New Zealand is sometimes overlooked when it comes to surfing destinations. However, the country has a massive coastline and is exposed to swells of all directions, making it an absolute paradise for surfers. From North Island to South Island, hundreds of uncrowded surf spots await anyone paying a visit for a surf trip.

Here are 5 places that deserve to be on your checklist when heading for a surf trip in New Zealand.

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Piha

Read our complete surfing guide to Piha, New Zealand

Piha is located just west of Auckland, at about an hour drive away from the country’s capital city. It is a small and quiet surf town that is popular amongst kiwis for a little beach getaway. Piha is a great and wide surfing beach that gets good waves from the Tasman Sea throughout the year.

Raglan

Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand

Raglan is the surfing capital of New Zealand with some of the best waves and surf spots in the country located right around this charming town. Manu Bay is the most famous surf spot in Raglan, mostly due to its appearance in Endless Summer, a cult surf movie that aired back in 1966. Raglan became a real surfing hub but always kept its laidback vibe and tranquility.

Mount Maunganui

Also located on North Island, Mount Maunganui is a very popular holiday destination for Kiwis due to its beautiful beach and charming town. As far as surfing goes, Mount Maunganui is not as consistent as the west side of New Zealand, but in summer, some northern swells will turn the whole beach to life and waves do get pretty decent.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is on New Zealand’s South Island, about two hours north of Christchurch. It is one of the best place to surf on the South Island with consistent swells coming from the south in winter and from the north in summer. Kaikoura is a small and charming surf town with stunning views and wildlife that will make your surf trip a very special one.

Shipwreck Bay

Located at the very end of Ninety Mile Beach, in Ahipara, Shipwreck Bay is a beautiful left-hand point break that is one of New Zealand’s best waves. On a decent south westerly swell, the bay turns into a beautiful series of long, endless waves rolling all the way from the point to the beach.

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Anchor Point, Morocco

Morocco is known for having several world-class right-hand waves along its coastline. One of them is Anchor Point, an iconic surf spot located near Taghazout, the country’s most popular surf town.

Anchor Point is a forgiving point break that can be surfed by all types of surfers as long as the swell isn’t too big. This long, perfectly peeling wave is hands down one of the best waves on the African continent and in the world.

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Jeffrey’s Bay is a series of several points which will sometimes connect to form an epic wave that can run for more than a couple miles. This wave requires a certain skill level to generate enough speed to make every section. More often than not, it will also offer a few barreling sections…not only is this Africa’s surfing mecca, but it is also considered as one of the three best waves on Earth by several pro surfers.

Pasta Point, Maldives

This wave is a very consistent left-hander and also one of the best breaks in Maldives. Located on a private island near the capital city and its international airport, Pasta Point is a long, challenging and catches swells more than any other spots in North Male.

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu is probably the world’s most iconic surfing destination. Not only is it the birthplace of several surfing heroes, it is also home to some of the world’s best surf spots. One of them is Pipeline, the deadliest, yet most amazing wave on this planet. This gem breaks consistently on a NW swell, generating perfect A-frame barrels. Experts only, crowds guaranteed.

Punta de Lobos, Chile

One of the world’s best left-hand waves, Punta de Lobos works from knee size to tow-in triple overhead. Located near Pichilemu, in Chile, this point break is a true gem of the South American continent.

In winter, conditions are very hostile with massive swells coming from the south Pacific producing gigantic waves and water temperatures being close to the freezing point. This is when big wave chargers thrive and score epic Punta de Lobos.

Skeleton Bay, Namibia

Skeleton Bay is often referred to as the world’s longest barrel. It may not be the most consistent wave, but when it’s on, it gives a hell of a show.

Every year, pro surfers go on strike missions to Namibia in order to get that crazy footage of a 45 seconds tube and simply enjoy the wave of a lifetime.

Superbank, Australia

One of Australia’s most popular (and most crowded) waves is Superbank, in Coolangatta, Gold Coast. This point break offers several high-quality sections with barreling potential and works most days of the year.

On a good day, this wave runs for a couple miles all the way from Snapper Rocks to Kirra.

Pavones, Costa Rica

Located on the southern end of Costa Rica, Pavones is definitely one of the longest waves in Central America. This point break is usually not so busy compared to the rest of Costa Rica due to its remote location. However, on a good day, this principle doesn’t really stand and you can expect a good amount of surfers.

Mundaka, Spain

Mundaka is a dreamy point break with a few hollow sections allowing to either go straight down the line or stall in the pit for some cover, if desired. This wave is considered as one of the best surf spots in Europe and works best from low to mid tide.

Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii

Honolua Bay is a true Hawaiian gem and a mythical wave. Located on Maui‘s west side, this right-hand point break works consistently over winter and provides epic waves generally more suitable for experienced surfers due to its shallowness and power.

From the takeoff spot, several barreling sections will take you all the way into the bay for what will become a ride to remember!

Cloud Nine, Philippines

Cloud Nine could be known as the Asian version of Pipeline and Backdoor. A short, punchy barreling wave that tends to get pretty heavy and scary on medium to large swells. Although swells rolling into the Philippines are not nearly as consistent and massive as what we see during a Hawaiian winter, Cloud Nine still works more often than not and offers epic rides to whoever adventure themselves to the island of Siargao.

Uluwatu, Bali

Our countdown wouldn’t be complete without a Balinese wave. This surfing mecca is home to some of the world’s most incredible and consistent breaks.

Uluwatu is one of the few amazing left-hand reef breaks that can be found around the Bukit Peninsula, located on Bali‘s south side. A fast and hollow wave that is very challenging, yet more forgiving than Padang Padang or Impossibles, for example.

