Learning how to surf can feel incredibly intimidating at first. Finding the right surf spot where beginners can learn safely, without the pressure of aggressive crowds or heavy waves, is key to building confidence, having fun and enjoying being in the water.

Luckily, there are plenty of beginner-friendly surfing destinations around the world offering mellow waves, surf schools, and welcoming lineups. Whether you’re looking for tropical beach breaks or European surf towns, this guide covers the 10 best places to learn how to surf.

1. Taghazout, Morocco

Taghazout is a laid-back surf town that became one of Morocco’s top surfing destinations. The area offers perfect point breaks that are ideal for beginners with gentle, long waves that peel smoothly without closing out.

The town is filled with surf schools, hostels, and beachfront cafes. You’ll also have easy access to Morocco’s famous Anchor Point and other world-class spots as you progress.

When to go

The best time to learn how to surf in Taghazout is from October to April which is when the Atlantic Ocean produces nice waves for the Moroccan coastline. On some winter days, waves do get pretty gnarly and beginners will have a harder time, but overall it remains the best season to catch waves in Taghazout.

2. Maui, Hawaii

Maui simply ticks all the boxes when it comes to a perfect surfing destination for beginner surfers. Yes, Hawaii is mostly known for its massive winter swells, but that’s the great part of surf islands! If it’s too big on the north side, the south side will likely be much smaller and vice versa.

Therefore, Maui is an awesome place for beginners to learn how to surf with spots like Lahaina and Kihei which have much smaller waves than Ho’okipa and Honolua Bay. 

On top of that, Maui is just a pure natural beauty so if the surf is bad on a certain day, there is just so much more to see and do and you will never get bored.

When to go

The summer months from April to November are definitely better for learning how to surf in Maui. Swells will roll in from the south and conditions are usually very good in Kihei or Lahaina. While winter delivers massive north-westerly swells, there are still smaller waves to be found on the south side of the island.

3. Tofino, Canada

Canada is typically not a destination you would associate with surfing in the first place. However, Tofino is a little rugged surf town that has everything you want for a nice surf trip as a beginner and getting into the sport in a smooth way.

Most surf spots in Tofino are beach breaks with very mellow waves which make it a perfect place for beginners to learn.

Tofino is a fairly remote destination that remains pretty raw but surfers really run this town so you will find surf schools very easily. There are also some really cool bars and restaurants to enlighten the mood and enjoy your evenings!

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Tofino is during the summer months, from May to September as waves as smaller, weather is much nicer and there is a nice summer vibe around town.

4. San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is another gem of a surfing destination for beginners due to its consistent conditions, great weather and cheap traveling costs. Places like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo are amongst the best surf towns in Central America with waves almost everyday and a great surfing vibe.

The country also has the particularity of having consistent offshore winds due to Lake Nicaragua pushing winds towards the coastline. Apart from a few reef breaks, most surf spots in Nicaragua are beach breaks which is perfect for beginners.

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Nicaragua is from November to April while weather will be drier and waves will be smaller, yet still consistent.

5. Portugal

Portugal is arguably Europe’s best surfing destination and as long as you don’t mind wearing a bit of neoprene, it might very well be your best bet to learn how to surf. Whether you go down south in Algarve or stick to the west side in towns like Ericeira or Peniche, there are surf schools absolutely everywhere. Most surf schools offer group lessons for 30-40 euros, including board and wetsuit so it is quite affordable.

In summer, Portugal has some very consistent and small waves which are perfect for learning in a safe environment.

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Portugal is from May to October with smaller waves and warmer temperatures!

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a well implanted surfing culture that will charm everyone paying a visit. A bit like Nicaragua, Costa Rica has a tremendous amount of surfing beaches and surf schools to help beginners learn how to surf. Santa Teresa, Nosara and Jaco are amongst the best surf towns in Costa Rica which all offer amazing waves and a great social life.

Costa Rica is a pretty developed destination with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and surf schools which makes it a perfect setup for families and beginners looking for a worry-free surfing destination.

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Costa Rica is from November to April when waves are smaller and weather is drier.

7. Southern California, USA

With places like Malibu, Venice beach and Huntington beach, Southern California has some of the world’s best beach breaks as well as having a very strong surfing culture. California is known as the surfing mecca on the American mainland.

You will find yourself finally experiencing the Californian dream…California remains one of the most popular places in the world to learn how to surf.

When to go

The best time for beginners to surf in California is during the summer months while waves are a bit smaller and weather is nice and warm.

8. Bali, Indonesia

This Indonesian island grew for itself a reputation for being nothing less than one of the world’s best surfing destination. Indeed, Bali is blessed with extremely consistent ground swells pushing up from the Indian ocean as well as having a rich culture and cheap cost of living making it a very special place for a surf trip.

When to go

The dry season is from April to November and remains the best time to surf in Bali with light easterly winds resulting in perfect conditions for all the west coast spots including Canggu, which is one of the best place for beginners.

9. Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Nothing less than home of the sport itself, Waikiki is a very special place to visit and trying to resist taking a surf lesson here will be next to impossible. This huge bay obviously gets very crowded but there are so many different spots to chose from that everyone will find a wave.

When to go

Being located on the south side of Oahu, Waikiki is sheltered from the big and famous north-westerly swells that hit Pipeline and the rest of the north shore every winter. You will then be able to enjoy nice and mellow waves in this surfing capital of the world.

10. East coast of Australia

The east coast of Australia made it to the top of our list mostly because of the insane amount of surf spots and favorable year-round surfing conditions for beginners. Australia is also a very convenient place to travel to with a lot of facilities, surf schools and hostels that will all provide great opportunities to meet fellow travelers and have a great time down under…

The weather is also very optimal for surfing or to simply hang on the beach with a few beers and friends!

When to go

Any time of the year is good to learn how to surf on the east coast of Australia. Summer months will obviously be much warmer and also more crowded.

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