10 Best Surf Spots in the World for Beginners
Discover the 10 best surf spots in the world for beginners. If you’ve never tried surfing, or are just starting out, picking the right location is very important.
For your first surf lessons, you’ll want to choose somewhere beautiful, of course! But considering the type of break, the average weather conditions, and the safety of a surf destination are just as important. If surfing is at the top of your to-do list, this article will help you decide where to plan your next surf and travel trip - from Hawaii, all the way to Morocco, to Costa Rica, and back to France!
Hossegor, France
First up on the list of the best surf spots in the world for beginners is Hossegor. This is one of the best-known destinations for surfing in all of France. Nestled between Seignosse and Capbreton, Hossegor has a respected reputation in the world of pro surfing, but it also has the perfect conditions to improve your surfing. Surfing activities in Hossegor offer a dream landscape to surf in, along the endless sandy beaches of the Côte d’Argent. Surf conditions here are optimal thanks to the currents and sandbanks. The picture-perfect waves here seem to roll on forever.
You can start at Hossegors’ Central and South beaches where the swell is slightly weaker and thus easier to tame. Once you’re ready for some punchier waves head over to the famous breaks at Culs Nus (Naked Bums) beach, home to solid waves and surf competitions. You can also check out top 10 surf spots in Basque Country.
Taghazout, Morocco
Agadir in Morocco, is the ideal place to learn the fundamentals and techniques needed to surf various surf breaks, including beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks. The wave conditions here are outstanding in the winter and it’s a great place to take part in surfing lessons with local professionals. As a bonus, the water is always relatively warm here, never falling below 15 degrees in winter, which allows you to surf comfortably all year long. Some of the most mellow beach break places here are Crocs, Devils Rock, Panoramas or Tamri.
Byron Bay, Australia
Another epic beginner surf destination is Byron Bay, on Australia's East Coast. The Australian vibe is pretty much all about chilling out, BBQs and surfing. The main 2 spots in Byron Bay are Clarkes Beach and The Pass. Most surfers get quite serious about taming the waves at The Pass, a right-hand point-break wave that peels over a hundred meters. This break offers rides up to one full minute long if you can navigate these waters successfully.
The Pass is also surfable on a longboard and therefore is suitable for beginners as well as experienced surfers alike. With an average-sized swell, as a beginner, you will be able to surf ideal waves at Tallow Beach and Clarkes Beach. These places offer perfect conditions when other spots are too flat. Tallow has the advantage of offering both rights and left-breaking waves, perfect for mastering your technique whether you’re goofy or regular-footed. You can enjoy the same kinds of great waves at Suffolk Park, possessing both lefts and rights. Beginner or advanced, you’ll be thrilled for hours while you live the Australian surf dream!
Oahu, Hawaii
Another fabulous place and a perfect surf spot for beginners? Oahu in Hawaii! This spot is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is renowned as a perfect spot to learn how to surf. Here you’ll be introduced to surfing in the place where this sport was invented and is part of the local culture! Combined with clean, clear blue waters, this is about as good as it gets.
Oahu boasts a wide range of waves, so you can find waves that match your abilities whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer! The spot of Oahu enjoys consistent surf throughout the year, thanks to a combination of trade winds and various surf breaks around the islands. Beginners can enjoy riding their first waves on either a surfboard or even a Canoe. This surf spot is home to fun rights and lefts, which also have several take-off zones and help you get familiar with “surf code” in peace. It is also important to mention that Oahu's surfing community is welcoming and supportive, which is essential to learn how to enjoy the waves with confidence! Feel like riding the wave like Patrick Swayze in Point Break? Check out our selection of the best surfing films and immerse yourself in the world of waves!
Muizenberg, South Africa
The next amazing surf destination on this list is Muizenberg, located 27 km south of Cape Town in South Africa. Muizenberg was even voted one of the best surf spots in the world by National Geographic. This tiny, laid-back village with an epic surf break attracts many local and international visitors. Surfing in Muizenberg is an ideal place to learn or improve your surfing skills because you can find many surf classes and surf rental equipment. Muizenberg is a dream beach break with rights and lefts tailored to goofy footers and regulars alike. Furthermore, it’s the longest break in the Cape Peninsula with a picturesque wave that runs for nearly 1.5 km!
