As an intermediate surfer, you’ve likely outgrown sloppy beach breaks and are ready to challenge yourself on more powerful waves, maybe even some reef breaks. If you’re looking to push your skills in a safe but exciting way, here are 10 of the best surfing destinations for intermediate surfers around the world.

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

While Hawaii is often associated with powerful, expert-only waves, there are plenty of intermediate-friendly breaks across all major islands. Spots like Waikiki on Oahu or Lahaina Breakwall on Maui provide the perfect environment to progress safely in the birthplace of surfing.

Read : How to chose the right Hawaiian island on a surf trip

4. Nicaragua

Thanks to its unique geography and reliable offshore winds (over 300 days per year), Nicaragua offers consistent surf with fewer crowds. Playa Colorado is a great beach break where intermediate surfers can practice barrel riding over a soft, sandy bottom.

Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

5. Morocco

Morocco is famous for its endless right-hand point breaks that are perfect for building confidence and style. Anchor Point in Taghazout is one of the best intermediate surf spots, offering long, rideable walls in a laid-back surf town.

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.

Read our complete surfing guide to El Salvador

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Planning a surf trip can quickly go from being an exciting event to an overwhelming experience. There are so many surfing destinations to chose from and they all offer different surfing conditions depending on the time of the year.

Luckily, picking the perfect surfing destination for a surf trip shouldn’t be this hard, as long as you know what you are looking for…and where to look.

The MyWaveFinder search engine is a perfect and free tool to filter out over a hundred surfing destinations and see which ones meet your criteria.

What to look for when choosing a surfing destination

skill level

The first step is knowing your skill level. A beginner surfer will not chose a surfing destination the same way an expert would.

For instance, reef breaks can potentially be slightly more dangerous than sandy beaches, which can be an important thing to look at when picking a surf spot. 

Time of the year

Depending on the season, surfing destinations will offer different surfing conditions. Therefore, if you want to surf Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu, you want to go from December to March, otherwise you might not even see an actual wave!

As beginners, you want to chose surfing destinations when conditions are smaller. For instance, learning to surf in Portugal is totally possible in summer, but if you show up mid winter, waves could very well reach over 10 feet in size!

It is crucial to factor in the time of the year when looking at a potential surfing destination for a surf trip.

Budget

Knowing your budget is crucial when going on a surf trip as some surfing destinations will be much cheaper than others. For example, a day in Hawaii or Tahiti will cost you the same as a whole week in Indonesia or Nicaragua. 

On a surf trip, money spending can easily ramp up, especially when carrying your own surfboards and having to hire boats to reach some remote surf spots.

Weather and temperature

On the comfort side of things, some people picture a perfect surf trip to be in a tropical environment. Another big turnoff for some people is the whole wetsuit thing. if you don’t want to carry any neoprene, stick to water temperatures above 75°F (25°C).

Other activities

Another important thing is to decide what matters for you on a surf trip. Do you want to just surf day in, day out regardless of what else there is to do around or do you want a balanced surf trip with some visiting, partying, yoga etc.

Some surfing destinations like Bali or Costa Rica offer several possibilities to enjoy yourself beside surfing, whereas remote places like Micronesia or Tahiti might leave you more depending on the surfing conditions.

Making the final call

Once you have established all those parameters, simply find the surfing destinations that suit all of them. The best way is by using the free WaveFinder search engine, which will filter over a hundred potential surfing destinations for you!

The post How to Decide Where to go on a Surf Trip appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

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.

To find the best surfing destination for YOU, try our FREE WaveFinder Search Engine!

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.

The post 5 Best Places to Surf in New Zealand appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Mexico is a popular surfing destination in America for its cheap cost of living, great beaches and tropical weather. However, due to the country’s impressive size, it can be hard to decide where to settle on a surf trip to Mexico. Here are our top 5 options of places to go on a surf trip to Mexico to have the best possible experience.

Top find the best surfing destination for YOU, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine!

Sayulita

Read our complete surfing guide to Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita is a buzzing surf town with a great mix or tranquility, party, quality surf and beautiful beaches. Sayulita is in the Nayarit region and receives most swells coming from the Pacific Ocean, making it a very consistent surfing destination in Mexico! With many surf spots, Sayulita is perfect for surfers of all levels as everyone can find its perfect wave…

Book a Surf Camp in Sayulita, starting at US$710

Puerto Escondido

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido has a reputation for being one of the heaviest beach break on Earth. In fact, Playa Zicatela, which is Puerto Escondido’s main surf spot turns into a barreling machine from April to October. However, even beginners can find some waves in Puerto Escondido whether it is during the low season, from November to March, or at some sheltered spots during the high season.

