On & Beyond the Surfboard

The birthplace of surfing in Europe, France is home to some of the best beach breaks on the planet.

The jewel in the crown of Portuguese surf, Ericeira is often compared to Mexico’s Baja California and Australia’s Gold Coast. Are you wondering why?

There’s more to Mexico than sombreros, enchiladas, and tequila. Some of the biggest surfable waves in the Americas can be found on the Pacific coast of mainland Mexico.

Nestled between Bali and Sumbawa, Lombok has long lived in the shadow of its western neighbor. Referred to as Bali’s sister, the two are often compared while there are, in fact, more differences between them than similarities.

Hawaii is the most isolated landmass on the planet, a chain of volcanic islands exposed to all swell and wind directions. For surfers, this means one thing: year-round waves for all skill levels.  

The capital of surfing in the USA, California is the birthplace of surf culture. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the world’s most famous waves and surf towns.

To call Australia a surfing mecca is already somewhat of a cliché. Surfing is deeply rooted in Australian culture, and the country is home to some of the world’s best surfers and waves. 

Australia is a magnet for surfers, and Victoria makes no exception. The seductive beaches and powerful waves close to Vic’s vibrant capital of Melbourne are a gold mine for adrenaline junkies.

Besides kangaroos and koalas, surfing is also one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about Australia. 

Encircled by the Pacific Ocean, the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands. Each of them is home to potential surfing spots.

Who hasn’t heard of the legendary waves at Cloudbreak, Restaurants, and Frigates, three of the best left-handers on the planet, and dreamed about surfing them or at least having a peek at the pros?

Are you ready to charge bigger waves that pack more power, work on your aerials and turns on challenging sections, and hone your tube riding skills? Indonesia is one of the best places on the planet to improve your surfing.

From a surfer’s standpoint, Portugal has it all. It’s not just the awesome waves, but also the surf culture, its authentic charm, and the fact that it’s inexpensive that make it one of the world’s top surfing destinations.

With so many waves within such a small area, Bali is a great place to learn to surf and enhance your skills. From first-timers to progressing surfers and pros, there’s a spot for all.

Doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned surfer or you’re just starting out; Portugal is one of the most surfer-friendly countries out there. 

With over 300 white, golden, and gray sand beaches, warm water all year round, steady winds and some 750 miles (1,200 km) of coastline, Costa Rica is a surfing mecca and one of the best places in the world where beginners can learn to surf. 

Picture this: flat-water lagoons, medium-sized waves, consistent wind during summer, and a vibrant nightlife, all set against a drop-dead gorgeous backdrop. That’s kitesurfing in Portugal for you!

Having been pinned on the surf map in the 1950s, Morocco is a preferred surfing destination for Europeans looking to escape the cold winters back home, but its legendary waves also attract surfers from far and wide.

Previously known as Ceylon, the land of tea and coffee, coconuts and cinnamon, Sri Lanka is one of the most reliable surf destinations in the Indian Ocean. 

The world’s largest archipelagic state and the third most biodiverse country in the world, Indonesia is Asia’s surfing capital. 

We can all agree that Southeast Asia is a surfer’s paradise! It’s not just the surf breaks, but also the beaches, the weather, the people and all those little things that make a surfing destination highly sought after by surfers. 

The land of wine, baguette, and cheese, the history, landscapes, and surf in France are without rival. 

Also known as the ‘Island of 1,000 Temples’, locals believe Bali is blessed by the gods. With 271 miles (437 km) of coastline, idyllic beaches, epic barreling waves, a surfer-friendly community, and laid-back atmosphere, it certainly seems to be. 

Indonesia is a coveted destination among wave enthusiasts, and one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. 

Colombia is a spectacular land of variety and opportunity. It almost seems as though, no matter where your interests lie, Colombia has something to offer. Daredevils will be thrilled by the country’s dense, uncharted jungles, while culture junkies will delight in the people’s mystical, tactile zeitgeist.

South America is home to truly epic surf. With over 144,000 miles of coastline and just about every kind of wave imaginable, you can really take your pick. Most surf spots are never too crowded, and the countries are budget-friendly too.

The Iberian Peninsula is home to some of the sweetest surfing spots in Europe. With almost 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) of coastline (the Canary Islands included), Spain is renowned for its rich culture, gripping history, scrumptious food and, let us not forget, world-class surf.

Europe’s answer to Hawaii, the Canary Islands are a place of endless summer. The Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa consists of seven major islands, two minor islands and several islets. Each of them has warm weather and consistent surf all year round!

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. It has hundreds of surf beaches, it has Nazaré, the biggest wave ever surfed, and a laid-back surfing community.

Two words: mythical and diverse. Although it would take much more to describe the fascinating realm we call Peru, these two definitely do justice to its tumultuous history, culture, geography, food, and surfing scene.

Surf’s up all over the world now that summer is at its peak. Surfboards and sunbathing have already become the norm on beaches around the globe, and seaside towns are reaping the benefits, including Argentina’s lush coastline.

Imagine surfing a break all by yourself, one that has hardly ever been touched before, perhaps not even named yet. Fantastically located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives benefit from full exposure to southern swells, which translates into epic surfing conditions on the outer reefs of remote little islands, some of them uninhabited still.

A world of extremes, where noisy cities meet authentic street markets and luxury seaside resorts are intertwined with deserted beaches, Thailand is a popular travel destination for many reasons but, unfortunately, surfing is not yet one of them.

With surfing rapidly gaining popularity in India, there are quite a few spots spread across the country’s vast coastline where you can catch waves and take your first steps on the board. However, not all surf spots in India have consistent waves. Therefore, you need to be in the right place at the right time.

Cowboys. Pickup Trucks. The Alamo. Barbeque. Surfing? Believe it or not, Texas is a hidden gem for beginners and veteran surfers alike. With well over 300 miles of sprawling coastline, it’s no wonder that those in the know have long been referring to the Lone Star State as The Third Coast.

There’s more to Cuba than mojitos and Che Guevara. Far beyond the country’s quintessential symbols, its colonial architecture, hand-rolled cigars, Spanish guitars and African drums echoing in the streets, lie fantastic diving spots and… some sweet surfing!

Any surfer knows that Portugal is a wonderful surfing destination. But then again, with 586 miles (953 km) of coastline and a lovely weather all year round, there wasn’t really any doubt there. 

When we think of great surfing destinations, most of us think Hawaii, Bali, Australia, Portugal or something along those lines, right? A place where the sun is shining pretty much all the time, the weather is never too cold and the scenery is nothing short of amazing. But did you know that the United Kingdom is also an awesome surf destination?