrill. Located on the eastern edge of the Teardrop of India, this bay has a wide range of beach waves that are ideal for beginners.

Arugam Bay boasts beautiful right-hand point breaks -when surfing, the waves break to the right from your point of view. You can learn to surf at the nice hollow rides before immersing yourself fully in the bigger, more thrilling waves for intermediates. Besides surfing, there is another card in the deck. Here, you will spot exotic birds, water buffalos, and elephants.

Siargao Beach, Philippines

Photo Credit: Siargao Car Rental

The Philippines is an island nation with highly surfable coastlines. The monsoon winds make the Philippines a haven for surfers.

The Siargao Beach, where surfers turn to learn how to surf, is a gorgeous, traveler-friendly location. The deeply ingrained surf culture has elevated the Philippines to the global surf map. The beach’s sandy bottom and shallow waters have right-hand breaks that beginners can easily tame.

The best time to surf at Siargao Beach is from September to November and February to May. The period between November to February experiences wild winds only suitable for experienced surfers.

Uluwatu Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Bali is among Asia’s most exciting surfing destinations. It is considered the crème de la crème of global surfing, matching top locations such as Ohau and St Ives. The island has numerous surf spots and a great surf culture that could get you hooked immediately.

Uluwatu beach is a perfect surfing spot for beginners, thanks to the sheer consistency of the breaks. Any first-timer can go there to begin to work on their skill. The long stretches of golden sands contribute to a perfect surfing experience.

Best Destinations to Learn to Surf in Europe

Europe is huge and diverse and has lots of surfing destinations to explore. However, we’ve picked two destinations that stands out from the rest of the park:

St Ives, Cornwall, England

Photo Credit: St Ives Surf School

Whether you are on vacation or just out to learn to surf, St. Ives offers a great experience.  Our favorite surfing location in St. Ives is Porthmeor Beach. This beach, popular with swimmers and surfers, is well-sheltered from winds offering ideal surfing conditions. The wind conditions maintain clean waves perfect for beginners, making surfing fun and adventurous. With the right swimwear, you can alternate between swimming and surfing to elevate your experience.

To learn how to surf, you can take lessons from any surf school on the beach. The St Ives surf school, which is by far the most popular, provides free surfing equipment and a range of facilities such as showers and onsite changing rooms to ensure you can have hassle-free surfing.

Other popular surfing locations at St. Ives include the Break Water and Hawke Point. Hawke Point is pretty exposed but offers quality waves, but can be overcrowded at times. Break Water is ideal for intermediate to experienced surfers. This is because the waves are inconsistent, and conditions can get harsh at times.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a perfect destination for a surf trip. A surf trip to the island unleashes thrilling experiences and creates an instant connection with nature.

Surf lessons in Madeira are offered by experts who deliver professional guidance on how to break the waves and navigate the surfboards. More adventure is offered by the beautiful volcanic sand on the beaches.Besides surfing, you will also discover the island’s wonderful landscapes.

 

Best Destinations to Learn to Surf in Australia and New Zealand

Australia is famous for its wide-open spaces and numerous wildlife species, while New Zealand is known for its scenic landscapes. However, the coastlines of both provide perfect surfing destinations with the ultimate thrill and enthusiasm.

Here are our favorite destinations to learn to surf in Australia and New Zealand:

Gisborne, New Zealand

Gisborne is known for providing consistent, high-quality surfs for most of the year. The Waikanae Beach, the town’s main beach, has the perfect surfing spots. It has a strong swell, consistent strong winds, and a laid-back vibe.

Surfing in Waikanae isn’t just recreational; it also connects you to a wide variety of surfers, from beginners to amateurs. This spot doesn’t get overcrowded, so you can expect to surf with a sense of calm.

Byron Bay

Photo Credit: Mojo Surf

Located only 2 hours from Brisbane, Byron Bay is an ideal vacation destination to learn how to surf. The bustling coastal town has glorious beaches perfect for surfing and scuba. With a laid-back vibe, surfers from all over the world come here to take on the waters.

This destination is ideal for beginners as it has everything, from perfect waves to professional surf schools. The cool, jewel waters, coupled with calm waves, provide the perfect balance.

The famous beaches in Byron Bay include:

  • Brunswick Heads Beach
  • Wategos Beach
  • Broken Head Beach
  • Belongil Beach
  • Clarkes Beach
  • Tallow Beach

Each of these beaches has turquoise waters and waves with smooth crests that make paddling easy. The gentleness of the ocean makes it easy for beginners to surf.

Best Places for Kids to Learn to Surf

Kids make great surfers when introduced to this amazing culture while still young. However, adult surfing is different from kid’s surfing. The ideal surf for kids should have consistently small waves, perfect weather, well protected, and the right facilities.

Our favorite destinations for kids to learn to surf are:

Scarborough Beach, Maine

The Scarborough Beach in Maine is an ideal surfing destination for kids. The stunning beach, which is located in a pristine location, is a perfect place to tag along with kids.

Here, there are several surfing schools. The Surf Camp has introduced more than a thousand kids to surfing. It has high-quality paddleboards suitable for kids of all ages. The surf lessons are designed to provide an immediate impact and help kids develop their skills.

Landes, France

Located in the southwest region of France, Landes is an outstanding destination for kids to learn to surf. The beaches are fantastic, with fast, consistent waves.

The Seignosse Beach has several bilingual surf schools ideal for kids above five. Kids can learn how to approach the waves and learn how to navigate over them rather than fight them. Since the conditions keep changing, the professional trainers are well adapted to this scenario.

Praia da Luz, Lagos, Portugal

Praia da Luz offers the perfect atmosphere for families looking for adventure. Thanks to the wide range of sporting activities, kids can have a great time. There are various spots with good winds for kids to surf.

Most surfing schools here take in kids above 7 years, while a few take as young as 5 years. Kids are taught by surf instructors and can be accompanied by their parents.

The Bottom Line

If you want to learn how to surf, it’s best to do so in beginner-friendly spots that guarantee safety and easy learning. All of the above destinations come in handy if you are looking for an adventurous surfing experience. Due to the nature of their winds, weather, and breaks, they are perfect for first-timers with little to no experience. It’s best to investigate the surf destination to make sure it meets your physical requirements and expectations.

Hey reader! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase using any of these links, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hidden Lemur is committed to promoting sustainable travel, and we only partner with brands that we believe contribute positively to that cause.

 

Dennis Muvaa

Dennis Muvaa

Dennis is a full-time writer and content marketing professional. He loves traveling off the beaten path and is passionate about sharing tips to help people make the most of their travel experience. Dennis also loves sporty cars and soccer.

Join the Hidden Lemur Mailing List

 

 

SHARE
THIS

Best Surfing Destinations to Visit in 2023

Dennis Muvaa

Dennis Muvaa

Dennis is a full-time writer and content marketing professional. He loves traveling off the beaten path and is passionate about sharing tips to help people make the most of their travel experience. Dennis also loves sporty cars and soccer.

Join the Hidden Lemur Mailing List

 

 

Related Posts