10 Best Surfing Destinations for Intermediate Surfers
Surfing is a difficult sport, hence why most surfers consider themselves as “intermediate”. While we would all love to get spat out of a huge barrel at Teahupo’o or Pipeline, the reality is most of us will never be skilled enough to be in that situation.
On the other hand, most intermediate surfers are done surfing choppy beach breaks and want a bit more of a challenge whether that comes from bigger waves or some reef break action.
Here are 10 of the best surfing destinations for intermediate surfers!
1. Indonesia
With some of the world’s most pristine and consistent waves, Indonesia is for sure a dreamy destination for intermediate surfers. While most waves are reef breaks, the surf in Indonesia is not strictly reserved for expert surfers.
Surf spots like Uluwatu and Padang Padang offer a great challenge to surfers looking to improve their game.
Read our complete surfing guide to Bali, Indonesia
2. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an awesome tropical surfing destination with a lot of gentle waves and reef breaks. Arugam Bay, on the east side of the island is likely to please most intermediate surfers with a great selection of point breaks.
Read our complete surfing guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
3. Hawaii
Hawaii is often referred to as an advanced surfing destination. However, there are plenty of intermediate friendly surf spots on every of the major Hawaiian Island which will improve significantly your surfing.
Read : How to chose the right Hawaiian island on a surf trip
4. Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a surfing mecca in Central America due to its unique offshore wind setup. In fact, with Lake Nicaragua strategically positioned right next to the coast, we get 300+ days of offshore wind every year.
Playa Colorado is an awesome beach for intermediate surfers to practice barrel riding on a soft, sandy bottom.
Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Colorado, Nicaragua
5. Morocco
Morocco is another great surfing destination for intermediate surfers due to the amount of world-class point breaks located in the country. While water is fairly cold, the reward is well worth it…
Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco
6. Panama
Panama has a unique position with great surf spots both on the Pacific coast and on the Caribbean side. Intermediate surfers find a great challenge in Bocas del Toro as these amazing islands offer great surf breaks.
Read our complete surfing guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama
7. Maldives
Maldives represent paradise on Earth for most travelers and that is the case for surfers as well. With so many islands, there are a lot of surf spots to explore along the archipelago. Meanwhile, Maldives receive the same great swells that Indonesia receive every season.
Read our complete guide to Maldives
Find a Surf Camp in Maldives, starting at US$838
8. Philippines
The island of Siargao, in the Philippines is a paradise on Earth for intermediate surfers. Siargao is known for the surf spot Cloud Nine, which is an advanced wave. However, there are several more surf spots around the island which will suit intermediate surfers.
Read our complete guide to Siargao Island, Philippines
9. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and livable countries in the world and it also has a great surfing scene. Raglan, on the west side of North Island is a perfect place for intermediate surfers as it has a few amazing point breaks like Manu Bay.
Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand
10. El Salvador
With a great mix of point breaks, reef breaks and beach breaks, El Salvador is arguably the best surfing destination in Central America. It is a cheap destination that remains not as crowded as Costa Rica or Mexico. Punta Roca is a perfect surf spot for intermediate surfers as a long, peeling right hand break.