On & Beyond the Surfboard

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. So, if you’re heading to the Land Down Under, make sure you don’t forget your surfboard!  

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. 

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. 

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 a potential surfing spot.

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.

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!

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.

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. It offers just about everything you could possibly ask for; not just in terms of quality breaks, but also when it comes to its chilled vibes and impressive natural landscapes.

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.

When people think about Australia, besides kangaroos and koalas, surfing is also one of the first things that remind them of the country. And yet, the sport was introduced in 1915 by Duke Kahanamoku from Hawaii. 

Separated from Europe by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is often considered an extension of the Old Continent by passionate wave riders. Having been pinned on the surf map ever since the 1950s, the country has become a stronghold for surfers from far and wide, who flock to its awesome waves to escape the cold winters back home.

The world’s largest archipelagic state and the third most bio diverse country in the world, Indonesia is Asia’s surfing capital. Currently, there are 17,508 islands that have already been identified, summing up 34,000 miles (54,716 km) of coastline. For surfers, this can only mean one thing – lots of amazing spots to surf!

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!

Best known as the land of wine, baguette and cheese, mainland France has more to offer than meets the eye. For starters, it has 2,130 miles (3,427 km) of coastline and over 310 miles (500 km) of surf beaches. Add to that the rich French cuisine, vibrant nightlife, topless sunbathing (for real?!) and top-notch beach breaks, and you have a recipe for one of the greatest surfing destinations in the world. 

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.

Australia is a magnet for surfers, and Victoria makes no exception. The seductive beaches and waves within a stone throw’s away from Vic’s vibrant capital of Melbourne are a gold mine for adrenaline junkies, and we’re here to show you where to start your surfing adventure in Vic.

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?