Surfing is a very popular adventure sport. It needs lots of practice and patience to perfect the art of surfing. There are two types of surfing: short boarding and long boarding. Short boarding is considered to be more difficult, as it needs more effort to maneuver the surfboard.
Surfing originated some three to four thousand years back in Western Polynesia, and has evolved a lot since then. It was first brought to California by George Freeth.
Surfing is a year-round sport and not just a summer activity. If you are one of those who has adrenaline rushing at the thought of riding the waves, then you are at the right place. Here, we have complied a list of the top ten surfing spots in the world. Grab your surfing board, pack your wet-suit, and get ready to hit the shores.
Best Surfing Beaches in the World
Note: As with any top ten list, it is impossible to list the top ten surfing spots without missing out on a few names. The ones listed here are as per the author’s choice, and in no particular order.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Best Time to Surf
May – September
May – September
Level
All Levels
Famous for its Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay is a very popular destination among surfers. The surfing area is divided into several sections, and has areas for beginners and seasoned professionals, alike. It is also home to the Billabong Pro surfing tournament, that brings many enthusiastic surfers from around the world to its shores.
Gold Coast, Australia
Best Time to Surf
January – April
January – April
Level
All Levels
This is one of the most amazing surfing destinations around, and is often referred to as ‘surfer’s paradise’. Gold Coast has a stretch of 35 kilometers of area to choose from, and has something for surfers of all skill levels.
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Best Time to Surf
November – February
November – February
Level
Expert
Regarded as the Mecca of surfing, this is the go-to destination for pros. North Shore provides the most challenging surf, so if you have to prove yourself, it is the place you should head to. If you are a beginner, schedule your trip for the summer months when the waves are gentler and smaller, and if you are looking to catch some giant waves, head there during the winter.
Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Best Time to Surf
April – October
April – October
Level
All Levels
One of the most exotic surfing destinations in Indonesia, Uluwatu can get very busy and crowded in the peak season. There are four different sections to surf on, and it offers something to surfers of all skill levels.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Best Time to Surf
November – February
November – February
Level
All Levels
It is the closest thing to Hawaii on this side of the globe. For a beginner, the best time to go is April to August when the swells are not that huge – ideal to learn the tricks of surfing.
Bundoran, Ireland
Best Time to Surf
September – May
September – May
Level
All Levels
In recent times, Bundoran has become a favorite destination for experienced and beginner surfers alike in Europe. Riding the waves in the chilly waters of the Atlantic doesn’t deter the die-hard surfing fanatics. Surely, it is not everyone’s cup of tea though.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Best Time to Surf
September – May
September – May
Level
Intermediate and Expert
This beach has the reputation of being one of the heaviest beach breaks of the world. It is advisable for beginners to stay away, as waves are usually head high and can snap boards easily. It is often referred to as the Mexican pipeline.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Best Time to Surf
April – October
April – October
Level
Expert
Known for the surf break, heavy and glassy waves, Teahupo’o is known for some of the heaviest waves in the world. Only those surfers in their physical best should attempt to ride the waves here.
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Best Time to Surf
April – October
April – October
Level
All Levels
Mentawai Islands in Indonesia is another dream destination for surfing enthusiasts. The bay around the 70 islands that comprises Mentawai Islands faces the constant fury of the Indian ocean. There is a constant surge of waves, which makes this a surfer’s paradise.
Hossegor, France
Best Time to Surf
September – October
September – October
Level
All Levels
Dubbed as the surfing capital of Europe, Hossegor attracts surfers from all around the world. The giant Atlantic waves constantly pound this French shore, making it an ideal and favorite spot for surfing. And yes, beginners and experts, both will enjoy here.
Here are a few more spots which are worth a mention.
- Tavarua Island, Fiji
- Raglan Beach, New Zealand
- The Soup Bowl, Barbados
- San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
- Rincón, Puerto Rico
- Playa Grande, Costa Rica
- Huntington Beach, California
- Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
- Mavericks, California
- Lima, Peru
- Fuerteventura, Spain
- Nazaré, Portugal
- Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Jaws Maui, Hawaii
These were some of the most popular and famous surfing spots around the world. Which one is your favorite? Do let us know. Enjoy surfing!
