Remember your heart racing as you used to watch that svelte “Old Spice” ad featuring a lithe, expert surfer taking on the might of those colossal waves? Remember wondering wistfully if you would ever be able to indulge in such a far out sport? Well, your dreams may come true, yet.
This list of the top best surfing spots in the world will show you places you never thought you could wear bathing trunks to, let alone ride the crest of a gigantic wave! So pack your board and trunks, take yourself to one of these exotic beaches, and get drenched in some pure adrenalin!
1. Joe’s Point, Sur, Oman
Who would’ve expected to find a fantastic surfing destination in the Middle East? But that’s exactly what Joe’s Point, in Sur, near Dubai offers! This long stretch of pristine beach along Oman’s coastline on the Indian Ocean is amazingly cooler than its broiling neighbor: while Dubai bakes at 45°C, Sur stays more or less at a cool 30°C, with the water at an even cooler 25°C. This is a largely unexplored place, where both beginners and experts can find the right waves to ride, some of which can take you along for almost a minute. However, getting here is not the easiest proposition: the only ways to get in are to take a flight into either Dubai or Muscat, and take a car into Sur (approximately 10 hours from Dubai and 4 hours from Muscat).
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2. Riyuewan, Sanya, Hainan, China
Another surprise inclusion: this one from China. This little known surfing destination on a huge island at China’s southern extremity is largely unexplored, but just perfect for surfing. With beautiful tropical beaches sporting consistent waves, this spot offers some of the most exciting and pleasurable surfing action you can expect to find anywhere in the world. You can hire the services of to a local surfing tour outfit to get to Riyuewan Bay, where you can also have a fresh seafood meal at the local restaurant. Getting here is a little cumbersome, involving flying into one of China’s international airports, such as Shanghai, Guilin or Fuzhou, and then fly to Sanya, from where you can do the two hour car ride into Riyuewan.
3. Montanita Beach, Montanita, Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but Montanita Beach will not ring too many bells – too few people have heard about, far less visited this fantastic surfing spot on Ecuador’s west coast. Home to a handful of locals who are also highly competent surfers, this hospitable, relatively undisturbed surfing spot is best approached by the regular CLP air-conditioned bus service from the nearest city, Guayaquil, which is just a three hour ride.
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4. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
Not for the novices, this one! Strictly for the pros, and only those who know what they’re getting into. Because this bit of reef is as dangerous as they come, replete with pounder waves, razor sharp coral and an ocean bed deadlier than a runaway chainsaw! But if you do manage to tame it, there’s no place like this surfer’s paradise! Best way to get here is to take a domestic flight from Manila.
5. Hossegor, France
The fact that it’s French automatically means it’s de luxe, and the title “surfing capital of Europe” is not for nothing. The excellent surf here is as good as the best in the world, with fantastic tubes and imposing walls, and although there’re no coral reefs here, it’s best left to the pros. The crowd here is invariably jet set: only the really well heeled can afford to have homes on this stretch of beach. To get here, take a cab or hire a car from Biarritz.
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6. Lima, Peru
One of the best surfing destinations in the world, because it has the right waves for all grades of surfers – from beginners to the top flight pros. The beach is all pebbles, and combined with the gray ocean, may not be the most attractive sight for a surfer, but the waves are what gives it the appeal, breaking in all sizes: small, medium and big. Moreover, the ocean bed’s topography here ensures long and smooth rides. Getting here is easy: situated adjacent the Miraflores shopping center, it’s only a short cab ride from the capital’s international airport.
7. Mavericks, California, United States
This aptly named “wave of legends” is not for the novices or the faint hearted. Only the fierce weather systems in the Pacific can whip up such humungous waves that can reach an incredible 25 meters in height and break with bone crunching impact: none but the most fearless experts can challenge these mountainous waves that have claimed several lives, most notable being that of Hawaiian surfing pro Mark Foo. It’s a cliché that those who do manage to conquer Mavericks United States will join a very select band of very expert, and very lucky surfing pros. Access is through Half Moon Bay Airport; Mavericks lurks three kilometers offshore, off Pillar Point Harbor, and reachable only by boat or jet-ski. Just remember, one small mistake is all it would take you to join the other dear departeds in the Maverick’s Hall of the Foolhardy!
8. Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Ranked third among global surfing destinations, Uluwatu and Kuta bays in Bali are usually inundated with many of the toughest surfing pros from Hawaii and Australia, along with quality competition from the locals. In fact, their sheer numbers can be intimidating to beginners who come here from all over the world; while the pro surfers at Uluwatu Bay may seem a bit aggressive, especially towards newbies, the locals at Katu Bay are more accommodative of beginners, who may actually find them good naturedly encouraging. Denpasar Airport is the nearest point of approach, from where you can find a cab to these bays.
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9. Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Jeffrey’s Bay, at second place on this list, is arguably the best place in the world for right-hand rides, bringing in some of the best and expert surfers from all over the globe. The barrels here are intense, fast and long, often running for 300 meters. The bay is divided into appropriately named sections, such as Magna Tubes, Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, and the best of them all, the Supertubes. This wonderful surfing spot is just an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth.
10. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, United States
If you think you’ve made the surfing grade, here’s the spot to test your stuff: picturesquely crested heavy waves that often top six meters, and perfect tubes that run innocently just above a murderous bed of the sharpest table reef you can find anywhere. Any surfer’s ultimate dream, but only the best will ever conquer this most beautiful and awesome of nature’s aquatic challenges. This island that gave birth to surfing is justifiably at the top of our list of the top 10 best surfing destinations in the world. To get here, take a flight to north shore’s Dillingham Airport, and hire a car or cab out to Pupukea’s Ehukai Beach Park.
This the list of the top 10 best surfing spots in the work where you can surf and enjoy the best of your holidays. Have you been to this spots and what was your experience? Let us know.
