What is a better way to start the new year with your first surf trip? Right, surfing in the best beginner spots around the world! With a growing surfing community and a growing love for the spot, there are many beautiful places to discover. But what is a great beginner surf spot and where can you go? Let’s have a look into 10 surf destinations around the world, why you should add them to your bucket list and what season to visit.
Before we get into the best surf destinations for beginners. Let’s have a look at what a surf spot for beginners should look like:
Let’s begin our adventure in Indonesia, one of the most famous surf destinations in Asia. And not without reason, this country has many small islands and has a great location on the map for great waves all year long. With consistent waves, warm tropical waters and a big surf culture this destination is super popular among beginners to pro surfers. And we get that! Surfing in Bali, Lombok, Java or Sumba will give you a remote once in a lifetime experience. On each of the islands you will find beginner surf spots that are great for learning how to pop-up, practice your balance and avoid beginner mistakes.
Surf spots in Bali like Seminyak, Legian, and Batu Bolong in Canggu. Or beginner spots in Lombok like Selong Belanak or Tanjun Aan are amazing places to go out to catch your first waves. Our learn how to surf lessons take place at Double Six, a surf spot in Seminyak. Along the whole coast of Seminyak you can find spots that are perfect for practicing your surfing skills!
All year round! Indonesia has two seasons that you can take into account. The dry season, and simultaneously high season, is between May and September. If you want to avoid the crowds, October until March are still good months on the west coast. The water stays warm throughout the year, around 27-29°C (80-84°F).
Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a favorite among beginner surfers in Asia. With its golden beaches, beautiful wildlife and many consistent breaks for surfers of all levels. Sri Lanka has a few surfing towns: Weligama (translated as “sandy village”), Midigama and Hiriketiya on the South coast and Arugam Bay on the East coast.They all offer a welcoming surf community with many beginner friendly waves.
A lot of the spots around Weligama and Hiriketiya are beach breaks, which are surf spots with a sandy bottom. These beach breaks offer a more forgiving surf experience for beginner surfers since they have soft, rolling waves that are ideal for surfers who want to build confidence without the fear of powerful reef breaks. Sri Lanka also receives year round swell which means there is almost always a wave to catch.
Same as for Bali, Sri Lanka also offers year-round surfing. This country has two distinct monsoon seasons. The southwest coast, including Weligama, Hiriketiya and Midigama is best from November to April. During this time, there is an offshore wind and clean swells create ideal conditions. On the other hand, the east coast, with Arugam bay, sees its best waves from May to October. This period brings consistent swells and dry weather.
With over 25,780 km of coastline, surfing in Australia is, not surprisingly, one of the most popular sports. Ever since wave riding was brought to this country in 1915 by Duke Kahanamoku, Australia has brought some of the best surfers in the world. But with such a huge country and many surf breaks, what are the best beginner spots to go?
A surfer town like Byron Bay for example is a great choice for beginner surfers. With a laid-back surfer vibe and great surf breaks, it is considered one of the best surf towns in the country. Or head out to the Gold Coast, New South Wales or Perth. Where you can find all kinds of different waves for you to practice the basics of surfing.
The best time to surf in Australia as a beginner depends on where you want to surf, since it’s such a big country. But usually, the best time to surf is considered to be during the summer months. From December to February. The water is warm and the waves are consistent. This is the perfect time to surf for beginners and experienced surfers. If we are looking from coast-to-coast, the East coast is best from March to November, the West coast is best from April to October, while the South coast is best from December to February. Always check the local surf report and join a guided surf lesson, so you know what you can expect!
From Australia all the way to Europe, where you can also find paradises for surfing! France is not only known for croissants, cheeses and the Alps, but also because of the waves. All the way from the cooler North in Normandy and Bretagne, to the warmer South of France, next to the Spanish border. The coastline is full of bends and bays, so you can always find a smaller wave combined with an offshore wind.
Further South you will find the region Aquitaine. With many different coastal towns with great surf spots to learn the ropes of surfing or improving your skills. Want to start your surfing journey here? Look for places like Seignosse, Mimizan and Anglet. It’s the longest continuous stretch of sandy beach in Europe so it’s no surprise that you will find many beach breaks here.
