Do you like to travel and surf? So surely more than once you have wondered which are the best countries to surf. In this post I make you a Top 10. Let’s start!
Top 10 countries to surf
Surfing is no longer just a sport, to become a lifestyle for many. This way of seeing the world consists of having a great contact with nature, looking for adventures, big waves and touring the planet in search of the best countries to surf. In the end, it is about looking for the best beaches in the world, those with the largest, longest and / or radical waves that make you feel the adrenaline of this sport. A combination that mixes the spot’s own environment, the quality and variety of its waves, its nature, its type of seabed, its prestige, and, above all, its magic.
The history of modern surfing was not noticeable until the beginning of the 20th century, however, its growth has been completely exponential from that moment on. With the music of the Beach Boys you start looking for the perfect wave, you take trips on the beaches with the best waves in the world and create a culture that lasts until today.
This global revolution has made the world have several places for surfing that have become a surfing reference, places of pilgrimage for any lover of this sport. In our surf school, we have created this article in which we are going to show you the 10 best countries in the world to surf. In it, we will review the best waves of each one of them and why it is a prominent country to surf.
1. South Africa: One of the most unique places to surf
South Africa is one of the best countries for surfing, boasting some of the most impressive beaches in the world. In fact, one of its bays is among the most sought-after in the surfing world: Jeffrey’s Bay, located next to Port Elizabeth. Jeffrey Bay, as this bay is popularly known, offers one of the best right-handers on the planet. The so-called “Supertubes” is a right-hand wave with a perfect tube shape, suitable only for professionals. Along with this unique wave, there is a collection of spots of different styles and levels, perfect for all types of audiences, such as Kitchen Windows, The Point, and Albatross.
The bay hosts an annual ASP World Tour event, as well as the Billabong Pro South African Championship. The film “Endless Summer,” one of the most notable surfing films in history, was filmed on this beach.
The warm currents of the Indian Ocean mix with the cold waters of the Atlantic, creating unique maritime conditions. This location is known for its beauty and its rich ecosystem, surrounding the small houses that blend in with the rest of the landscape. Plus, you can surf among dolphins!
2. Spain: The variety of surfing in Spain
Spain is one of the most prominent countries in the world and is at the forefront of surfing in Europe. As we already discussed the different beaches in Spain in our article “Where to Surf in Spain?”, we’ll provide a brief summary:
In the North of Spain, we have several autonomous communities known for their magnificent surfing beaches. From East to West:
- The Basque Country offers a wide variety of surf spots. Zarautz, located in the province of Guipúzcoa, offers a wide expanse of terrain with waves of all styles, but Mundaka in Biscay is the most famous beach in the Basque Country. Located next to the Gernika estuary, the Mundaka wave is one of the best left-handers in Europe. It is a tubular wave that can reach over 5 meters in length. Another striking area is Biarritz, with its more than six surfable beaches.
- Cantabria offers two main surfing areas: Ribamontan al Mar and Suances (although there are surf spots along its entire coast). On the one hand, the Ribamontan al Mar area offers a wide area for surfing along its coastline, located on the opposite side of the Bay of Santander. On the other hand, the beaches of Suances are a collection of spots with different orientations, perfect for finding waves at any time of year. Playa de los Locos stands out, ranking third in surfing reserves in Europe.
- Asturias is primarily known for two of its beaches. Rodiles Beach offers waves very similar to Mundaka, located next to the mouth of the Villaviciosa estuary. Salinas Beach offers an interesting collection of right- and left-hand waves for all levels.
- Galicia is the last of the northern regions with beaches suitable for surfing. Among the vast number of beaches in the region, PantÃn stands out, a beach over 1 kilometer long with several peaks that break both left and right. This is a surf spot intended only for intermediate and advanced levels, as the waves are very fast and vertical.
In addition to the North, Spain offers a number of places with interesting surfing spots. In southern Spain, specifically in Cádiz and Tarifa, there are several beaches perfect for surfing year-round, due to their mild water temperatures. Likewise, the Canary Islands offer a uniquely idyllic landscape, with great surfing spots (especially in winter). The beaches of Famara in Lanzarote and El Confital in Gran Canaria are two clear examples. It is even possible to surf in the Mediterranean in Barcelona, ​​where Barceloneta beach produces interesting waves in winter under certain conditions.