In summer, Bailey’s Reef spot remains relatively flat allowing beginners to learn how to surf smoothly. This is a good alternative to Muizenberg if you’re keen to get away from the crowds and work on your technique! Did you know that this place is the birthplace of surfing in South Africa? It’s more than just a sport here, it has become a way of life. Surfing gives you the chance to immerse yourself both physically and mentally in the (surf) culture of South Africa.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Coming up next on the 10 best surf spots in the world for beginners is Costa Rica. Surfing adventure in Tamarindo offers a relaxing and sacred atmosphere to learn with surfers from all over the world. Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity and Tamarindo offers consistent and gentle waves, ideal for beginners who want to practice and learn new skills.
The main beach features a long, sandy shoreline, which is beneficial for beginners: the sandy bottom minimizes the risk of injuries compared to rock-covered beaches and the warm weather like the water makes it comfortable for beginners to spend surfing lessons. Tamarindo is also home to surf schools staffed by experienced instructors who are specialized in teaching beginners. With beautiful scenery, accessible surf equipment, and a chill atmosphere, Costa Rica is emerging as an ideal heaven for you!
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote island is home to many places suitable for every profile, if you are a beginner, you will easily find the perfect surfing activity in Lanzarote. The advantage of surfing on this island is the proximity of the beach! It takes only 35 minutes by car to reach Playa Quemada in the South from Caleta de Famara in the north. Did you know that Lanzarote has to reputation for being the European Hawaii? The Atlantic pearl and its volcanic landscapes have much in common with the Pacific scenery!
Firstly, you can check out Arietta, a great spot that has both right and left surf breaks onto a sandbar. This spot also tends to be less crowded, making it the perfect place for beginners to take their first ride. The heavy left at El Muelle is a great place to work on maneuvers once you’ve found your balance on the board. You can also take a break after your surf lesson and watch the pros' techniques at El Quemado, the island's most famous wave and one of the world's most powerful. There, the tubes look like something out of a dream. For sure, Lanzarote is one of the best surf spots in the world for beginners!
Tibau do Sul, Brazil
Brazil! With its vast coastline and vibrant culture, the country has emerged as a dynamic destination for surf enthusiasts from around the world. Famous for being a place where you can practice lots of water sports, it is home to one of the best spots to learn how to surf! Brazilian beaches are simply paradise, and surfing is high on the list of activities to do. Tibau do Sul has several beautiful surf beaches like La Boy, an ideal beach break lit up by swell coming from the North, East, and South-East.
This is an ideal place for learners to take lessons from professional surf instructors. The Brazilians are very friendly, and will guide and help you learn everything from pop-ups to the infamous “surfing code”. Spots like Cacimbinhas, a long beach break in the Northeast with a South-East swell, and Ponta do Madeiro, a long world-famous right working on a Northerly swell direction. These are idyllic spots perfect for when you’re comfortable with the basic maneuvers.
Peniche, Portugal
Have you ever heard of Portugal's most popular surf spot? Peniche is considered one of the best destinations for surfing in Europe! Portugal’s coastline is blessed with multiple surf spots suitable for both beginners and pros. Surfing lessons in Peniche offer perfect conditions to practice all year long and are frequented by off-shore winds.
In Peniche you can start your first session at Praia do Cero, in the bay north of Peniche. This right and left beach break allows you to work on your technique whether you are goofy or regular-footed. You can also find lots of professionals to help you develop your skills. Once you feel more comfortable surfing, you can venture south of Peniche to Molhe Leste. This is a perfect point-break with hollow rights. Banana Beach is also ideal for testing your tube riding skills. For more fun spots to ride the waves in this country, check out the top 10 surf spots in Portugal.
Kuta, Bali
Last but not least, one of the best surf spots on the planet for learners is the gorgeous Kuta, in Bali. This place has adopted its surfing style by mixing modern techniques with traditional culture. You can start your adventure with professionals who will help you to discover your “Surf Spirit”. Kuta Beach is the best-known spot on the Indian Ocean in Bali, and at low tide, beginners can start practicing in the gentle waves and sandy bottom.
You can also check out the mellow beach break at Halfway Kuta. The swell here is consistent, meaning great conditions during lessons are guaranteed. Once you’ve gained a good level, your surf instructors will probably take you to test the waves at Legian Beach or observe the technique of the most experienced surfboarders at Kuta Reef.
There you have it- all the best destinations for surfing for beginners! You might want to also check out 12 things to know before your first surfing lesson for more tips for having the best time possible.
Did you know that Manawa is the name of a reef break on Mauritius islands? This is the perfect reason why you should check our surfing activities on our website and book your next adventure!