Plan your dream trip based on your interests: Surfing 🏄🏼♂️
When you think of surfing, what comes to mind?
Maybe you’re someone like me, who’s entire experience with surfing was one day at Huntington Beach California that involved hours of being lost, lugging a surprisingly heavy board searching for my friends, thirsty and chaffing from the wetsuit 😀👎🏼
Or maybe you think of those TV shows that involve beautiful sun kissed human beings running around with surfboards in their arms like a cute little accessory ❣️
Oooooor perhaps, you identify with this cool statistic provided by the International Surfing Association: Apparently, more than 35 million people surf recreationally and for sport worldwide! 😱 That’s a huge number!
This reminded me of a guy I met in Amsterdam last year.
It was the first day of my trip, and I found myself on a walking tour with a huge group. As I was focusing on the guide talking about the architecture and history of that beautiful city, I felt a splat on my head.
The seagulls of Amsterdam decided to welcome me in their own unique way.
A friendly fellow tourist chuckled and offered me a tissue, and as I was wiping away at the bird poop in my hair, we got to talking.
He was a solo traveler from Australia, taking a gap year and working his way through as many countries as possible. He had no end date, barely had the next day planned, just knew he’d go home when he ran out of money. I was so inspired listening to his stories and experiences.
After vividly describing an encounter with a panther in the jungles of Indonesia, he started going into what life was like back home.
He grew up on “Bell’s beach”, just outside of Melbourne Australia.
Every day consisted of waking up at dawn, waxing his board and surfing until it was time to get ready for school. He’d surf after school too, and most of his weekends consisted of living at the beach from sunrise to sundown with his buddies. As much as he was loving this nomadic lifestyle, he was excited to get back to that eventually. Surfing was his true passion.
Do you resonate with that?
….maybe you want to?
Well if you’re still here, in any case it seems like this blog is for you! 😉
Our first stop, of course, has to be…
1. Bell’s beach, Australia
Bell's Beach, situated along Victoria's Great Ocean Road in Australia, is an iconic surf spot steeped in history and renowned for its powerful waves. Named after John Cavert Bell, its eponymous owner in the 19th century, Bell's gained global recognition as a venue for the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, establishing its prestige among surfers worldwide. The beach boasts the famed Bowl, a challenging right-hand point break that produces fast, hollow waves reaching heights of up to 15 feet during large swells.
Surfers flock to Bell's for its consistent surf conditions and variety of breaks suitable for all skill levels. Set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean, Bell's Beach offers not only exceptional waves but also a picturesque coastal environment rich in native flora and fauna. With its vibrant surfing culture and nearby town of Torquay, known as the surfing capital of Australia, Bell's Beach epitomizes the allure of Australian surfing—a blend of adventure, adrenaline, and natural beauty that attracts surfers from across the globe.
2. El Tunco Beach, El Salvador
Nestled along El Salvador's captivating coastline, El Tunco Beach has emerged as a premier surf spot with a rich history and world-class waves. Named after its distinctive rock formation resembling a pig's head, this charming beach town boasts a vibrant surfing culture that has drawn adventurers and wave riders for decades.
From gentle rolling waves perfect for beginners to challenging reef breaks that test even the most experienced surfers, El Tunco offers something for everyone. Its crown jewel, Sunzal, offers consistent, forgiving waves suitable for surfers of all levels, while its picturesque setting, framed by lush hills and dramatic cliffs, provides a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable surf sessions and vibrant nightlife.
With its warm hospitality, diverse breaks, and stunning natural beauty, El Tunco Beach stands as a testament to the allure of El Salvador's coastline, welcoming surfers from around the globe to experience the thrill of riding waves in paradise.
3. Ehukai Beach Park, Hawaii
Ehukai Beach Park, nestled along the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is renowned as the home of the legendary Banzai Pipeline, one of the world's most famous and challenging surf breaks. Named "Ehukai," meaning "sea spray" in Hawaiian, this picturesque destination has been a hub of surfing activity for centuries. Surfers from around the globe flock to Pipeline for its consistently perfect waves, known for their thick, hollow barrels that form over a shallow reef. The powerful surf at Pipeline offers experienced riders an unparalleled challenge, pushing the boundaries of skill and courage.
Its international fame through surf films, competitions, and vibrant surf culture further solidifies its status as a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts. Beyond the waves, Ehukai Beach Park boasts stunning natural beauty, with pristine sandy beaches and lush tropical scenery, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable surfing experiences. In summary, Ehukai Beach Park embodies the essence of Hawaiian surfing culture, offering world-class waves, challenging conditions, and breathtaking beauty that continue to captivate and inspire surfers from across the globe.
4. Uluwatu Beach, Indonesia
Uluwatu Beach, situated on the southwestern tip of Bali's Bukit Peninsula in Indonesia, stands as a beacon for surfers worldwide, blending natural beauty with legendary waves and rich cultural heritage.
Its name, originating from the Balinese words "ulu" (lands end) and "watu" (rock), aptly describes its location atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Uluwatu drawn by its world-class breaks, notably the powerful left-hand reef break simply known as "Uluwatu," renowned for its long, hollow barrels—a challenge embraced by experienced surfers. Complementing this main break are additional spots like "Outside Corner" and "Racetracks," offering diverse opportunities for exhilarating rides and high-performance maneuvers. The consistency of swells, particularly during the dry season from May to September, ensures surfers encounter ideal conditions year-round, while the panoramic ocean views and vibrant surf culture further enhance the allure of this iconic surfing destination.
Uluwatu's appeal extends beyond its waves, enticing visitors with its stunning natural backdrop and vibrant surf culture. Towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery provide a picturesque setting for surfing adventures, while beachfront cafes and surf camps offer opportunities for relaxation and camaraderie. Sunset sessions are a highlight, as surfers catch the last waves against the backdrop of mesmerizing sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice surfer, Uluwatu promises an unforgettable experience that combines thrilling waves with breathtaking surroundings.
5. Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Nestled along South Africa's Eastern Cape, Jeffrey's Bay, affectionately known as "J-Bay," is a legendary surf destination steeped in rich history and revered by wave enthusiasts globally. From its origins as a settlement for European settlers to its discovery as a haven for world-class waves, Jeffrey's Bay has become synonymous with surfing excellence.
The crown jewel of J-Bay is Supertubes, where perfect right-hand point breaks peel over a shallow reef, offering surfers long, hollow barrels that test their skills and courage. Surfers are drawn to J-Bay year-round by the promise of consistent swells and ideal conditions, immersing themselves in a vibrant surf culture that permeates the town's streets, cafes, and shops.
Beyond its renowned waves, Jeffrey's Bay enchants visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, from pristine beaches to rugged cliffs, making every moment spent here a testament to the ocean's power and allure.
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Alright surfers, those are our top picks!
Which one was your favorite? Which one caught your eye? 👀
Want to visit El Tunco, but wouldn’t know where to start? Or maybe Uluwatu beach was more your vibe, and you want some reccs on where to stay….
Whatever kind of surfing getaway you’re interested in, we’re here to help. Just click the button below and tell us what you’re looking for! 👇🏼
Until next week, we extend a friendly Aloha! 🤙🏼