Surf’s Up: Discovering the World’s Most Epic Surf Beaches

Immerse yourself in an exciting world pumped by adrenaline and breathtaking coastal scenery. In this article, you will discover the best surfing beaches around the world. From the iconic Pipeline in Hawaii to the strong barrels in Cloudbreak in Fiji. Discover places that attract surfers from all over the world every year offer opportunities for many sports freaks and are beginners friendly too.

History

The Hawaiian Islands are the birthplace of surfing. Formerly only members of the royal family were practicing it, thus the name “Sport of Kings”. The Hawaiians were not the only ones who thought of riding on the waves. Historical sources point to the presence of this sport also in Fiji or Peru. Surfing as we know it today has expanded especially in the 20th century in Hawaii when it became a magnet for surfers coming from USA and Australia.^[1]

Peniche, Portugal

Wave height: up to 3 m / 8-10 ft in winter, 4-6 ft in summer

The coastal jewel, boasts world waves and surfing beaches, including SuperTubos and Baleal Breaks. Getting to Peniche is quite easy. If you are not in Portugal, just fly to the capital Lisbon and from there take a car or a bus to Peniche. Peniche offers a good combination of strong waves, consistent swells, and stunning cliffs. Legendary Nazaré is located nearby too. A place where surfing is forbidden for ordinary people and only the best surfers enter the waters like Hugo Vau, who managed to surf a wave of 35 meters in 2018.

Corralejo, Lobos Island, Fuerteventura, Spain

Wave height: approx. 2-8 ft (0.6 – 2.4 m)

Corralejo is located in the north of windy Fuerteventura, which belongs to the Canarian Islands. In its close proximity is one smaller island named Lobos. No one lives there and the entrance is possible only for a few hours during the day. Corralejo was formerly a fishing village. Tourists come to Corralejo not only because of the great surfing beaches and overall conditions but because you can stroll beautiful sand dunes, which spread opposite the sandy shores and the Atlantic. The quickest way how to visit Corralejo is by plane to the capital Puerto del Rosario and from there take the bus (Tiadhe, busy 6, 3, 1), car, or taxi and head north. There are several surf spots such as Rocky Point, El Muelle, and Cotillo.

The island of Lobos has its best surfing spot located in the northwest. Lobos is known to have the longest waves of all Canaries. These waves can become half a kilometer long, fleeing down along one side of the island.^[2]

Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Wave height: approx. 3-10 ft (0.9 – 3 m), during some seasons can exceed these values twice

Uluwatu is located in the southwest of the Peninsula Bukit, Bali. Uluwatu became a surfing hot spot in 1972 when the film Morning of the Earth was shot here. The movie was originally supposed to point out the beauty of the waves around Kuta. However, after a few days of shooting, the staff managed to discover Uluwatu. You can get here by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (approximately 34 km). Outside Corner is where long and deep waves are formed. Other important surfing spot is Padang Padang, Impossibles, and Bingin.^[3]

Pipeline, Oahu, North Shore, Hawaii, USA

Wave height: approx. 6-12 ft (1.8 – 3.7 m), can reach 20 ft (6 m) during peak swells, in some cases up to 30 ft (9 m), or even more

Original Mecca of surfing. The largest waves are formed here, especially during the winter months when North Shore Swell can be experienced. Great water conditions attract elite surfers from around the world. Pipeline was named after the construction works that took place when director Bruce Brown was filming in Oahu. In Surfing Hollow Days he used the word Pipeline for the first time. Pipeline is also a place where a significant number of surfers and photographers have tragically lost their lives, such as Jon Mozo and Malik Joyeux.^[4]

You can get here by car from Honolulu International Airport. Apart from adrenaline enthusiasts, beginners can also find their wave here, as Waikiki is located in this area as well.

Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Fiji

Wave height: approx. 4-10 ft (1.2 – 3 meters), can also reach 15 ft (4.5 m), or even 20 ft (6 m) and more

The best conditions for surfing are during the Fiji winter time (May – October). Besides the fact that many legendary surfers have ridden Fiji waters, these surfing beaches are also regular hot spots for the World Surf League tour. You can get here from the Nadi International Airport, then take a boat, or hydroplane to the island of Tavarua or Notota. Cloudbreak is characterized by massive, strong, and barrel waves. Restaurants on the other side have long, playful walls and epic rides. Sometimes Restaurants are referred to as the younger brother of Cloudbreak or Skate Park in the Water. Since the waves are not so high they are accessible even for less skilled surfers.^[5]

Trestles, Mavericks, San Clemente, California, USA

Wave height: Trestles 2-6 ft (0.6 – 1.8 m), sometimes 8-10 ft (2.4 – 3 m), Mavericks over 20 ft (6 m), can reach up to 30 ft (9 m)

Trestles is a popular surf spot catering to surfers of all skill levels. It features well-known breaks such as Cottons, Uppers, Middles, and Lowers. Mavericks, located near Half Moon Bay, is a legendary big wave spot approximately 45 minutes south of San Francisco. Occasionally waves as tall as 60 ft (18 m) and sometimes even higher can be seen. To reach Trestles, fly into Orange County’s John Wayne Airport and drive south to San Clemente. Surf competitions are frequently held at both locations. Both surfing beaches are accessible year-round, but Mavericks are more suitable for experienced surfers, particularly during the winter months.

Snapper Rocks – Gold Coast, Bells Beach – Victoria, Australia

Wave height: Snapper Rocks approx. 2-6 ft (0.6 – 1.8 m), can reach up to 8-10 ft (2.4 – 3 m), Bells Beach approx. 4-10 ft (1.2 – 3 m)

Both spots became synonymous with surfing culture in Australia. Snappers Rocks is an hour-long trip by car from Brisbane. There is a Superbank, a large sand bank that produces some of the longest waves in the world. Snapper Rocks should definitely not be missed by any serious surfer. The spot is quite busy during the main season, so if someone is a beginner, it is better if she/he/them starts surfing lessons with a coach or finds a less busy place to exercise. Several competitions happen here, for example, Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Bells Bowl is located approximately 90 minutes by car from Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road. The spot attracts world-renowned surfers, primarily because of Bells Bowl, a powerful and challenging wave. Every year in March or April, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach competition takes place here.

Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Wave height: approx. 2-6 ft (0.6 – 1.8 m), can reach up to 8-10 ft (2.4 – 3 m)

The place is suitable for all levels of surfing. For beginners, Barra da Lagoa is recommended, where the right corner of the beach provides shelter from the surging waves. More advanced surfers will enjoy Praia Mole.^[6] The most experienced ones will appreciate Joaquina Beach or Campeche. To get here, you can fly to Hercilio Luz International Airport and then drive to the island. This surfing beaches are accessible year-round, with the best conditions typically during the summer months (December to March-May). Florianopolis regularly hosts several national and international surfing competitions, such as the World Surf League Qualifying Series and the Hang Loose Pro Contest.

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