Surfing is one of the most popular water sports across the globe. In fact, according to a recent estimate, there are close to 35 million surfers across the globe. Every year, a good number of them travel the world looking for waves to surf as they explore new cultures. Well, if you are one of them and looking for the ideal destination for beginners or experienced surfers, we’ve got you covered!
At Heymondo, we have compiled a list of the best surfing spots in the world that you can explore. Like any other travel activity, you must have travel insurance. It is extremely important for you to stay safe while travelling abroad and have a comprehensive travel insurance plan for you. Read on to know the destinations and how you can acquire your coverage!
What are the Top 10 destinations for surfing?
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
According to a CNN report, Pipeline in Oahu is the world’s number 1 surf spot. No wonder we have enlisted it as the first one on our list. Visiting here gives you a chance to ride waves that rise to 6 meters. The spot has some of the best breaks in the world you can explore between November and March.
During your visit to Oahu Hawaii, check out the famous North Shore that comprises 7 miles of surfing area with spots such as Backdoor, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Kahuku Point. These are ideal for experienced surfers. However, beginners and learners can have fun at Waikiki as it has calmer waves.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Popularly known as J-Bay, Jeffreys Bay passes as the surfing mecca. It is situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Bay has a series of points that sometimes connect to form a wave you can ride on. While these connecting waves and most points require an experienced surfer, there are other points, such as the Kitchen Windows, where beginners can indulge.
The best time to surf here is May to September, so you can explore more than ten different sections. The waves are perfect for different level of surfer enthusiasts including high-level surfers, longboarders, and intermediates.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Teahupo’o is mostly mentioned among the heaviest waves on Mother Earth. It has also been featured in the ‘Top 10 Deadliest Waves’. Located in the southwest of Tahiti, the spot is strictly for experienced surfers. It requires serious planning and guts.
Its breaks get consistent from April to October. They allow you to experience powerful southern storms that will definitely give rise to your adrenaline. Despite all this, it is a truly mesmerising wave with crystal clear water and the most beautiful backdrop for your photos.
Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Similar to Costa Rica, Bali is a popular tourist destination. Most people visit to witness its natural beauty, beaches, and lush jungles. A good chunk of these people travel to surf and experience the Balinese wave in Uluwatu and Kuta.
Uluwatu is among the few left-hand reef breaks that you will find on Bali’s south side. It normally has three peaks that can connect on bigger swells to form long walls going over 200 meters. This fast and hollow wave can be a perfect challenge for beginners and intermediate surfers.
On the other hand, Kuta is a safe and fun beach town break most suitable for beginners. With its ultra-consistent waves, you can master your skills before advancing to more unforgiving spots.
Maverick’s, California
California is among the world’s top destinations for surfing. Even though its coastline is shorter than Florida and Alaska, it has great surfing conditions with impressive waves. With massive waves stretching over 30 miles south of San Francisco, it is perfect for experienced surfers. You get to become Maverick here.
Maverick’s has beach breaks on a reef known as Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay. It has the biggest waves in California, thanks to the underwater rock ledge that works as a ramp to the waves. However, it only materialises during high-energy swelling from November to April.
Hossegor, France
Hossegor is located on the south-western coast of Landes in France. It prides itself on having beautiful beach breaks and pro-level tubes like those in Hawaii. Most surfers visiting stay at campsites near the beach so they can have proximal access to the surfing spots.
The best time to visit this surfing spot is from May to November. Make a point of exploring Les Culs Nus, La Graviere, Le Penon, and Les Bourdaines. If you are a pro, join the annual surf competitions for Quicksilver Pro France in September.
Puerto Escondido, Southern Oaxaca, Mexico
The spot is known for exciting surfing points, including Playa Zicatela. Most surfers who’ve been here referred to it as the Mexican Pipeline. It has two distinct seasons that attract different crowds. Playa Zicatela becomes a huge beach break for the swell season, where experienced chargers travel globally to catch the giant waves. This is usually from May to September.
On the other hand, the slow season from November to March attracts families and beginners trying to learn how to surf at Playa Carrizalillo. This has made Puerto Escondido one of the best waves in the world, as it accommodates everyone. Whether you want to have winter or endless summer sessions, you have a place at Puerto Escondido.
Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
As the name suggests, Cloud Nine intends to take you to your surfing happy place. Located on Siargao Island, it is said to be the Asian version of the Pipeline and Backdoor points. While it may seem short, it gives strong, punchy and barrelling waves for intermediate and experienced surfers. The hand point breaks get heavier and scarier with large swells.
If you have experienced the Hawaiian waves, you may notice that the swells at Cloud Nine are not as consistent or huge but definitely give you that adrenaline rush. It is perfect for competitive-level enthusiasts and welcomes visitors from September to November.
Sultans, North Male, Maldives
Sultans is situated In North Male Atoll and has an exposed reef break. It is just off the uninhabited island of Thamburudhoo, which makes the wave ideal for most people, regardless of their experience. The break on the outside is not for beginners but is ideal for those progressing.
If you have an appetite for huge waves, visiting between March and October is the real deal, as it allows you to ride the peak. During this time, Sultans gets more consistent clean waves that swell towards the south.
Superbank, Gold Coast, Australia
The Superbank is a man-made surf break in Gold Coast, Australia. With a 2-kilometre line, it has been crafted using sand pumping to offer one of the longest wave rides globally. This wave can swell over a minute, giving you an adrenaline rush as you surf.
Unsurprisingly, it is among the world’s busiest and most populated waves. While it welcomes visitors all year, the best time is December to March, when the cyclones are more rampant.
What’s the surfing capital of the world?
While we have covered the top ten best surfing destinations, none comes close to the Pichilemu beach. Popularly known as the world’s surf capital, it is located at the centre of Chile, just near the coastal fishing village.
You can access it on a three-hour drive from Santiago, Chile’s Capital. It is highly regarded as the surfing capital due to the virtue of the waves. Besides the surfing activities, visitors enjoy the long beaches, picturesque rocks, and cliffs. They are the perfect backdrop for your photos while surfing Pichilemu.
Which country has the best surf culture?
The Golden Coast of Australia is famous for its amazingly huge surfing culture. This means that you will get a chance to experience a variety of surfing equipment alongside a multitude of surfers. The destination also has consistent surf breaks, warm water, and great weather. This makes it a surfing paradise for both beginner and experienced surfers. During the surfing expedition, surfers can try out different beaches on the Gold Coast, including Snapper Rocks, Kirra Beach, Duranbah Beach, and Burleigh Heads.
Don’t forget your travel insurance
And there you have it! These are the best surfing destinations you need to include in your bucket list. Each has something special to offer, and with the different weather conditions, you have a destination for every month of the year.
Travelling abroad, especially for activities such as surfing, is fun. To fully focus on the fun, you must protect yourself from unforeseen circ*mstances. This is where our comprehensive insurance comes in.
With Heymondo travel insurance, you get full protection to ensure you have peace of mind during your travels. In case you need medical assistance, we have an accessible and convenient medical chat feature on our Heymondo assistance app. Even better, the app is available round the clock, and you can access it regardless of wherever you visit. This arrangement facilitates immediate medical assistance from a professional medical team.
Besides up to $10,000,000 in medical coverage, our Heymondo comprehensive travel insurance also covers your luggage against theft and loss. Choose Heymondo today and enjoy limitless peace of mind. We’ve got you covered!
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