This area is also known as “the tubey beachbreak capital of Europe”. With powerful, hollow and consistent waves, many Surfing World Pro events are held here, at surf spots like Biarritz, Hossegor and Lacanau.
Even though you can surf the whole year, the best times to visit France as a beginner surfer are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The waters are warm and the waves are manageable with less people. Yes summer is also a great time to head to France, but the lineup will definitely be busier. Surfing during the winter period (December to February) is also possible, but the swell is much more powerful and yes, it’s also a lot colder, a great time for advanced shortboarders.
Let’s take the wave from the surf spot in the south of France to the North of Spain. With sandy beaches, consistent waves, pleasant climate and affordable prices, Spain is another great place to learn in complete safety. Whether you dream of a lively surf camp in the Basque Country, a wild beach in Galicia or guaranteed sunshine on one of the Canary Islands, you are sure to find a spot that fits your surf level.
In the North of Spain, places like Santander and the Basque Country, you will find long sandy beaches with easy waves and tons of space to practice. There is a welcoming surf community and it’s super easy to reach.
Another country where you can surf the whole year. However, if you are a beginner surfer, the best time to go is during summer and early autumn, when the waves are a bit smaller and easier for you to learn on. If you’re heading towards one of the islands, you’re in luck. Because you can surf with a short sleeved wetsuit, while the rest of Europe is wearing winter jackets.
Looking for surf spots even further south in Europe? Let’s go to Portugal! Known for its amazing coastline, the huge waves in Nazaré and the great vibes. This country is blessed with consistent swells, different beach breaks and surf spots for all levels. From the north near Porto to the central coasts of Peniche, Ericeira, and Lisbon, and all the way down south to the Algarve.
If you’re just starting out, there are some spots that you only want to be a spectator and some surf spots that are particularly great for learning how to surf. Surf spots on the shores of Ericeira, like Praia do Sul and Foz do Lizandro. Or spots in the Algarve like Amado and Arrifana, with soft, forgiving waves and great views.
Thanks to Portugal’s mild climate, there are surfable conditions during the whole year, even in winter! While much of Europe is cold and grey, Portugal is the place where you can still walk around in a t-shirt and score great waves. The best time to go for beginners is from May to October. Smaller, more manageable summer waves. If you are looking to learn from the pro’s, visit during wintertime. Great months to watch them chase powerful waves and compete in big wave surfing.
It may not be the first destination that comes to mind for surfers, but Morocco is an amazing place to add to your surfing bucket list. It’s a place that gives you a unique combination of laid-back beach vibes, a rich “1001 night” culture and consistent waves during the whole year.
Popular towns like Taghazout, Tamraght, Essaouira, Agadir and Imsouane are the most popular places with beginner friendly surf spots. Learning how to surf while enjoying the nice weather, gentle waves and beautiful surroundings. And the best part? From October to March, the Moroccan Atlantic coast regularly delivers great swells. So if you are looking for an affordable, sunny holiday with a vibrant culture, not too far from Europe, Morocco is the place to go.
Morocco has 4 different seasons, and each surf season gives different waves. For a beginner surf trip to Morocco, the best times are during the fall (September to November), spring (March to May) and the summer (June to August). When the weather is warm, the waves are friendly and the swells are perfect for beginners. Make sure you join a surf class during the high season in the summer, to avoid the busy areas. The winter (December to February) brings larger and more powerful swells, the big game for advanced surfers. Luckily you can still find fine waves for beginners if you choose your spots wisely.
With ocean temperatures that never drop below 15°C, great waves for all levels of surfers, exciting cultures, diverse landscapes, rich histories, delicious food and every adrenalin activity you can think of, a surf holiday to South Africa has it all. With 2,800 km of coastline with diverse surf conditions, this location is a dream for surfers. From the colder Atlantic Ocean to the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, this country has waves for every skill level.
Just a short 25 minutes ride from the capital Cape Town’s is Muizenberg, a world-famous beginner friendly surf spot. It’s a long, rolling wave with a right and left hand wave, ideal for learning and progression. It’s a bustling spot where you can easily rent equipment and take lessons from experienced coaches. This spot is also home to many longboarders.