Next to Spain is Portugal, a country with which it shares a surfing tradition. One of the most spectacular waves in Portugal is Nazaré, the largest wave in the world. The height of these waves is produced by the so-called Nazaré canyon, which produces a very abrupt change in depth in the seabed. This results in an effect that multiplies the size of the waves that reach the coast. This is the place where the Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed was set.
3. Perú: The beginnings of surfing
Peru may seem like one of the most unusual regions for surfing, but it was here that a sport similar to surfing emerged, involving riding the water on boats called caballitos de Totora (totora horses). This sport was severely punished by the Christian religion, and was even banned for centuries. Therefore, the popularity of surfing in this country, as we know it today, is relatively recent, around a decade old.
Every year, a large number of foreign surfers travel to the country’s many beaches to enjoy the high-quality waves that its sea offers. Some of the most popular beaches in the country are Órganos, Cabo Blanco, Lobitos, Máncora, Pacasmayo, and Chicama. The advantage of these waves is that, despite their high quality, they are currently relatively unknown, so the beaches are not overly crowded.
Among these spots, Chicama stands out, known as the eternal wave. It is a wave that originates about two kilometers offshore and reaches over 5 meters in height. However, it’s not known as an eternal wave because of its height, but because of its length. This wave can be ridden almost to the shoreline, and is so long that few manage to complete it.
4. Mexico: International surfing paradise
In Mexico, surfing is increasingly popular in coastal areas, making it one of the best countries to surf and try this sport. Young Mexicans are increasingly interested in this water sport and the lifestyle that accompanies it. Furthermore, this tropical paradise offers one of the most enchanting natural environments for practicing this discipline.
In the state of Oaxaca, in Puerto Escondido, lies the so-called Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela Beach. This Mexican beach is one of the best surfing spots in the world, boasting fast, high, and powerful waves—pure adrenaline. If you’re just starting out, you also have the option of going to La Punta, a beach with smaller waves suited to your level.
Furthermore, due to its proximity to the major cities of San Diego (30 kilometers) and Tijuana (20 kilometers), as well as its more than 10 world-class surf spots, Rosarito has become the northern mecca for this sport. This area is filled with surfers who cross the border to enjoy the exceptional conditions of its magnificent natural beaches.
5. USA: A movie-like place to surf
Hawaii and California are the most popular surfing destinations in the United States. Pipeline Oahu, in Hawaii, is considered by many experts to be the “Super Bowl of surfing.” Experienced surfers ride the waves here, and large tubes form on its beaches, making this spot one of the most legendary surfing spots in the world. The quality of its breaks is striking, creating perfect lines of waves that break into very defined peaks. However, its shallow reef bottoms are very shallow, making any drop very dangerous.
Virtually all of California’s beaches are ideal for surfing, making this state one of the favorite destinations for surfers from around the world. Due to its climate, the best time to visit this spot is from October to November. It also coincides with the off-season, making the trip much more affordable.
California’s most famous wave is Mavericks, known worldwide for the surf movie Chasing Mavericks. The wave is located in Half Moon Bay, just 30 minutes from San Francisco, and for a long time, only its discoverer, Jeff Clark, surfed it. It’s one of the largest waves in the world, reaching heights of over 30 meters.
6. Indonesia: The trendy surfing destination
Indonesia is a booming destination, currently one of the most sought-after for any surfing enthusiast. Although the trip there isn’t very cheap, the accommodation and everything you need to live in this Southeast Asian country are, so you can extend your stay without breaking the bank. That’s why three-week trips to Indonesia are often organized to explore the country’s various beaches.
The landscapes are incredible and the water is warm and crystal-clear, perfect for surfing enthusiasts, as you can surf without a wetsuit. The destination par excellence is Bali. In Bali, we have the famous Uluwatu wave. It is a wave with several peaks, frequent sets, and a steep slope. This means that, despite the large number of surfers, it is possible to enjoy a significant number of waves with each swim. Other notable beaches are Dreamland and Kuta.
