10 Best Places to Go Surfing for Beginners

Finding the best place to start your surfing journey is likely the most important decision you might make to really settle into this sport. If you are looking into a good surf trip you wold like to catch as much waves as possible to hone your skills into the surfer you want to be. You would also want to increase your frequency in going out to the waves on best days and the gnarliest of days in order to gain insight into how you want to surf the waves. Here are few things to think of before planning out on goin go your surfing Mecca.

What You Should Look For in Best Place to Surf

As mentioned you would want to get the best out of a surfing destination before setting out on your adventure so planning ahead is really important. A few factors come into play when you start planning your surf destination and you should always, ALWAYS do a little homework. Remember these factors when you have set your mind to it:

• Fun for the family – if you have to plan a surfing holiday try to keep your family in mind. Some of the best waves might not have the best weather. And you really want to make it a good lasting first impression. Remember the best surfer is the one having the most fun.
• Best season to surf – some of waves are only good in a certain destination at a certain time of year, e.g Surfing in England is best done in the winter months of November/ December. Hawaii’s big wave surfing is done in November/ December so you might want to avoid that time if you are not experienced enough.
• Local surfshops – where is the local surfshops in the area, what are their ratings like, some even provide accommodation, what surf lessons they offer, some even have their own style. So take some time to research the local surf shop or book ahead of time for the best experience.
• Check the surfing forecast – their are some really reliable surfing forecasts out there, some even have a historical section so you can make comparisons. Try to take advantage of that.

Now that you got these to tick off on your checklist here’s some cool surfing destinations you can check out, that is highly recommended around the internet.

Want to be Psyched to Surf why not watch some cool movies on surfing .

10 Best Places to Start Your Surf Journey

Here’s some cool places to go surfing or learn to surf with the best start for beginners out there. When you read the list remember the factors mentioned above.

1. Waikiki Hawaii USA – one of the origin of surfing. The whole vibe gives you the surfing vibe you need to hit waves. Coupled with large amout of surf shops with surf lessons. It offers a great place to start surfing.
2. Byron Bay, Australia – mentioned as the one of the best surf towns, it has a laid back atmosphere for you to surf. The crowd is a bit large but at least if offers quite few surf shops for support which a beginner will need
3. Nosara, Costa Rica – Costa Rica is quickly gaining suport as a up an coming surf destination. With is cheap prices and friendly locals you are bound to feel at ease. The gentle waves also give you the best start to your surfing.
4. Tagzhout Morcocco -Tagzhout has always been a surfing area since the 1960’s, it has surf camp which offers the gear, lessons, boarding you will need. Besides it is Africa, a fun adventure for those who try.
5. Surfers Bay, Barbados – great place to learn surfing all year round. The weather is warm so there is no need for a wetsuit and who does not like Carribean locals with their laid back culture?
6. Legian Bali, Indonesia – Bali is a great tourist destination with good surf. Legian offers less crowds and easy-going atmosphere a beginner looks for. Surfers wander around offering surfing lessons as well.
7. Newquay Cornwall, England – Newquay offers all sorts of beach breaks for surfers in varying difficulties which is good for a kook wanting more. The local entertainment is also nice for the whole family if you want an alternative.
8. Cocao Beach, California USA – it is the place where world class surfer Kelly Slater grew up surfing, with its’ sandy beach breaks great for first-timers
9. La Jolla Shores, California USA – has some gentle waves with lifeguards always keeping watch. You are joined surfing with some dolphins and seals, which is always fun.

   

10. Hossegor, France – it has some of the world’s most desirable waves coupled with fun in France it gives you a good time to learn to surf.

These places are well known for their consistent surf and great local support. So always try to take advantage of that. Though are also some other cool places that are good that deserve a mention as well.

7 Honorable Mentions

So these are some surfing areas are also really good for beginners. For 1 reason or another I decided they still not as good but nonetheless are worth a try.

• Kuta Beach, Bali Indonesia – one of the famous surfing beaches in Bali, offers the same as Legian but it does get crowded.
• Muizenberg South Africa – one of the places in South Africa where you do not need to worry about sharks Muizenberg also has a fun surfing community. Also great gentle you will thoroughly enjoy it.
• Surf Ranch, Lemoore California USA – Wavegarden bult by Kelly Slater it is aimed for surfers to get consistent waves. If offers an occasional surfing with Kelly Slater is worth a try.
• Surf Snowdonia Wave Garden, Dolgarrog North Wales – a Wavegarden in the middle of Wales, the local pubs are good and they offer some pointers.
• Weligama Sri Lanka – literally called Sandy Beach, it is palce where beginners go surfing. It does get crowded sometimes but why not migle with the fellow beginners.
• Riyue Bay Hainan China – called the “Hawaii of China” it is starting gain popularity. With its varying and consistent waves, it is fun to go give it a try if you are planning going to China.
• Wushi, Yilan Taiwan – lined with surfshops that are willing to help it offers a long line of sandy beach breaks and suppoort to get you started. It does get crowded, but nice if you are in and around the island of Taiwan.

I tried to incorporate all the up and coming areas that are slowly becoming new discovered places to surf. These places might not be as famous as their predecessors but they are really good with good waves and good support.

Proper Planning to Surf

Now when you get to the area before you start going to surf there are a few things you should do before hitting the waves. They will help you enjoy the surfing adventure a little more.

• Ask the locals – ask the local surfshop owners and surfers what the wave is like or the surf lessons they provide. They will likely give you a few pointers that willl go a long way in your surfing.
• Enjoy the local scenery – each place has it’s unique surf culture, try to mingle in the local bars, go shopping at the nearby places. Enjoy your time their especially with your family. A big part of a surfing expedition is taking it all in.
• Be ever watchful – you do not have to go surf straight away try observing the waves from high tide to low tide. Is there any dangers? What is the rip current like? What are the waves like? Can you imagine yourself surfing them. #wavenomics.

Enjoy yourself even if you do not not catch many waves. Part of the fun of being a beginning surfer or kook is enjoying the learning curb. If best try to build on what you learnt trying to surf often in your local surfing if you have or doing surfing alternatives so the next time you go surfing you will be amazed by your progress. Technically surfing is like riding a bike you never really forget it.

Start Planning to Go Surf Now

There are some great places to go surfing if you do enough homework and research. So what are you waiting for? Try planning your surfing around the whole family, and alway remember the best surfer is the one who enjoys it the most.

Where are your favorite surfing area? Please drop a comment and let me know.