Book a Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, starting at US$333

Huatulco (Barra de la Cruz)

Read our complete surfing guide to Barra de la Cruz, Mexico

Halfway between Puerto Escondido and Salina Cruz is a world-class point break called Barra de la Cruz. This surf spot is famous for the World Surf League event which was held here in 2006 in epic conditions. Waves in Barra de la Cruz are usually a bit more fickle and smaller than Puerto Escondido, but when it does turn on, it is probably Mexico’s best wave.

Baja California Sur

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur

The Baja California peninsula is a very fertile land in terms of waves and surf spots. Many surfers who venture in Baja California Sur do so to find some uncrowded, perfect waves which they will find towards the middle of the peninsula. Down south, at the tip of Baja, is Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo which attracts more crowd and development. Either way, there are great waves to be found everywhere in Baja Sur.

Book a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185

North Baja California

Read our complete surfing guide to North Baja California

North Baja includes the cities of Tijuana and Ensenada which both have great waves. Once again, for more adventure and uncrowded surf, you may way want to venture towards the center of Baja California towards Rosarito. This small surf town if a perfect place to have a mix of nightlife and surfing and fall in love with Baja California!

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Want to go on a surf trip soon but have no idea where to go to have the best experience? Look no more, we have you covered with our top 10 places to go on a surf trip.

From Australia to Costa Rica, every surfing destination is unique on what they have to offer to different types of surfers and travelers.

To find the best surfing destination using our WaveFinder search engine!

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for being a true surfing paradise with a contagious “pura vida” vibe. It is a prefect destination for surfers of all skills levels as waves are extremely consistent and most surf spots are beach breaks. On a surf trip to Costa Rica, you can visit many different world-class surf towns like Santa Teresa, Jaco and Pavones.

2. South Africa

South Africa is the holy grail on the African continent when it comes to surfing potential. With many world-class surf towns like Jeffrey’s Bay and Muizenberg, South Africa has a lot to offer for anyone paying a visit on their surf trip.

3. California

California has one of the richest surfing culture on the planet with mythical waves and surf spots. It is also where many iconic surf brands were born, such as Channel Islands Surfboards, Volcom, RVCA, VANS and O’Neill. On the whole coast, you will find amazing waves and surf towns which will charm every visitor. San Clemente and Huntington Beach are two great options on a surf trip to California.

4. Australia

Australia is well known for its numerous beaches and surf spots which makes it a great surfing destination. Whether you decide to hit the east coast towns of Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Yamba, or head south to Bells Beach, you are certain to find great waves in Australia. The country also offers a robust working holiday visa program allowing young foreigners between 18-35 years old to stay, work and travel for up to 36 months is Australia.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia is arguably the world’s best surfing destination with some of the world’s best surfing islands. Those islands include Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Mentawai Islands. With waves all year round, surfing in Indonesia is a must for any surf traveler.

6. Mexico

Central America is an absolute wave machine and Mexico is well positioned to capitalize on the great Pacific swells. On top of having great waves, Mexico has a very distinct culture which attracts travelers from all around the world. Puerto Escondido and Sayulita are known for being some of the best surf towns in Mexico while Baja California remains a great option for surfers looking for a little adventure off the beaten path.

7. Hawaii

For many people, Hawaii is the holy grail in the surfing world, being where the sport was actually born. There are four major islands which all offer different waves, surf spots and traveling experiences. To know which island is best for you, read our article comparing all four major islands. Hawaii is a great surfing destination, not only for advanced surfers, but also for beginners as you will find many different surf spots which all suit different types of surfers.

8. Portugal

Portugal is often referred to as Europe’s best surfing destination with many world-class beach breaks and point breaks. From Peniche to Ericeira, there are several charming surf towns you can chose from in Portugal to make sure you have a surf trip to remember.

9. Maldives

The Maldives are an archipelago located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, right below India and Sri Lanka. Usually known for 5-star resorts and luxury floating hotels, the Maldives are also a world-class surfing destination with perfect waves and surfing conditions. Most surf spots are reef breaks which can be a bit tricky for beginners. However, on smaller days, any surfer can have fun out here and if it gets too big, you can still enjoy a pure tropical paradise!

