Around the World in 80 Waves: The Best Surfing Destinations for Beginners

Do you like catching waves? Love riding high and feeling the point breaks? Surfing is an enjoyable pastime, and if you’re someone who loves water, it’s worth learning as well.

Learning how to surf can be a transformative experience for any person. It can filter off stress and give you a way to be one with your mind and body. Let’s not even start on the health benefits.

Do you want to go on a surf trip but you’re not sure where you can? Afraid big reef tides will ruin your day? You’re in luck because we have surfing destinations that you’d love.

We have places from around the world where beginners can surf without a problem. If you’re looking for the best countries to go surfing, this is the list you need to check out.

1. BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA

Byron Bay was once your average sleepy beachside town, but that’s all in the past now. If you’re looking for the best countries to go surfing, Australia is the place. Byron Bay has excellent options for the discerning learner as well.

The Wategos tends to be nice when there are Southerlies around, while Main Beach has perfect tides for all levels. Clarkes Beach tends to have flat and small waves, which are kind to wipeouts you’re on your surf trip.

2. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

There’s a good reason people call it Surf City USA, and California is the place for the best surfing in the world. Famous surfers go to California to chill in Huntington Beach, then drum it throughout the year.

If you want somewhere comfortable, go to San Diego. The best laidback surf spots are La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach. They offer gentle waves and consistent rolling – what you need to learn as a beginner.

3. SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES

If you’re looking for an entire island where surfing is culture, you best head to Siargao in the Philippines. It has some of the best surfing in the world, with tides small enough for beginners almost all year and expert breaks on its other beaches.

Famous surfers go here for the big annual waves in September and October.

4. HAWAII ISLANDS

This is not a complete surfing list without the mention of Hawaii anywhere. We know Hawaii has people surfing at a pro level, but there are areas where tides are gentle too!

Some of the best beginner spots include Turtle Beach in the Big Island and Kawela Bay in Oahu to name a few. Waikiki Beach is a staple as always.

5. KUTA, BALI, INDONESIA

Bali makes Indonesia one of the best countries to go surfing, and for a reason. The Pacific waves here are fantastic, and Kuta has everything in check if you want a consistent swell on a sunny day.

Kuta is great for absolute beginners so you may want to start your surf trip here.

FIND MORE SURFING DESTINATIONS WHERE YOU CAN LEARN

Learning how to surf as a beginner is great. What you want are consistent rolling and sweet, crumbly waves, and it isn’t so bad to learn on a global surf trip, right?

Whether it’s in the West Coast or right across Asia, surfing destinations are there for you to enjoy. If you want to learn from pros on how to get going with your surfing, the San Diego Surf School is here for you.

Get surf lessons, summer camps or even surf retreats. Wet your feet and ride the tides with world-class surf instructors teaching you.

Book with us now at San Diego Surf School and start on your first tide today.