There are at least 600 towns across the planet which can boast gnarly waves, great vibes, and top-notch schools to get you on board, so to speak. And while it´s super hard to choose just ten of the best, here´s my stab at it, listed from priciest to cheapest.
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
The birthplace of surfing, it´s not cheap, in terms of lesson costs as well as Honolulu´s surrounding places to stay and eat. But the tropical (and family-friendly) vibe and spectacular view of the Diamond Head volcanic cone in the distance – not to mention being in the gateway to the many beaches and other attractions of Oahu and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands – make this worth a bit of a splurge for many. The waves here tend to be soft, long rollers, and the best months to experience them are May to September.
Byron Bay, Australia
About two hours south of Brisbane on Queensland´s Gold Coast, Byron is a chill, artsy town with classi surf energy, and its water is warm, with beginner-friendly surf featuring beach and point breaks. The season here runs from December to April (which is essentially Australia´s summer), and costs run moderate to high.
Nosara, Costa Rica
A jungle-backed beach town on the Pacific coast known for its yoga and wellness scene - and a 4 1/2 hour drive or one hour flight from San José and a two-hour drive or half-hour flight from Liberia airport - Nosara has consistent, beginner-friendly beach breaks and moderate prices (although you can find pretty good-value surf packages). The December-to-April dry season is best.
Sayulita, Mexico
On the Pacific Nayarit Coast a half hour north of Puerto Vallarta, this colorful, casual, boho beach town boasts a number of good beach and reef breaks, and is still pretty affordable (though costs are rising with popularity). The best time to come is November to April.
Taghazout, Morocco
Just over 20 minutes north of Agadir, this Berber fishing village on the Atlantic coast has become a big surfing mecca thanks to breaks suitable for all skill levels. The town itself is laid-back and set among rugged cliffs, and has also become known for yoga retreats and eco-resorts. You can find some great budget surf camps, and food and places to stay are also very affordable. The main surf season is October to March.
Muizenberg, South Africa
A quiet suburb of Cape Town popular with Capetonians for beach getaways - especially during South Africa´s winter, November to March - it´s also popular with surfers, features long, sandy-bottom beach breaks, and very affordable surf schools and gear rentals, along with food and places to stay.
El Tunco, El Salvador
Just a 40-minute drive from San Salvador, one of this country´s premier beach towns boasts an authentic surf culture, point breaks with some easier inside sections, and cheap hostels and eats. Come during the March-to-October dry season for reliable swell windows.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
One of the cheapest places to learn to surf in the Americas, it´s on the Pacific coast a two-hour drive from Managua and combines rustic charm with vibrant nightlife. You´ll find warm water year round, but best months are March to September.
Kuta Beach, Bali
Despite Bali´s perennial popularity, tropical, lively Kuta has extremely affordable accommodations, food, and surf lessons, along with mellow beach breaks. It´s pretty good for newbies, as well, and the best time to come is the April-to-October dry season.
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Finally, a two-hour drive up the coast from capital Colombo, this laid-back town boasts pretty beaches, hip cafés and eateries, and long, soft waves ideal for learning, espeically during its dry season from November to April. It´s got a scenic setting, great local Sri Lankan culture, and interesting stuff to see nearby, such as the Buddhist temple Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya. Plus surf camps, eats, and plaes to stay are super cheap (once of course you get past the considerable airfare to get here).
Comments