Other popular surf spots like Big Bay or Buffels Bay, Victoria Bay and Plettenberg Bayon the Garden Route or Durban also offer many surf spots that are perfect for newcomers looking to ride their first waves. With its diverse surf spots, beautiful scenery, and many other activities to do, South Africa is a great choice for anyone looking to start their surfing adventure. But since the South African surf conditions widely vary, it’s important to be mindful of where you are going to surf and always surf with a surf buddy or learn to surf program.
Surfing in South Africa is possible the whole year, but the best times to visit depend on the location and conditions. Overall, autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the best times for beginner surfers, with warm water and consistent swells. The summer months (November to March) are also ideal for warmer water, tropical beach scenes, but the surf can be variable and the beaches get busy. Winter (May to August) brings bigger swells for the more advanced surfers,but you still can find manageable waves on smaller days.
The United States is a treasure of surf destinations, perfect for surfers of all skill levels. From the sunny beaches of California, the sandy beachbreaks in Florida to the iconic waves of Hawaii. The USA offers a diverse range of surf spots, making it an ideal place for beginners.
In California, popular spots like Santa Monica, Pacifica, Santa Cruz and Malibu are popular among beginners. Gentle waves with plenty of surf schools around to teach you how to pop-up, turn and paddle out. Malibu also offers great vibes and softer waves but can get crowded, so timing your visit is key.
On the East Coast, Montauk in New York, The Jersey Shore and Virginia Beach are excellent choices. Montauk provides a unique surf experience with its charming beaches and beginner-friendly waves, while Virginia Beach has a vibrant surf community, great rental options, and lessons for those just starting out. Cocoa Beach in Florida is another good option on the east coast. It’s the hometown of legendary surfer Kelly Slater and has warm water and gentle rolling waves.
Hawaii, known as the spiritual birthplace of surfing, is another must visit for beginners. Iconic Waikiki Beach, for example, is famous for its gentle waves, making it perfect for newbies. The warm turquoise-blue water, stunning beaches and a wide variety of waves for all levels of surfers, the Aloha State always delivers. Out of the eight main islands of Hawaii, only four offer good surfing conditions all year round: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Big Island.
The best time for beginner surfers in the USA also depends on the location, but generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide amazing conditions with milder weather and chill waves. Summer can also be fun, especially in California and Hawaii, but you can expect more crowded beaches.
Last but not least is tropical Costa Rica. It’s a surfers paradise in Central America located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Known for a diverse biodiversity, lush rainforests, volcanoes, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife (sloths!) and its waves. The “Pura Vida” lifestyle! Forget the wetsuit here, with average sea temperatures around 27°C, Costa Rica lets you surf in boardshorts or a bikini all year long.
Popular areas such as Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa have soft, gentle waves ideal for those just starting out. Combined with beautiful views while you’re laying in the lineup waiting to catch your next wave.
Tamarindo is the most famous surfer town with a welcoming vibe, multiple beginner-friendly beachbreaks, and many yoga studios, beach bars, and international restaurants. It’s a great place to make friends and share surf stories as the sun sets over the Pacific.
With beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes and a vibrant surf culture, Costa Rica is one of the exceptional destinations in Central America for anyone who wants to start their surfing journey in paradise!
The best time to surf in Costa Rica is during the dry season from late November to April, when the weather is warm and the waves are consistent. You can also surf during the wet season (May to November), particularly on the Pacific Coast, but the swells are bigger and conditions can vary. As a beginner you can find smaller, more manageable waves along the Caribbean coast during this period.
These are just a selection of the best beginner surf destinations around the world. Each location offers unique waves, vibrant cultures and the surf community wherever you go. If you’re catching your first wave in the warm waters of Hawaii, learning to surf with us in Bali, or practicing your skills on the French coasts, you will find that each spot has its own uniqueness.
So grab your board, book your first surf trip and dive into the world of surfing, adventure is waiting for you at Surf School in Bali or anywhere you go!
