The best surfing destinations in the world

New Delhi: Surfing is one of the most adventurous sports in the world, known to enthrall anyone who takes it up. Enthusiasts travel far and wide to experience the best surfs across the world. We bring to you a selection of some of the best surfing destinations across the world, which offer something for everyone who visits!

Santa Cruz, California: Perhaps the most popular surfing destination in the world, this city has plenty to boast about besides it’s surf culture. The three mile stretch is home to the best swells of the North Pacific, with the waves varying  from perfect glassy wedges to double-overhead freight-train walls. With plenty of surf shops lining the town, equipment is hardly a concern for those travelling impromptu. Savour the art, music and food along with the waves, but beware of the crowds!  

Puerto Escondido, Mexico: One of the best destinations for those looking for an inexpensive surfing trip, this town is located in the southern region of mainland Mexico, and is also known as the “Mexican Pipeline”. Puerto Escondido is complete with hollow beach breaks, mellow beginner waves and cheap cervezas, suitable for everyone from beginners to professionals. The best time to visit Puerto Escondido is in the summer months as healthy SW swells approach the region. An international surfing contest is held in the city every November.

Oahu, Hawaii: One of the most eminent surfing destinations in Hawaii, which is the home of surfing, Oahu offers something for both, beginners and professionals alike. Waimea Bay, Sunset, Off the Wall, Pipeline and Backdoor: these are some of the most famous surf spots in Oahu. Due to its popularity, Oahu tends to be a bit crowded, so one might want to visit other destinations nearby, such as Waikiki. The wildlife and local Hawaiian culture adds to the list of attractions in the city.

Barbados:  The otherwise idyllic and serene destination turns into a surfer’s paradise during the winter months. With its consistent swell, nooks and crannies, Barbados is home to the Atlantic’s most consistent surf. It is host to a variety of breaks and is open to swells from all sides. However, the better-known Soupbowl, a great right-hand reef break steals the spotlight from other beautiful destinations nearby. Conditions range daily (and hourly) from onshore and messy or glassy and playful to offshore and tubing. It is recommended to plan a longer trip and savour all of Barbados’ surfs while you’re there.

Playa Grande, Costa Rica: The beach town of Playa Grande is widely acclaimed as one of Costa Rica’s best surfing spots. Incidentally, Playa Grande is the second largest nesting ground of the largest marine reptile, the Leatherback Turtle. Any time of the year is a good time to surf in Playa Grande, and there’s plenty of variety among the waves at both, beach breaks and reef breaks. Playa Grande is known to be one of the most consistent surf breaks in Central America.

Morocco: With it’s warm Mediterranean climate and perfect right-hand point breaks dotting the coast, Morocco is a true surfer’s paradise. The major attraction in Morocco are the right handers, with beachbreaks and the odd left scattered throughout. Morocco is the perfect wintertime destination, with the best swells hitting the coast from November through February.