Since news broke that surfing would make its debut at the 2020 Olympics, there has been a lot of interest in this surface water sport. Gone are the days when it was a sport reserved only for the weed-smoking beach bums in their floral-inspired board shorts. So, if you are feeling extra adventurous and would like to try surfing on your next vacation, we have rounded up the best destinations where you can ride your first wave.
Costa Rica
This populous Central American country is a surfer’s dream. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, you are bound to catch some neat waves that reach up to 12 feet in height. If you want to take a surfing holiday, Playa Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches to surf in Costa Rica. Be careful, though, as this beach can experience strong rip currents at low tide.
Tamarindo has two main breaks for advanced surfers: Pico Pequeño, a rocky point to the right of the Hotel Tamarindo Diriá, and the excellent river mouth break across from Cabinas Tsunami called El Estero. The rest of the beach breaks are perfect for beginners.
Nicaragua
South Western Nicaragua receives 300+ days of offshore wind and constant southern swells, which means that this country is a surfer’s dream. The entire pacific coastline in Nicaragua is peppered with fantastic surf spots. From The Boom in Northern Nicaragua to Popoyo in central Nicaragua and then down to Playa Maderas in San Juan Del Sur.
Nicaragua has a wave for every level of surfer, and with water temperatures averaging 27 degrees celsius, long surf sessions are always in order. There are plenty of surf camps dotted all over the country, and because Nicaragua is still less developed than Costa Rica, prices are a lot lower than its southern neighbor. Don’t forget your surf equipment because you will have a blast.
Portugal
Portugal isn’t just famous for its pastèis de natas, and this European country also has some of the best surfing spots in the world. Super Tubos, situated in Peniche, has been a favorite with locals and tourists alike. The break offers world-class surfing conditions with its hollow, powerful waves and is the site of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, the World Surf League Men’s Championship Tour event.
The Algarve on Portugal’s southern coastline is famed for white sandy beaches and beach breaks. There are several great surf spots in the Algarve, with Sagres being the epicenter of surfing.
Morocco
Deep in the heart of North Africa, there is a fishing village called Taghazout. Just north of Agadir. Each winter, which comes alive with the sound of pounding pointbreaks and surf banter. It’s a beautiful place with a rich Arabic culture to add to the magic.
Taghazout is surf, surf, and surf. Taghazout is the premium surfing destination of Morocco with some iconic surf spots, like Anchor Point. Since Anchor point was first put on the surf map in the 1970s, Taghazout has steadily grown to become Morocco’s preeminent surfing destination.
Taghazout now has a plethora of great surf camps to choose from, and all of them mainly cater to beginner and intermediate surfers.
Bali
We had to keep the best for last. Bali has been on the top of travelers’ favorite destinations for a long time which doesn’t surprise me. Bali has everything from sun, sea, and surfing spots aplenty. Our top pick Kuta is, if you are looking for a beach and resort area in the south of the island of Bali.
One of Bali’s first tourist developments, it’s best known for its party-centric atmosphere and surfing in the Indian Ocean. Kuta’s long, consistent waves make it a popular surf spot, particularly for beginners, with plenty of outfitters offering board rentals and surf lessons.