Surfing is an extreme sport that drives one's adrenaline. From chasing the waves, to diving and catching them, to finally showing off your tricks once you’re riding the perfect one, surfing drives people to push their limits. Anywhere there are waves, you can surf. However, if you want to kick it up a notch, there are 5 must visit locations in order to get the ultimate surfing experience.
Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is known for having the best and most consistent waves in all of Australia. Being able to catch a wave is almost a guarantee. Surfers around the world consider the Gold Coast of Australia to be a surfer's paradise.
Where to go for the best waves
The Gold Coast is a city in southeastern Queensland, Australia. It is about 25 miles long and expands against the southeastern coastline. It is known for is sandy beaches and surfing spots. The best locations along the Gold Coast stretch to catch a beach break wave is around the Spit, Main Beach, Narrowneck, Palm Beach, and Mermaid Beach.
Main Beach: Good waves are easily accessible at Main Beach. Scattered sand banks can be found all through this area and picking up a lot more swell than the southern beaches. Keep in mind, the surf break is always changing. Meaning, some days its good and some days its bad.
Narrowneck: Narrowneck is one of the most popular surfing beaches along the Gold Coast. The quality of the waves here can be credited to the artificial reef which was constructed by the Gold Coast City Council. The surf size is small to medium.
The Spit: It's the northern most section of the Gold Coast stretch. The Spit extends into the seaway and is the gateway between the Gold Coast and the open ocean. Because of this, The Spit is very sandy and produces gently rolling waves.
Palm Beach: This beach provides nice breaks, and good banks can regularly form up throughout the area and the swell can peak up and provide nice lefts and rights.
Mermaid Beach: This section of beach contains nice breaks if you keep an eye on the wind, swell and tide. Ideal surfing conditions on mermaid beach is when the wind is northwest to southwest.
The Gold Coast also offers amazing point break surfing. Locations for the best point break surf is Snapper Rocks Superbank, Burleigh Head, Kirra, and South Stradbroke Island (Straddie).
Snapper Rocks Superbank: The Superbank holds out massive swells and is known for the longest rideable waves in the world. Due to its consistently good waves, it is one of the most crowded surf locations in Australia. This wave is dominated by professionals and locals, so it is important to follow surf etiquette.
Burleigh Head: This location offers long rides, deep barrels and can hold a large swell. This will not be a relaxing surf, so be prepared to work for your waves.
Kirra: Known for its legendary surf break, Kirra popularity has lessened due to Superbank construction. However, it still maintains amazing waves.
Straddie: This location is suitable for experienced and advanced surfers. To get there you have to go to the spit and paddle across the seaway which can be quite dangerous having some dangerous marine life and boats constantly driving through. However, if the journey there doesn't stop you, you'll experience some of the cleanest and most consistent waves.
Board Rental
If you are not local and in need of a surfboard, you can rent one at locations around the coast. You are able to rent a board for the lenth of your entire visit so you can use the board at your desgression. You are able to rent a variety of boards ranging from shortboards, malibu longboards, mini mals and learner boards. All boards come with a leg rope and wax and wetsuits and soft roof racks are also available to hire for those who need them.
Jefferys Bay, South Africa
Jefferys Bay is Africa's surf capital and an all-year ideal surf destination. Jefferys Bay, or JBay for short, is an amazing place to surf because the warm currents from the Indian Ocean meet the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This creates prefect surfing conditions.
Where to go for the best waves:
The best locations to catch a wave in Jefferys Bay are Supertubes, Tubes, Point, Albatross, Boneyards, Magnatubes, and Kitchen Window. When surfing at these locations keep in mind to respect locals and practice surf etiquette.
Supertubes - The Supertubes is South Africa's premier wave. The wave is best in the 4 – 8 ft category. A SW wind is best. On good days the wave breaks from the top of the point and winds all the way along the reef. Due to the sand dunes, the break is protected no matter how hard the SW blows. The WSL Pro surf contest is held each July at Supertubes.
Tubes - Further down the point is the Tubes. It's a short and sometimes intense ride. The wave is best in the 4 – 5 ft category. The Tubes is a SW wind, it also likes a S or SW swell direction. There is relatively small take off section, which means Tubes cannot hold a large crowd.
Point - The bowl offers some heavy take-off’s but after that the wave mellows out and becomes a bottom turn, cut back combination wave. On a really good day, barrels can be found here as well. A low tide means waves breaking right on the ledge and you can get fun waves here when it is too small to surf anywhere else. Point is best in the 3-8 ft range, depending on what size waves you are comfortable with.
Albatross - Less crowded break in JBay. The wave works best on a NW wind and a low tide.
Boneyards - Breaks both left and right. Works best on a NW winds. The wave has earned its name because it really breaks in shallow water. It is rumored that the JBU, a local crew of surfers, have claimed Boneyards as their sanctuary.
Magnatubes - Best at 3-5ft and needs a NW. Likes a high tide, otherwise it tends to throw big close out sections.
