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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World
Slide Nr 1Planning a surf trip this summer? You probably already have your surfer bucket list narrowed down, but if you’re not looking forward to competing with other locals and tourists for the highest and longest waves, take a second look at your list. From the longest left-hands in the world to deserted islands and sleepy surf towns, the world of waves is full of hidden gems that many surf aficionados haven’t heard of… yet. If you’re yearning to ride uncrowded waves and hang ten in total peace, then wax down your board and head to these unique, underrated surf havens around the world – before the road less travelled starts seeing more traffic.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 2Nha Trang, Vietnam – With 3,000 kilometres of beautiful coastline and a tropical monsoon climate all year round, not to mention unbeatable prices for food and beachfront accommodation, it makes sense that Vietnam is a go-to surfing paradise. But if you’re looking for the best of the best in Southeast Asia, without having to dodge boards all day long, head to the secluded coastal city of Nha Trang. Two of its three main beaches, Bai Dai and City Reef, have gentler waves ideal for beginners, while Dark Reef offers stronger rights and lefts, more suitable for the experts. The best swell season runs from November to March when storms arriving from the Philippines create higher, stronger waves, but along this seven-kilometre stretch of shore, you’ll likely find a nice surfing spot any time of year.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 4Carrapateira, Portugal – In Portugal, there’s good surfing, and then there’s Algarvian Atlantic surfing. Along the southern coast you’ll find Carrapateira, a quiet surf town backed by a beautiful pine-filled landscape. The three-kilometre stretch of beach is sheltered by flanking headlands, meaning you’ll get epic right- and left-hand breaks. Apart from the golden sands, crumbling cliffs and good exposure to a 180-degree Atlantic swell, you’ll be an hour away from Albufeira, one of the most sought-after cities in the region – good food and charming places to bed down are part of an epic surf trip, too.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 5Muriwai, New Zealand – The long-lasting relationship between New Zealand and surfing would make you think it has some of the best waves in the world – and you’d be right. But just because it’s an iconic destination doesn’t mean you’ll have to be competing with tons of tourists for the best peaks. A 45-minute drive from Auckland will take you to Muriwai, which, according to locals, offers a quieter fun beach break and left-hand point. And even during its busiest season, you’ll be sure to find a spot just for you somewhere along the 60 kilometres of coastline.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 7Otter Rock, Oregon, USA – Far off the surfing radar, in the Pacific Northwest of the US, you’ll find long barrels and mellow breaks as good as (and far less crowded than) the country’s more popular southern counterparts. Often referred to as the ‘Waikiki of Oregon’, Otter Rock is usually where beginners go to learn the basics – its location in the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area protects it from harsh winds and creates more shallow breaks perfect for new enthusiasts, although the occasional stronger swell will attract more experienced wave riders as well.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 9Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England – Up and down the island, the UK is blessed with some powerful barrelling waves that make for epic surf spots, and England specifically is home to a few hidden treasures worth considering. One that’s equally ideal for beginners and experts is Saltburn in North Yorkshire. There, you can go on your own and catch bigger water breaks or hone your skills with smoother waves and learn about the spot’s conditions in the popular Saltburn Surf School – whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it year-round on either side of Saltburn Pier.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 11Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa – This surfing gem in the province of Eastern Cape has seen world-class icons train and compete, making it a highly approved spot for anyone who wants to catch fast and continuous three-metre waves. Originally a small fishing town, J-Bay is now a South African surfing go-to, best visited between May and September when the powerful west-to-east currents hit the Southern Hemisphere. And apart from its praised breaking waters, the area boasts nature reserves and animal sanctuaries for whenever you want to take a break from the ocean swell.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 12Caves Beach, Australia – Considering that 1 in 10 Australians surf recreationally, it’s hard to believe that there are still some stones unturned in the local surfing landscape. Well, there are, and one good example is Caves Beach. Located in the Booderee National Park, within a three-hour drive from Sydney, it’s one of the top secluded beaches Down Under. With picturesque scenery and excellent surfing conditions (especially during Australian wintertime), you’ll be able to ride big, uncrowded waves – and if the weather is forcing you to wait a bit for good swell, you can find other diversions such as camping and watching native Australian wildlife.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 14Chiba, Japan – With the combination of Pacific swells coming from the west and the tropical climate coming from the south, it only makes sense to find great surf in Japan. Within a one-hour journey from Tokyo, you’ll find the coast of Chiba, popular for its many surf-friendly beaches, consistent breaks and powerful reefs. Its numerous beaches go from flat coastal plain to open beach breaks, meaning you’ll get waves of every size and for every skill level along the coast. Try to visit between August and October when typhoon swells start to roll in.
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Gnarly, Dude: 15 Unique Surf Spots Around The World.
Slide Nr 16Tinos, Greece – Although it boasts a long coastline, many islands, winding shores and safe waters, Greece is hardly considered among the world’s best surfing countries. Maybe it’s not, but thanks to the summer Aegean winds (or as the Greeks call it, meltemia), clear-water waves and the occasional groundswell, it’s the perfect destination for beginners looking for deserted spots and calmer corners to practice before heading to the big-ticket countries. The island of Tinos, home to the first surf club in the region, will give you warm waters, easy-to-ride waves and charming Cycladic villages to explore afterwards.
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