Uluwatu usually has 3-4 peaks which can connect on larger swells and create a very long wall going on for a few hundred meters.

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a small town located on the east side of Sri Lanka, away from all the big city noise. In the area, multiple point breaks provide nice and mellow waves, perfect for any levels of surfers.

Arugam Bay is the most accessible wave, being located right in the bay, just a short walk from town. Every other break, like Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point will require a scooter or car.

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Often considered as one of the heaviest waves on Earth, Teahupo’o is a truly mesmerizing wave…

Not only is the wave itself absolutely unique, but the whole setup is just remarkable. A backdrop like no other, crystal clear water and a channel packed with boats and photographs, are all aspects that make Teahupo’o stand out even more.

Yo-yo’s, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Sumbawa is another great Indonesian island to visit on a surf trip with several world-class waves like Scar Reef, Super Suck, Lakey Peak and, of course, Yo-yo.

The reason why we make Yo-yo stand out from all these other great breaks is because of its consistency.

Known for being a swell magnet, Sekongkang bay catches every bit of energy coming from the south-west which means if there is swell, Yo-yo’s will work.

The wave itself is a punchy right-hander, which is already pretty rare in Indo (most waves in Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are lefts) that provides a great setup either for airs, barrels or rail game.

Lance’s Right, Indonesia

Lance’s Right, also known as HT’s is one of the world’s most perfect and high performance barreling wave. Located in the Mentawai Islands, a real surfing paradise, Lance’s Right handles pretty much any swell and offers consistently clean conditions through the whole season.

HT’s should only be surfed by experienced riders as the reef is very exposed and sharp. In season, many boats can take you to the break and crowds will be a factor.

Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand

First put on the map by the movie “Endless Summer” back in 1966, Raglan is now known as the surfing capital of New Zealand and one of the world’s best surf spots.

The main attraction in Raglan is Manu Bay, a long and consistent left-hand point breaking over smooth pebbles. On a good day, every point can link together from Indicators and Whale Bay all the way down to Ngaranui Beach.

Scorpion Bay, Mexico

In the dry heat of Baja California’s desert is hidden an absolute gem of a pointbreak…

On a normal day, Scorpion Bay has 4 to 5 distinct points and takeoff spots. However, when a decent-size swell lines up properly and hits Baja California’s coastline, this wave becomes one of North America’s longest point break.

Its remote location and lack of infrastructure also prevents it from being overcrowded. Definitely worth the trip…

Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia

Desert Point is nothing less than Lombok‘s best wave. A dreamy barreling wave with a respectable length that should only be attacked by experienced surfers as it requires speed and agility to simply make the ride.

Without these abilities, the sharp and shallow reef will literally eat your skin. Desert Point is without a doubt, one of the world’s best left-hand waves.

Soup Bowl, Barbados

Soup Bowl is a punchy right-hand wave located on the east side of Barbados, in the lesser Antilles. In the winter months, when good swells push in from the Atlantic, barrels are insane and very common. It is even one of Kelly Slater’s favorite waves in the world!

Rincon, California

Rincon is located near Santa Barbara and is arguably California’s best wave. This classic point break works on a westerly swell and is a truly mythical wave for its length and perfection.

When conditions align, Rincon is considered by many people as one of the world’s best waves.

Cloudbreak, Fiji

Cloudbreak is a mythical wave located near Tavarua, a small island in Fiji. It has been hosting the World Surf League for a good period of time and is also a big strike mission target for professional surfers hunting the world to catch the best waves.

Cloudbreak is a fast and hollow reef break that works from 3 feet to triple overhead. It isn’t a very accessible wave for the common surfer due to its remote location but it definitely should be on every surfer’s bucket list. A once in a lifetime surf trip.

P-Pass, Federated States of Micronesia

This wave is the reason why Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, was first put under the surfers radar. Professionals started shooting this unbelievable right-hand barrel reminding everyone of the Hawaiian and Indonesian type of waves, with barely anyone out in the water. An actual dream, making it one of the best surf spots in the world.

Since then, regular tourists are starting to realize the potential of P-Pass and the surrounding breaks. It surely is hard to get access to the waves, but the reward is astonishing.

G-Land, Indonesia

G-Land is a classic Indonesian wave located on the island of Java that delivers stunning barrels all the way across its super long point. There are multiple sections and takeoff zones that connect on decent swells, most of which will offer great barrel opportunities.

On smaller days, G-Land can be attacked by less experienced surfers but it generally is a high-level wave.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Playa Zicatela, in Puerto Escondido is often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline”. During the swell season, this spot becomes a massive beach break where chargers from all around the world rush to in order to catch one of those giant barrels.

During the slow season, families and beginners can even catch some waves either at the point or at any of the surrounding and more sheltered beaches.

Through the years, Puerto Escondido has built for itself a reputation of being nothing less than the Mexican surfing mecca and one of the world’s best waves.

Coxos, Portugal

For many people, Coxos is Portugal’s best wave. A heavy and challenging right-hander that works consistently on the NW swell throughout the year. It breaks on an exposed reef and should be kept for experienced surfers who know how to handle themselves in crowded spots.

Praia dos Coxos is located in Ericeira, a surf town close to Lisbon that was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011. 

Winkipop, Torquay, Australia

The legendary town or Torquay is home to one of the world’s most iconic surfing brand, Ripcurl. It also is home to Bells Beach and Winkipop, two very popular surf spots in Australia.

Winkipop is a decent point break that peels nicely and offers wonderful walls to set up carves and work on your rail game. Torquay also hosts the World Surf League every year for what became the oldest and most prestigious event on tour.

The post World’s 25 Best Waves and Surf Spots appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

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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