10. Morocco

Morocco is a top surfing destination in Africa being known as the land of right-hand point breaks. Surf towns like Taghazout and Imsouane are absolutely perfect for surfers of all skill levels looking for nice cultural surfing getaway.

The post 10 Best Surfing Destinations in the World for a Surf Trip appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Summary

Cascais is one of Portugal’s most iconic coastal towns, located just 30 minutes from Lisbon. Known for its beautiful beaches, charming town center, and vibrant surf scene, Cascais is a favorite among both tourists and surfers alike.

With a variety of surf spots catering to all skill levels, from mellow beach breaks to more challenging waves, Cascais is an ideal destination for a surf trip that combines great waves, culture, and nightlife.

When to go

The best time to surf Cascais, near Lisbon in Portugal is from September to December when swells start getting more consistent and sizable. For beginners, the summer months will offer good, small waves and allow them to gently make their way into surfing.

Surf Camps in Cascais

Find the perfect Surf Camp in Cascais, starting at US$199

• 2 yoga sessions
• 6 two-hour surf lessons
• Surfing materials like board and wetsuit
• Video or photo coaching in the middle of the week
• Transport to the beach with the best waves around
• Daily delicious buffet breakfast
• 7 nights’ accommodation

Best Surf Hotels in Cascais, Portugal

Best Value: Eurostars Cascais and Casa Vela Guest House

High-end: Intercontinental Cascais-Estoril and The Albatroz Hotel

Surf Spots near Cascais

Praia do Guincho

One of Portugal’s most famous beach breaks. Praia do Guincho is known for its powerful waves, exposure to Atlantic swells, and beautiful natural setting. It’s great for all skill levels, but conditions can get challenging when the swell is up.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Sao Pedro

A semi-exposed point break offering longer right-handers. Works best on mid to high tide with SW swells. Less crowded than Carcavelos and a good alternative when conditions line up.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Intermediate and Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : N

Carcavelos

Often considered one of Portugal’s best urban beach breaks, Carcavelos is popular for its fast, punchy waves and great accessibility. The sandbars here create fun peaks with both lefts and rights.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : N

Getting there

Cascais is just 30 to 40 minutes by car or train from Lisbon. It’s one of the easiest surf destinations to access in Portugal.

Transportation options:

• By train: The Linha de Cascais train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station takes about 40 minutes and drops you in the town center.

• By car: A 30-minute drive along the scenic A5 highway.

• By taxi or rideshare: ~€30–€40 from Lisbon Airport.

Safety/things to know

• Crowds: Popular surf spots like Carcavelos and Guincho can get crowded, especially on weekends and during summer.

• Localism: Exists at some breaks like Carcavelos — always respect the lineup and local surfers.

• Water temperature: Ranges from 15°C to 20°C (3/2mm wetsuit most of the year, 4/3mm in winter).

• Wind: Offshore winds typically come from the east — keep this in mind when checking forecasts.

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Australia is a magical surfing destination that has a very clear reputation for having stunning beaches and great waves while offering a laidback lifestyle. 

Many people come to Australia with a very precise dream…Learning how to surf.

Wherever you are in Oz, surfing is a big part of the culture and given the size of the country, you will want to aim for a good spot to catch your first few waves.

Here is a list of our favorite places to learn how to surf in Australia!

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is a very popular surfing destination in Australia not only for its great waves, but also for its unique vibe and lifestyle. There are many surf spots to chose from depending on your level and a few surf schools are there to help beginners make their first steps on a wave in a safe way.

The Pass is an awesome wave to learn how to surf due to its length and mellowness. As much as crowds can be an issue, it is also what makes Byron Bay a great place to meet fellow surfers and enjoy a pleasant and balanced surfing environment.

From its drum circles to its wildlife, everything about Byron Bay just makes it more amazing…

Read our complete surfing guide to Byron Bay

Gold Coast, Queensland

Gold Coast is another popular surfing destination on the east coast of australia that attracts a huge amount of tourists every year. On the southern end of Gold Coast, near Coolangatta, is located most of the surfing potential with one of Australia’s best waves, Superbank.

This man-made sand bar offers a long and punchy right-hand wave which will suit any type of surfers. On big cyclone swells, Superbank can turn into a long world-class barrel while the summer days will offer mellow longboard waves, perfect for beginners.

