In the world of surfing, many factors determine the ideal spot. The waves, the scenery, and the location are to name a few, but some surfing spots are nothing short of awe-inspiring. When it comes to finding the best surfing spots in the world, especially if you’re a beginner, it can be hard to make the right choice.
Let’s start with some common sense and mention the fact that no matter how idyllic a surfing spot appears to be, safety comes first. Especially for beginner surfers, it’s essential to choose a place with a lifeguard station and what’s considered “safe surfing”. Any lifeguard worth their salt will then point you in the direction of the best waves and will also make a mental note of where you’re headed. Look for some black and white flags, and you’ll be in the right direction. Surfers, and especially beginners, are best advised to head towards waist-high waves and ensure the winds aren’t too strong. There are fantastic surfing destinations all around the world, and when it comes to choosing one, it really comes down to personal taste. With that said, we’ve hand-picked five of the most awe-inspiring surfing destinations to save you the time.
Kuta Beach, Bali
Bali has long been a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, white-sandy beaches, and warm hospitality. One of the most iconic surfer destinations in Bali is Kuta Beach. This beach is ideal at low-tide for beginners. There’s also a great swell, meaning good consistency when it comes to good waves for surfing lessons. Before long and with a little practice under your belt, you can head over to the nearby Kuta Reef and watch the professionals at work.
Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
Many surfers from North America choose Costa Rica as their go-to destination. It’s cheap, not to many hours away from home and has some of the best surf in the world. Jaco Beach is another excellent destination for surfers at the novice level, mainly down to the beach-break waves there. Near to Jaco is Playa Hermosa, which is a world-renowned spot for professional surfers. If you can manage and beat the waves at Jaco, you’re all set to face bigger waves, which can be found a little further down the coast.
Tibau do Sul, Brazil
Brazil has always been famous for its pristine beaches and idyllic vacation spots. The surf in some places in Brazil is also nothing short of inspiring, and that’s one reason why some spots have a cult-like following. Tibau do Sul is one such popular area worth visiting between December and March. Surfers who visit beaches like La Boy benefit from swells from the north, east, and south-east, and there are perfect locations for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers alike.
Byron Bay, Australia
Perhaps one of the most famous surfing destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, Byron Bay, is a location thoroughly enjoyed and even cherished by many. Located on the east coast of Australia, the scene is equally about cold beer and fantastic beach food as it is about surfing. One of the best-known areas in Byron Bay is The Pass. This right-hand point-break wave can hold a surfer for a whole minute and is best approached with a longboard. Byron Bay is perfect for beginners and professional surfers, and just about everyone in between.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
For Europeans who want to keep their surf local, Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is famous for some excellent reasons. The island boasts no less than thirty surfing spots, and that means there’s something for everyone in Lanzarote. Arietta is a fantastic first spot as it has right and left breaks over a sandbar. Moving down the coast and El Muelle is an area well worth looking into. It is a spot more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers, but a lot depends on the season, the weather and the waves of the day.