However, there are numerous islands that have recently gained prominence. An example would be the islands of Sumatra, where the Mentawai Islands are located, with virtually uninhabited and wild landscapes that offer a unique experience. Ultimately, if you’re traveling to Indonesia for several weeks, it’s advisable to try both well-known waves and lesser-known spots, guided by local surfers.
7. Costa Rica: Pura vida surfing
In recent decades, Costa Rica has become a globally attractive tourist destination. The country’s vast and varied natural resources have led to exponential growth in tourists. The country boasts a multitude of virgin jungles, volcanoes, mountain ranges, and, above all, beaches, all in a relatively small area.
Tamarindo is Costa Rica’s most famous beach for surfing. It is a very long beach with several spots, both left and right, perfect for all levels. Next to Tamarindo is Avellanas Beach. This beach, with more powerful and radical waves than Tamarindo, is intended only for experienced surfers.
The Costa Rican coast is famous for its miles of white-sand beaches and huge, surf-ready waves, so every corner is suitable for surfing. The water is an intense turquoise color, clear, and teeming with tropical fish. Furthermore, one of the most striking things to see on its coast is the turtle nesting on Naranjo Beach, in Roca Bruja.
8. Irlanda: The unknown country for surfing
Ireland isn’t one of the best-known destinations, but it does have some perfect beaches for surfing. It’s worth noting that the water on Ireland’s beaches is quite cold, a double-edged sword. It’s recommended to take short swims, wearing winter wetsuits (5/4), but you’ll usually find the beach empty, allowing you to enjoy the best waves for yourself.
The West Coast of Ireland is the most famous for its waves, although there are also interesting beaches in the east. Donegal is one of the most famous surfing counties, with spots all around the county: Inishowen and Fanad Head in the north; Dunfanagh, Bloody Foreland, and Dungloe in the northwest; and Rossnowlagh and Bundoran in the south. These last two spots offer the best waves in the Republic of Ireland.
Other notable spots include: The Sligo coastline is also very suitable for surfing and next to the town is Strandhill, a small coastal town famous throughout Ireland for its waves, the Galway area around the famous Cliffs of Moher, County Kerry around Castlegregory and Cork around the beaches of Clonakilty.
9. Brasil: The best beaches for surfing
Brazil is an ideal destination for surfing, whether you want to learn or improve your skills. Its beaches stretch for miles and there are more than 75 surf spots. These spots are made up of several peaks, so even when there are a lot of people in the water, there are still plenty of waves for all surfers. The climate is characterized by high temperatures, although being tropical, it also sees torrential rains from time to time.
One of Brazil’s most prominent surfing areas is Florianópolis Island. This island is home to several of the most famous beaches in the country, such as Santinjo and Moçambique. These two vast beaches offer waves of over 3 meters year-round.
Another of Brazil’s most notable beaches is Mole Beach. This is one of the most popular beaches for professional surfers because its strong waves are low in swimmers. Furthermore, the waves tend to break quickly and vertically, creating spots only suitable for experts.
10. Australia: A country unlike any other
Australia’s waves are exceptional, and surfers of all levels can enjoy them. This is because it is surrounded by three oceans with distinct characteristics: the Indian Ocean to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Antarctic Ocean to the south. Australia’s so-called Gold Coast is the most renowned surfing area in the world. It encompasses nearly 100 kilometers of beaches with a multitude of high-quality spots. It is said that you can surf more in one day here than in one week anywhere else in the world.
One of the most famous spots on Australia’s Gold Coast is Superbank, an artificial wave created by shifting a large amount of sand from the mouth of the Tweed River. This right-hander is one of the longest in the world, reaching over half a kilometer on good days.
In addition to Superbank, there are several notable breaks, such as Kirra and Duranbah. Being such a rich area of ​​spots, it’s difficult even for local surfers to appreciate the vast array of waves it boasts. It’s a film-like location, a unique country for surfing. It’s also a country with tons of activities to complement surfing and many unique places to visit.
Can you think of any other countries that could be included on this list? Want to know more about these spots?
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