Noosa, Queensland

Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a small holiday/surf town that is extremely pretty, with a bit less of the “hipstery” vibe that you get in Byron Bay.

Waves in Noosa are great for learning due to their consistency and mellowness which will allow you to slowly get comfortable in the water. Crowds will also be more reasonable than what you can find on the Gold Coast or in Byron.

Rainbow Beach, Queensland

Rainbow Beach is just a bit north of Noosa and will be even less crowded. Just at the end of the beach is a spot called Double Island Point which is one of the World’s longest waves.

A couple of surf schools are to be found in Rainbow Beach and they will drive you to Double Island Point for a day that you will never forget.

If you are looking for a place to settle and go surf by yourself as much as you want, be aware that waves here may not be as accessible as they can be further down south.

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney’s beaches offer a very nice setup for beginners to learn how to surf especially for those who are seeking a city/professional life while being able to enjoy the ocean.

Manly Beach is the most popular surf spot near Sydney, but definitely not the only one. While most of Sydney beaches do require a bit of work to get access to, the trip is definitely worth it.

Torquay, Victoria

Home to one of Australia’s most iconic surf spot, Bells Beach, Torquay is a small surfing village that will charm anyone paying a visit.

Only an hour south of Melbourne, this surf town has waves for surfers of any skill level and many surf schools are present to help beginners get into the sport.

Every year, Torquay hosts the World Surf League for an event that became one of the most prestigious on tour.

Ripcurl, the world-known surfing brand was also established in Torquay a few decades ago and you can truly feel the surfing history and culture as soon as you step into this special town.

Yamba, New South Wales

Yamba is a small surf town about an hour south of Byron Bay. It is gifted with one of Australia’s best wave, Angourie Point.

While Angourie might be a bit of an advanced wave, there are still some good waves for beginners in Yamba like Main Beach.

The vibe here is also absolutely epic, being less busy than Byron Bay or Gold Coast, with still a lot of things to see and do.

Western Australia

Western Australia has some amazing surf that is usually known for being bigger and requiring a better skill level than what you can find on the east coast. 

However, there are still many good learning days and a lot of beaches that can make beginners enjoy themselves in Western Australia. Crowds are also way thinner than on the east coast.

Read our Surfing Guide to Margaret River

The post Best Places to Learn How to Surf in Australia appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Whether you are looking for a sunny surf trip in Portugal or empty cold waves in Norway, here is a list of 10 European surfing destinations that will allow you to have the surf trip of a lifetime.

Try our WaveFinder search engine to find the destination that suits you best!

Ericeira, Portugal

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal

Located just half an hour away from Lisbon, Ericeira is one of the few “World’s Surfing Reserves”. With the quality and versatility of its waves, this popular surf town offers something special for any type of surfers.

Beginners will be able to enjoy some summer swells at beaches like São Julião, Foz do Lizandro or Ribeira D’Ilhas while advanced surfers will get their fix at Coxos, The Cave or Pedra Branca. 

When to go: The best time to visit Ericeira is in summer (June-July-August) for beginners and in fall (September-October-November) for advanced surfers.

Book a surf camp in Ericeira, starting at US$211

Newquay, England

Read our complete  Surfing Guide to Cornwall, England

While England is not primarily known for its surfing, the state of Cornwall has some decent waves and a very cool surfing culture. Newquay is the main hub of the region and becomes a true surf town a couple months per year.

Located on the southwestern part of England, Cornwall attracts many Brits and tourists every summer mostly because of its stunning beaches and pristine water. Many people also make it down there to perfect their surfing skills on some gentle waves.

Forming a peninsula, this region catches swell from many different angles and several surf spots are spread along the coast to make sure you will always find somewhere to get wet!

When to go: The best time to surf Cornwall, England is from May to September for warmer weather and smaller waves or from October to April for winter conditions.

Find a surf camp in Newquay, starting at US$259

Hossegor, France

Read our Surfing  Guide to Hossegor, France

“Beach breaks don’t get much better than the ones in southern Landes. Hossegor is the heart of this surfing paradise and has been hosting the World Surf League every autumn for what became a very prestigious surfing event.

 
Waves here are very hollow and powerful especially in winter providing extremely challenging conditions even for the best surfers. Over the summer months though, Hossegor offers gentle peaks good for learning and practicing.

