Surfing is a fantastic water sport to practice. It’s an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping activity, especially when you’re riding giant waves. It can also give you numerous benefits such as strengthening muscles and improving coordination. Here are some of the most popular surf spots around the world.
Oahu, Hawaii
Topping the list is what is considered by many to be the world’s premier surfing destination. Oahu annually hosts the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. This is the sport’s number one competition and attracts surfers from all over the world. Most waves here reach 6 to 12 feet, although large ones can be up to 50 feet high. If you’re planning a trip here, come between November and March for the best conditions. Oahu is the main Hawaiian island and is easy to access.
Gold Coast, Australia
One of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations is the Gold Coast, a picturesque metropolitan area on the country’s east coast. It is known for its picturesque beaches, waterways, mountain ridges and, of course, surfing. Here surfers gather in the town aptly named Surfers Paradise. The average wave height is 6 feet to 7 feet and the recommended time to visit is from January to April. If you’re thinking of going, fly into one of Australia’s major cities and then catch a second flight to the Gold Coast.
Bundoran, Ireland
Located on the west coast of Ireland is Bundoran, a tourist resort rated as one of the best surfing spots in the world. There are waves suitable for beginners, pros and everyone in between. The height of the waves varies from several meters to 30 feet in some places. For the best surfing experiences, visit in the fall. Travel to Dublin, enjoy a Guinness and then board a train to the coast for your surfing adventure.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
This series of barrier islands is one of the best surfing destinations on the US East Coast. It is known for its excellent surfing opportunities and competitions that attract people from all over the world. Waves typically reach 8 feet to 10 feet, and most find that September through November is the optimal time of year to hit the sea.
It’s also worth noting that this series of barrier islands are very popular for being fishing hotspots as well. Logically, surfers are probably better at riding waves than fishing, so they might be better at catching them in the Ultimate Fishing Simulator video game or from their phones while playing the Big Bass Splash Slot casino game.
Malibu, California
Malibu is a popular sun destination, one of California’s many highlights. It’s an ideal location for surfers thanks to its stunning coastal scenery and laid-back Californian lifestyle. Most of the time, the waves are 2ft to 4ft high, although during the summer and autumn, it is not unusual for them to reach 8ft. Some waves have even gone as high as 20 feet. For the best surfing opportunities, visit in August or September. Fly to Los Angeles and from there make your way to Malibu.
Popoyo, Nicaragua
Popoyo is a small town in southwestern Nicaragua. There are several beaches that are great for surfers. What makes them particularly suitable for surfing is that some have waves for beginners, and others have waves for professionals. Popoyo Outer Reef has the biggest waves, reaching up to 20 feet. The best time to visit is April to October, when winds are low, and the nearest airport is Managua, 46 miles from Popoyo.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa is Jeffrey’s Bay. Touted as one of the top surfing spots in the world, Jeffrey’s Bay has waves ranging from 3 to 10 feet. Most of the time, however, they are in the 4ft to 8ft range. Visitors are encouraged to bring two boards: one for smaller waves and one for bigger waves. The best time to visit for surfing is June to August, and the nearest international airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport.
summary
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wave rider, you’re sure to enjoy visiting any of these top surfing destinations. If you’re planning a trip and want to surf, include one of these in your itinerary. See for yourself what makes these spots the most popular surfing destinations around the world.