Let these eight surfing destinations take you on a trip of a lifetime
Whether you're just a beginner or at top ranks, there's sure to be one (or more!) surf spots around the world that's calling your name. Here's our pick of eight heartstopping destinations for you to plan your next surfing getaway.
Australia
Gold Coast
Known as one of surfing’s crown jewels, Gold Coast’s Superbank is famous for its beaches stretching 70km long, and four point breaks from Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Rainbow Bay, and Kirra, if your legs can take you that far! Blessed with warm water and flawless weather year-round, these are one of the most venerated and rewarding waves to ride on the planet, should you fancy mingling on the main peaks with the world’s top surfers.
Southeast Asia
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Not too far off from Malaysia sits the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, which so happens to be touted as one of the best surfs in the world. Waves climb between two to 12 feet high, and the island has been reported to attract swells as high as more than15 feet! It’s also the perfect place for surfers of any level, with waves for everyone to catch. Thrillseekers will be pleased to know that Mentawai Islands has a 91% chance of epic waves, as compared to other international surf islands. Plus point: waves are still relatively uncrowded as they scatter amongst reefs, secluded bays and point breaks.
Europe
Bundoran, Ireland
If you’re in Europe and itching for a surf getaway, head over to the surf capital of Ireland, Bundoran, which is home to the world-class reef break of The Peak. It is also the perfect place for surfers of every level, with the options of ever-reliable Tullan Strand to the challenging waves of Inishowen, Fanad Head and Bloody Foreland. Surfing is open all year round – so just take your pick from the numerous beaches and reef breaks, and brace yourself for an experience described as “cold paradise”.
United States
Black Beach, San Diego, California
If you’ve reached the ranks of seasoned, professional surfer, look no further than conquering the fast and furious waves of this renowned spot. The swells come from all directions, and there’s a balance of sand bottom beach and patchy reefs. It is also good year round, and even considered as the best surfing spot in the US. Winds do not impede the best waves of the western Hemisphere so you’re in for an adrenaline-fuelled surf among some of the world’s greatest surfers.
South America
Lima, Peru
Stretching over 1,500 miles of coastline sits another world-popular surfing location, reputed to offer some of the best waves in South America. The waves move in a way that accommodates surfers of different levels, starting from a height of one meter and above, then breaking off into three sections from big to small waves. The waves are often likened to the ones in Hawaii, save for its much smaller crowd on both land and sea.
Hawaii
Pipeline, Oahu
No surfing bucket list is complete without mentioning the island that created surfing. Every ‘waverider’ dreams of the day they can ride the beautiful crest of Pipeline, which is adored as the godfather of waves. The waves here can climb more than six meters over a sharp shallow reef. Conquer one of the highest waves in the world in Hawaii in return for an experience that few have had the privilege of witnessing.
South Africa
Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay
When surfers get together and discuss world-class waves, Jeffery’s Bay’s Supertubes is a guaranteed nominee. Christened the crown jewel of South Africa’s surf coastline, the waves are powerful, fast and long. The waves are made of six main sections, one of them being the famous Supertubes. The waves are intense and you will be racing sections continuously, so make sure your stamina is tip top!
Oceania
Fiji Island
This exotic locale attracts the world’s best surfers for perfect barrelling lefts and exhilarating reef breaks that can only be accessed by boat. The wave is challenging and loved for its power, hollowness and ability to hold big swells. Needless to say, it’s also the ultimate proving ground for hard-core surf addicts.