 
The town of Hossegor itself revolves around surfing which gives it a very nice vibe. Wide beaches, young crowd, good nightlife and pleasant weather are all good ingredients for a perfect surf trip.”

When to go: The best time to surf Hossegor, France is from June to August for beginners and September to November for advanced surfers.

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is considered as the best surf town in Spain, mostly due to its accessible surf spots and its incredibly relaxed vibe.

Waves in San Sebastian will suit any type of surfers. Zurriola Beach offers several differents peaks and surf spots that will change depending on the swell direction and allow advanced surfers or beginners to find the right peak for them.

When to go: The best time to surf San Sebastian, Spain is from June to November

Read our Surfing Guide to San Sebastian, Spain

Sagres, Portugal

Read our Surfing Guide to Algarve, Portugal

Sagres is a small surf town located in the Algarve region, on the southern part of Portugal. Being strategically positioned in a peninsula, Sagres is gifted with swells form all angles and offers many different surfing options depending on the wind direction.

Many surf schools and surf shops are to be found in Sagres which will help anyone making their first steps into surfing.

This part of Portugal is also known for having stunning beaches and beautiful weather all year long.

When to go: The best time to surf Sagres, Portugal is from June to August for beginners and September to November for advanced surfers.

Find a surf camp in Sagres, starting at US$270

Klitmøller, Denmark

Klitmøller, also called “Cold Hawaii” is a pretty exotic surfing destination in its own way. Located on the northern coast of Denmark, Klitmøller is a great place to avoid the crowds and experience a unique surf trip.

The surf is not very consistent but when the conditions are not right, it usually is a great time to go kite surfing or wind surfing. 

When to go: The best time to surf Klitmøller, Denmark is from November to March. That is when swells are more consistent.

Read our Surfing Guide to Klitmøller, Denmark

Mundaka, Spain

Mundaka is known as one of the best left-hand waves on Earth and is a great place to go in order to score some amazing surf in Spain.

This small surf town is totally charming and will treat you with the surf trip of a lifetime. While being much smaller than San Sebastian, Mundaka is also a bit less versatile as far as surfing goes, but this point break is something to be seen.

When to go: The best time to surf Mundaka, Spain is from September to November.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is another very popular French surf town. The surfing lifestyle, cafes and restaurants are all very unique and charming while the waves are some of the best in Europe.

Being located close to the the French-Spanish boarder, being in Biarritz also offers you the possibility to go on day trips to San Sebastian or Hossegor, two other amazing surf towns.

When to go: The best time to surf Biarritz, France is from June to August for beginners and from September onwards for Advanced surfers.

Lofoten, Norway

Norway is definitely not your typical surfing destination. However, it is extremely rewarding on so many fronts.

First of all, the crowds are almost non-existent throughout the year, mostly due to the cold water temperature. For some, it may be a downside, but for many, wearing a thicker wetsuit to be alone in the line-up is a big win!

Secondly, the landscapes in Lofoten, or in Norway in general, are some of the most beautiful in the whole world. The backdrop is just stunning and you won’t believe you are surfing while being surrounded by such beauty.

When to go: The best time to surf Lofoten, Norway is from November to April, although you can surf all year round.

Read our complete surfing guide to Norway

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an absolute swell magnet located a few hundred miles off the Moroccan coastline. 

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the 4 major islands of the Canarias and they are all very unique in their own way.

Waves in the Canary Islands can be very punchy, hollow and powerful at times, which will appeal the most experienced surfers on the planet.

However, since there are surf spots all around the islands, you can also find some mellow and beginner friendly waves.

When to go: In the Canary Islands, you can surf any time of the year. However, the winter months offer bigger waves.

Read our Surfing Guide to the Canary Islands

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in Europe appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

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.

Central America is a very popular destination amongst the surfing community for its year-round warm weather, consistent world-class waves and cheap cost of living.

From Tijuana, at the tip of Baja California, all the way down to Panama, one can find thousands of different waves spread through 8 countries.

Here is a breakdown of Central America’s best waves and surf spots…

To find the surfing destination that suits you best, try our WaveFinder search engine!

Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

Many people refer to Playa Colorado as one of the world’s best surf spot for tube riding.

With 300+ days of offshore winds in a year, surf spots rarely get as consistent as they do in Nicaragua.

Playa Colorado is well positioned in Nicaragua, right between San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, two of the country’s most popular surf towns.

This wide beach has many peaks that will help spread the already not so existent surfing crowd and guarantee everyone a few attempts at a Nicaraguan barrel!

