Top countries to surf

Are you a surf enthusiast searching for the best waves, vibrant surf scenes, and beautiful coastal escapes? Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just beginning, some destinations around the world stand out as surfing paradises, known for their quality breaks and welcoming vibes. Let’s dive into the top countries for surfing, each offering a unique experience that every surf lover should try. And if you’re based in Europe, you’re in luck – Morocco is one of the best spots to visit, with incredible waves just a short trip away!

1. Australia 🇦🇺

• Top Spots: Gold Coast (Snapper Rocks), Byron Bay, Margaret River, Bells Beach
• Why It’s Great: Australia’s surf culture runs deep, with its extensive coastline providing endless surf spots and consistent waves. The country has some of the world’s best breaks and produces top-tier surf talent. Events like the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach highlight Australia’s commitment to the sport, making it a must-visit for surfers worldwide.

2. Hawaii, USA 🇺🇸

• Top Spots: North Shore of Oahu (Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach), Honolua Bay in Maui
• Why It’s Great: Known as the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii is famous for its powerful and challenging waves. The North Shore of Oahu is an iconic surf destination that attracts the world’s best surfers. From massive winter swells to beautiful tropical waters, Hawaii offers a unique and exhilarating surf experience.

3. Indonesia 🇮🇩

• Top Spots: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, G-Land, Mentawai Islands
• Why It’s Great: Indonesia, especially Bali, has earned a reputation as a surfing paradise. With warm waters, pristine beaches, and perfect barrels, Indonesia’s waves are suitable for all skill levels. For serious surf travelers, the Mentawai Islands offer an unforgettable experience with consistent, high-quality waves.

4. Portugal 🇵🇹

• Top Spots: Nazaré, Ericeira, Peniche (Supertubos)
• Why It’s Great: Portugal is known for its powerful waves and diverse breaks, from the giant waves at Nazaré to the smooth barrels of Peniche. Ericeira is recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, offering a variety of waves that make Portugal a top surf destination in Europe. It’s also home to many surf competitions and attracts surfers from around the globe.

5. Morocco 🇲🇦

• Top Spots: Taghazout (Anchor Point), Tamri, Imsouane, Anza
• Why It’s Great: Located just a short flight from Europe, Morocco is a gem for surfers looking for consistent waves, warm weather, and a unique cultural experience. The country’s coastline along the Atlantic offers diverse surf breaks, from beginner-friendly beaches to long, right-hand points like the iconic Anchor Point in Taghazout. Morocco is also ideal for surf trips in winter when the waves are at their best, making it a perfect destination for European surfers looking for warm water and reliable waves during the colder months.

6. Brazil 🇧🇷

• Top Spots: Florianópolis, Saquarema, Itacaré, Rio de Janeiro
• Why It’s Great: Brazil has emerged as a surf powerhouse, producing world champions like Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira. With a passionate surf community, warm waters, and vibrant beach culture, Brazil offers a mix of quality waves and excitement. The surf breaks here range from mellow beach breaks to intense reef breaks, catering to all skill levels.

7. South Africa 🇿🇦

• Top Spots: Jeffrey’s Bay, Durban, Dungeons (Cape Town), Wild Coast
• Why It’s Great: South Africa is known for some of the longest, most perfect right-hand point breaks in the world. Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay) is a world-renowned spot offering long rides, while Cape Town’s big-wave scene attracts surfers seeking a challenge. With a diverse surf culture and scenic landscapes, South Africa is a destination that every surfer should experience.

8. France 🇫🇷

• Top Spots: Biarritz, Hossegor, Lacanau
• Why It’s Great: France has one of Europe’s most active surf scenes, especially in the southwest region along the Bay of Biscay. Hossegor is famous for its heavy barrels and powerful beach breaks, hosting major competitions each year. Biarritz offers a more laid-back atmosphere and is considered the birthplace of French surfing.

9. Costa Rica 🇨🇷

• Top Spots: Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Nosara, Pavones
• Why It’s Great: Costa Rica’s warm waters, friendly locals, and consistent waves make it a surf haven in Central America. Pavones, known for its long left-hand waves, is a must-surf spot, and the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica adds to the charm. It’s a fantastic destination for both beginners and experienced surfers.

10. Japan 🇯🇵

• Top Spots: Shonan, Chiba, Okinawa, Miyazaki
• Why It’s Great: Japan offers a unique surf culture with a mix of beach and reef breaks. Chiba is one of the country’s main surf hubs, attracting both locals and international visitors, while Okinawa offers a more tropical surf experience. Japan’s surf scene has grown significantly and is now recognized on the world stage.

11. Mexico 🇲🇽

• Top Spots: Puerto Escondido, Sayulita, Baja California, Mazatlán
• Why It’s Great: Mexico’s variety of waves, warm weather, and beautiful coastlines make it a great choice for surfers. Puerto Escondido, often called the Mexican Pipeline, is famous for its powerful barrels, while spots like Sayulita offer more mellow waves ideal for beginners.

Honorable Mentions:

• Peru 🇵🇪: Known for its endless lefts, especially at Chicama, one of the longest left-hand waves in the world.
• New Zealand 🇳🇿: Great waves along both the North and South islands, with beautiful landscapes and a laid-back vibe.
• United Kingdom 🇬🇧: Cornwall and Wales offer quality waves, especially during the fall and winter seasons.
• Canada 🇨🇦: Cold water surfing in Tofino on Vancouver Island has a growing surf scene.
• Chile 🇨🇱: Punta de Lobos is a top big wave destination with powerful waves and stunning scenery.