Have you planned on learning to surf for as long as you can remember but never quite gotten around to it? Is the idea of starting from scratch amidst seasoned pros putting you off? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. So many people want to surf but are put off because they’re worried that they’ll be terrible at it.
But the truth is, we all have to start somewhere. So if you fancy finally ticking ‘learn to surf’ off your bucket list this year, here are some awesome places to learn how to master the waves!
Australia
With countless beaches to choose from across all states, surfing is almost as common as breathing in coastal Australia. Yes, there are plenty of beaches which are regularly attended by intimidatingly good surfers, but there are also plenty of beaches and areas that are perfect for beginners. Whether it’s Noosa, Byron Bay or Sydney, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get started.
If you’re particularly worried about being a beginner amongst seasoned pros, avoid hotspots like Bondi and opt for quieter beaches with less brutal waves. There are also plenty of beginner surf camp dotted along the East Coast to help get you started.
Bali
Attending a surf camp in Bali is an awesome way to get the best of both worlds. You can build on skill and up your surfing game during the days and then enjoy some beachside relaxation by late afternoon and night. Make sure you opt for a surf camp designed for beginner level so that you can learn with other likeminded surfers and take advantage of instructor support and guidance.
Mexico
Get to grips with a new language, immerse yourself in a new culture and explore a new country by learning to surf in Baja California. Again, there are surf schools in the area designed specifically to help beginners get to grips with the basics of surfing so choose your surf school wisely.
Hawaii
No list of surfing destinations would be complete without the home of surfing, Hawaii! There are plenty of spots that are perfect for surfing across all the islands but naturally, some are better for learners than others.
Oahu offers plenty of beginner-friendly spots. For example, White Plains Beach offers gentle, slow breaking waves pretty much all year long whereas Old Man’s offers deep waters and a chilled crowd of paddleboarders, canoes and surfers alike.
Costa Rica
In recent years, Costa Rica has become a prime destination for travellers and surfers. And whilst this tropical paradise still hosts plenty of opportunities for beginner and seasoned surfers alike, you may need to travel a little bit off the beaten track to get a quieter spot where you can repeatedly fall off your board in peace. As with many of the other destinations in this article, your best bet is to find a local beginner surf school which provides a quiet spot and plenty of support for beginner surfers. There are plenty of options available.
Cornwall (UK)
Although the UK doesn’t sound quite as tropical as Hawaii or Costa Rica, it does offer some pretty decent surfing spots. With plenty of coastline, the laid-back attitude and lifestyle of Cornwall is infectious. It’s therefore the perfect spot for beginner surfers and you could even find yourself swimming with dolphins too!
Conclusion
learning any new sport or skill takes some guts to begin with and surfing is certainly no different. Whilst some people pick up the basics a lot quicker than others, everyone has to start somewhere and falling off your board (and swallowing your fair share of saltwater) is pretty much inevitable.
So don’t let fear (or intimidating-looking surfers) put you off learning to surf. Instead, choose a location you love, find a surf school for beginners and get your butt onto a board. You won’t regret it!
Leave a Reply