When to go: The best time to surf Playa Colorado, Nicaragua is from April to October.

Pavones, Costa Rica

This wave is definitely more fickle and secluded than most surf spots you will find in Central America.

When it is on, Pavones is Costa Rica’s longest wave and also one of the world’s best left-hand waves.

Located on the southern end of the country, not many surfers actually make the trip down to Pavones which allows the spot to be very raw and welcoming.

When to go: Pavones needs a decent SSW swell to work which will be much more likely to happen during the months of May to September.

Make sure to chose the best time to surf Central America depending on your skill level!

Read our complete surfing guide to Pavones, Costa Rica

Punta Roca, El Salvador

Punta Roca is undeniably El Salvador’s best wave and potentially Central America’s best surf spot.

This long right-hand point break is consistent and very well line-up giving way to some incredible rides.

Located near La Libertad, Punta Roca is also known as the J-Bay of Central America which means a lot about the quality of that surf spot…

Read our full surf guide to El Salvador

When to go: The best time to surf Punta Roca is from May to October.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido is home to Playa Zicatela which is definitely Central America’s heaviest wave…

On a good swell, big wave surfers come from all over the world to get barreled on one of Puerto Escondido’s massive bombs.

In winter, beginners can also have a great time in Puerto Escondido at one of the surrounding beaches which are more sheltered from the big swells.

Read our full guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

When to go: Puerto Escondido is a good surfing destination all year. However, May to October will offer much bigger and more consistent swells.

Scorpion Bay, Mexico

Probably Central America’s longest point break and one of the world’s best rights, Scorpion Bay is a must on a surf trip to Mexico.

Located in the middle of Baja California, Scoprion Bay is not all that easy to get access to. However, if the swell is decent enough to make a few peaks connect, you are in for a trip of a lifetime…

When to go: Scorpion Bay needs a decent SW swell to work properly which is more likely to happen from April to November.

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a classic Costa Rican beach break that is extremely consistent throughout the year located in a town that never sleeps.

Indeed, Jaco is one of Central America’s top surfing destination for people looking for a surf and party lifestyle.

Whether you are a beginner looking to get into surfing or an experienced surfer looking to be in the water all day, Jaco is definitely one of your best bet in Central America.

When to go: Waves are good all year in Jaco, Costa Rica with conditions peaking from April to November.

Popoyo, Nicaragua

Popoyo is a charming little surf town with a wide range of surf spots that will suit any type of surfer.

Beach breaks like Playa Guasacate and Playa Popoyo are perfect for beginners to learn in a safe environment while advanced surfers can head to Popoyo reef or Playa Santana for bigger thrills.

See our full surf guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua

When to go: Surfing is good all year in Popoyo with consistent offshore winds and conditions peaking from April to November.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

This archipelago located off the Panamanian east coast is an absolute surfing hidden gem (not so hidden anymore) in Central America.

Unlike every other surf spot on this countdown which are located on the Pacific Ocean, Bocas del Toro is located on the Caribbean side of Central America.

Generally, swells hitting the east coast are more inconsistent and have a shorter period.

However, if you hit the right season, waves in Bocas can be as mean and powerful as what you can find on the Pacific side, minus the crowd.

Here is our complete surf guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

When to go: The best time to surf Bocas del Toro, Panama is from December to April but there is also a summer swell window from June to August which will offer smaller waves.

Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is a quiet surfing village  located in the Guanacaste province. With stunning beaches like Playa Nosara and Playa Guiones, Nosara definitely established itself as one of Central America’s best surf spot.

Read our complete surfing guide to Nosara, Costa Rica

This town has a much more balanced of rejuvenating lifestyle than what you will find in Tamarindo or Jaco. Many surf camps offer surfing lessons as well as yoga classes, like the Safari Surf Women Retreat, for a surf trip that will sooth your soul.

To find the best surfing destintion for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

El Tunco, El Salvador

El Tunco is another great surfing destination in Central America for a well balanced surf trip at a very reasonable price…

This lively town is surrounded with some great surf spots like La Bocana or El Sunzal and also has a decent party scene.

Beginners and advanced surfers can both find their wave in El Tunco without having to worry about heavy crowds or intense localism.

When to go: The best time to surf El Tunco in El Salvador is from April to November for consistent SW swells.

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in Central America appeared first on MyWaveFinder.