For some of us, a beach holiday doesn’t mean lying on the sand and going for an occasional paddle. Nope – it’s all about getting into the sea with board in hand, then riding some of the world’s greatest waves. For surfers, both experienced and beginner, there are some world class beaches around the globe. We’ve picked out some of the best, whether it is for lessons, wind and kite-surfing or tackling the true monsters.
Arrifana Beach
Where: The Algarve, Portugal
Whilst it’s unlikely to get the true hard core surfers drooling, Arrifana is a brilliant surf beach for learners. It’s sheltered, and the waves tend to break cleanly – so even when they’re sizable, they’re not too dangerous. Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular destination for surf schools.
Noosa Main Beach
Where: Noosa, Queensland, Australia
Warm, waist deep water plus gentle waves that get up to a decent-but-not terrifying size make Noosa something of a surf school hotspot. Former world champions live in the area, and thousands of people learn to stand up and ride here every year. Main Beach is usually the learners’ strip, while the best for those who know what they’re doing is the nearby Sunshine Beach.
Playa Zicatela
Where: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
One beach break that most certainly isn’t for surfing novices is Playa Zicatela. It’s the big beast of the Mexican surfing scene, with notoriously high waves and an infamously brutal dump. The good news is that there are lifeguards on duty. The bad news is that they’ll be a fat lot of good if you land the wrong way.
Ehukai Beach Park
Where: Pupukea, Oahu, Hawai’i.
It’s not the beach that draws in the crowds, but the notorious reef break called the Banzai Pipeline. When swells are up, the waves are enormous, and become a magnet for the world’s bravest surfers. It’s a highly dangerous spot, however. Surfers have died trying to tame it, while one pro-surfer switched to a music career after sustaining injuries here that required 150 stitches. His name? Jack Johnson.
Teahupo’o Beach
Where: Tahiti, French Polynesia
Know as the world’s heaviest wave, the reef break at Teahupo’o is arguably the one that all surfers dream of conquering. It involves a long paddle out and it’s hugely dangerous once out there, but with regular two and three metre barrels, it’s no wonder that many of the world’s most iconic surfing images have been taken at Teahupo’o.
Kite Beach
Where: Cabarete, Dominican Republic
It’s a different type of surfing that rules here. Kitesurfing still has the surfboard, but you’re pulled along by – as the name would suggest – a giant kite. The conditions are ideal at Kite Beach, hence the numerous kitesurfing schools. But the joy of Cabarete is that all watersports enthusiasts can have a go. Playa Cabarete is great for windsurfing, and Playa Encuentro has the bigger waves for those surfing the traditional way.
Ensenada de Valdevaqueros
Where: Tarifa, Andalucia, Spain
Like Cabarete, Tarifa is a Mecca for those who like something attached to the board. There are a series of kitesurfing and windsurfing hotspots along the Ensenada de Valdevaqueros bay, and a whole host of operators are in the area, willing to give you lessons.
Bells Beach
Where: Victoria, Australia
A fixture on the ASP World Tour circuit, Bells Beach has long been regarded as a championship-worthy hotspot. It’s in an isolated spot, but the detour off the Great Ocean Road is worth it. Of course, Bells is most famous as the end point for the cheesy surf classic Point Break – where Patrick Swayze’s character disappears into the sea.
Mundaka Beach
Where: Basque country, Spain
Mundaka has long been regarded as Europe’s longest left hand break. The waves get big, although not to Banzai Pipeline or Teahupo’o standards. It’s the length and speed of the ride that surfers come for, although strong currents mean that it’s really for the experienced only.
Fistral Beach
Where: Newquay, Cornwall
Britain’s own contender for the title of the world’s surfing capital is Newquay, and in recent years this sleepy town has morphed into a boardsports and nightlife hotspot. For surfers, Fistral Beach is the most famous, and it’s where all the major competitions are held. Just remember to bring a thick wetsuit – the sea isn’t known for being toasty warm.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