Kitchen Window - Situated on Main Beach, Kitchens is a mellow reef break. A light SW wind is best.
Bukit Peninsula, Bali, Indonesia
The Bukit Peninsula is the southernmost point of Bali, Indonesia. This part of the island has a tropical climate. The Bukit Peninsula is one of the most famous surf destinations in the world and has the best surfing on the island. This peninsula attracts surfers from across the world.
Where to go for the best waves:
The best location in Bukit Peninsula to catch a wave is Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin and Balangan on the west and Nyang Nyang, Green Bowls, and Nusa Dua on the east.
West Coast
Uluwatu - This is a super consistent spot, and the break can handle any size from 2 to 20 feet. It has a long reef with 5 sections: Racetrack, The Peak, Temples, Outside Corner and The Bombie. On busy days, the crowd can spread out enough so there is always a wave to catch.
Padang Padang - Thought of as an epic barrel machine. On good days you can expect a steep takeoff that takes you directly to the barrel followed by a second barrel before it hits the channel.
Impossibles - Best on a 4-6 ft south swell. It has long left walls and most of the days is impossible to make all the sections, that’s where the name comes from.
Bingin - Considered to be the most perfect wave on the peninsula.
Balangan - This wave has sections on small days but on big days can connect all the way to the end of the beach.
East Coast
Nyang Nyang - This wave is completely exposed to the south and to all the swell directions. It is a long hike to get to this area which makes this surf section quiet. If you make the trek, you can guarantee yourself you'll catch a wave.
Green Bowls - It is known to be a swell magnet. This wave is super exposed to the wind which can cause it to have very strong currents.
Nusa Dua - The reef has many shifty spots. It is important to know that the break is far from the beach, and it is recommended that a local boat take you out to the wave.
Board Rental:
Board rentals in Indonesia run anywhere from $3 USD for 2 hours, $10 USD for the day and $110 for a month.
Malibu, California
Malibu is a city west of Los Angeles, California. It's known for its sandy beaches and amazing surf. Malibu has a laid-back vibe with beautiful beaches and amazing surf. Malibu has some of the best surfing in the world and has many great locations.
Where to go for the best waves:
The best locations to surf in Malibu are Topanga Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach/Surfrider Beach, County Line, and Zuma Beach.
Topanga Beach - Waves can reach a 10ft swell. Waves roll in over a mixture of both sand and rocky terrain and offer real potential for a very varied surf. Topanga Beach is very consistent and because of this is known to be quite popular.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach/Surfrider Beach - There are three main areas that are surfed on Malibu Lagoon State Beach. First Point, Second Point, and Third Point. First point is used predominantly by long boarders. Second Point is mainly used by advanced surfers. Third Point is used by left and right surf. Surfrider Beach is seen in many movies and sports the famous peer. Because of its popularity it can be very crowded.
County Line - This surf location is located on the edge of the Malibu zip code heading back toward Los Angeles. The beach has gentle waves and lots of room, so you don't need to worry about crashing into others. This beach is also home to Junior Surfing contests.
Zuma Beach - Known as one of the quieter beaches in Malibu, it sports three miles of perfect surf. At the southern edge of Zuma Beach, you will find a stretch called Westward or Drainpipes that have dramatic beach breaks for more experienced surfers.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii is considered by many as the best surfing location in the world. Oahu is home to world class waves that are perfect for beginners and professionals. No matter your surfing level, you are guaranteed to find a wave to surf.
Where to go for the best waves:
North Shore
Sunset Beach - This location has some of the most impressive waves on the island. Sunset Beach is one of three surf breaks where Triple Crown Surfing Content is held. During certain seasons the conditions of the surf can change very quickly.
Waimea Bay - Many long-time surfers still come to Waimea Bay to surf the winter swells when the waves are their biggest and baddest. However, in the summer, the waves flatten out leading to a calmer surf.
Ehukai Beach - In the winter months from November to February the waves at Ehukai Beach can reach up to 30 feet. This location is not just one of the best surfing locations in Oahu, but in the world.
Haleiwa's Ali'i Beach - Considered to be a daredevils dream in the surfing community. The waves can reach up to 25 feet. IN the winter months, surfing in this location is only recommended for advanced surfers as there can be dangerous riptides and currents.
South Shore
Waikiki Beach + Diamond Head Beach - This area provides both south and east swells, making it a very consistent surfing spot.
Makapu'u Beach - There are strong currents that force surfers to be careful and have potential to become dangerous.
Sandy Beach - Features some of the finest sand in Oahu, as well as powerful shore breaks that make good surfing at any time of the year.
West Side
Makaha Beach Park - A very consistent place to surf. In the winter the waves can swell up to 25 feet and then calm down in the summer.
Yokohama Bay - It has an exposed beach break and is good for surfing all year long. It is usually not crowded and is thought of as a remote surfing spot in Oahu. The waves can get hazardous during the winter and beginners should be aware of strong currents and a rocky bottom.
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