Grab your surfboard and head to the world’s best breaks to tackle some invigorating waves! Several countries are worth visiting for a surfing escape, regardless of your skills.
First and foremost, recognise your level - are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced wave rider? Beginners are new to the sport, learning the basics of “pop-up” and practising position and balance on the small, broken waves. Intermediates are taught to paddle on the foam, catch waves before they break, accelerate, turn, and use currents to their advantage. Moreover, those at the advanced level learn to apply their surf style to more progressing manoeuvres, as well as integrate speed, coordination, and control.
Now that’s settled, let’s dive into the countries and their specific beaches suitable for you.
World’s Best Surf Breaks for All Levels
Australia
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Australia has a surf-friendly coastline that’s almost too irresistible to not catch a break in. The astounding Byron Bay is swarmed by surfers as it serves as a rite of passage for any serious surfer for all levels, from beginner bodyboarders to professional-level surfers. Moreover, the Rip Curl Pro is held at Bells Beach, Victoria in early fall. Bells Beach scores as one of the country’s most famous surfing beaches amongst a myriad of other spots.
Sri Lanka
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Two top surfing spots can be yours to dominate in Sri Lanka: Arugam Bay and Matara District. Arugam Bay is situated on the east coast, being the only spot on the island that hosts competition surfing. Whereas the southern Matara District is for beginners, where wide, sandy beaches with long, slow waves aren’t rather challenging.
Costa Rica
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Waves and a laid-back ambiance makes Costa Rica a top surfing destination in recent years. Note to self: the Pacific coast is good for surfers in their beginner and intermediate levels considering its predictability. However, more powerful reef breaks, especially between October and April, are found on the Caribbean coast.
South Africa
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
A haven for wave riders in the African continent, Jeffreys Bay has breaks for the ultimate chance to hone your skills. Many experts claimed that Jeffreys Bay presents 10 different sections to opt for at all levels. The World Surf League Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay Open) annually takes place in mid-July.
California
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Up north of the Californian state is Santa Cruz, which is suitable for all levels. Beginners should hit the gentle waves of Cowell. Meanwhile, Steamer Lane’s right-hand point break is for the advanced surfers to tackle. Intermediates, on the other hand, are urged to try a couple of right-handers called Pleasure Point and The Hook.
Opt for Malibu in the south whilst you’re in this sunny state. Malibu is home to the first dedicated World Surfing Reserve and the first surfing place to emerge outside of its Polynesian birthplace.
Portugal
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
From Lisbon, head up north to the relaxing, surfer haven town of Ericeira. Accoladed as Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2011, even the ASP World Tour Surf Championship calls Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach home considering Ericeira’s waves include a sheltered left-hand break and three-metre swells. Check out Ericeira’s five-kilometre coastline home to a variety of breaks. Beginners can try Foz do Lizandro, São Julião, and Praia do Sul, furthermore, advanced surfers ought to test Ribeira, Coxos, Cave, and São Lorenzo.
Bali
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
The Island of the Gods hosts a cluster of top-level breaks in the southwest coast claimed as Asia’s premier surf spots suitable for all levels. Bask in the Uluwatu region for the best break for you - it could either be Padang Padang Beach, Uluwatu Beach, Suluban Beach, Bingin Beach, or perhaps Bulungan Beach.
Morocco
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Morocco’s surfing centre has always been Taghazout since the 1970s. Bunch of surf schools rose to prominence due to the variety of wave conditions, laid-back ambience, and 300 days of sunny days per year in this charming area.
Maldives
Level: Intermediate
Being on coral is synonymous with getting fantastic waves wherever it might be. The Maldives happens to be a chain of 26 coral atolls stretching for kilometres through the Indian Ocean. The waves can hit around one to two metres high.
Oahu, Hawaii
Level: Advanced
Dubbed as the birthplace of modern surfing, Oahu is a seasoned professional’s hotspot due to its huge waves reaching six metres tall. The North Shore of Oahu is extraordinary, especially between November and February. CNN categorised Oahu’s Pipeline as the world’s number-one surf spot.
Japan
Level: Advanced
Head two hours away from Tokyo to the coastline of Chiba Prefecture. This spot offers challenging surf conditions alongside a rustic surrounding. Locals are on their boards during typhoon season (between August and October) whom you can wave along with.
Fiji
Level: Advanced
Fiji is a legendary surfing hotspot all thanks to the conditions cultivated by the sheltered coral reefs. Don’t underestimate the waves here. The rapid-moving water creates unpredictable diversified angles. Take a quick boat trip from the Mamanuca islands of Namotu or Tavarua to finally meet your match.