Anyone who knows me will tell you that my two greatest loves are taxes, and surfing. Although I love riding the waves in Hawaii, surfing is an international hobby and half the fun in the sport is finding new spots to surf at. With thousands of great spots all over the world and more being found all the time, it is hard to know which ones are worth visiting. To help the readers of my blog with their own surfing adventures, I have gathered the following list of the 10 best beaches in the world for surfing.
1. Fuerteventura, Spain
Weather conditions are perfect in Fuerteventura. Of the coast of Morocco, it sits on the same latitude as Florida and Mexico. Known for its year-round good surfing and beautiful surroundings, it is the second largest of the Canary Islands. Because its large size, the island hosts multiple beaches that all make for great surfing.
2. Gold Coast City, Australia
Australia is known across the world for their excellent surfing conditions. With four main breaks and sunny skies, Gold Coast City has been named the “surfers paradise”. It features nearby shopping, entertainment, and tourist attractions that are convenient for surfers looking to have some more fun after hitting the waves.
3. Kandahar, Mexico
Surfers of every level can enjoy the waves of Kandahar. A wide variety of surf breaks allow surfers to advance their skills and have a fun relaxing surf all in one day. The beach is not overly crowded, but is known by surfers for it’s great weather year-round. But if you are looking for 15 feet waves then I suggest visiting Kandahar in either May or June.
4. Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa
Jeffery’s Bay is so popular among surfers that it hosts the annual Billabong Pro World Champion Tour on its beach Supertubes. Jefferey’s Bay is world famous for great surfing and great fun. The surrounding mountains and wildlife will leave you breathless, while the waves will shock you with their sustainability and variety.
5. Half Moon Bay, California
With infamous waves ranging between 25 and 50 feet, Half Moon Bay is a mecca for surfers and ocean lovers alike. Rock formations cause the wave phenomenon from underneath the water, making the spot all the more amazing to visit. Although the waves are not the biggest in the world, they are certainly the biggest in California!
6. Banzai Pipeline, O’ahu
The Pipeline has both some of the best and most dangerous waves in the world. It is definitely no place for a beginner as their waves are so intense that even some pros shy away from. Although it is one of the most coveted and loved surf spots, the danger should not be ignored. More surfers have died surfing at the Pipeline than any other surf spot.
7. “Cloud 9” Siargao Island, Philippines
Well known for its perfect tubes, cloud 9 is a relatively newly discovered hot spot for surfers looking for a fun challenge. It is also the host of the annual Siargao Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition. Although many surfers love Cloud 9, it has recently been referred to as “crowd 9”, as it is has become quite popular over the past few years.
8. Tavarua, Fiji
Fun because of its “secret” element, Tavarua has 2 world-class breaks, beautiful scenery, and a breathtaking coral reef. Unfortunately, a private surf camp manages this island and only allows visitors by invitation. Fortunately, the island hosts multiple surf competitions each year that can be watched on television or online.
9. Teahupoo, Tahiti
Another site of the annual Billabong World Championship Tour, Teahupoo lets experienced surfers live out their dreams. Their beaches have waves reaching past 10 feet, a heavy current, and perfect barrels. Because of their perfect conditions nearly every professional surfer has been to Teahupoo at least once, and almost every amateur dreams to.
10. Mundaka, Spain
One of the most famous surf spots in Europe and the world, Mundaka offers the waves and speed that every surfer craves. The current is strong, making your ride more smooth and fun but also adding some danger. Only experienced surfers should head to Mundaka, as the tide is so strong it can only be surfed in shallow waters.