Best places to learn how to surf: 8 spots to start

Surfing has been one of the most popular thrill-seeking pastimes for centuries, with the earliest history of surfing dating back to the 5th century AD, when Polynesians arrived in Hawaii. In Peru there’s also evidence of a kind of a water activity similar to surfing 200 AD.

+2,000 years later surf is a culture by itself, and the surfing industry is estimated to be a more than $10 billion market. Millions of people across the globe ride waves, large and small, in their own communities and the coastal destinations they visit.

Surf is becoming a more and more popular activity, and each year more and more people search for the best places to learn how to surf, often working to conquer fears and experience the thrill of getting up on a board for the first time on their surf trip. Additionally, offshoots of surfing have become increasingly popular, with kiteboarding (or kitesurfing) drawing even more adventurous spirits out into the waves.

If you are interested in learning to surf but are landlocked far from a coastal region, there are a number of great destinations where you can travel in a matter of hours and participate in surf camps that cater to beginners.

Best of all, when you learn to surf through a surfcamp, they provide the boards and the gear you need to learn, which means all that stands in the way of you and the waves is a plane ticket!

Read on to learn more about the 8 best places to learn how to surf and start riding you first waves in a matter of days.

Bali, Indonesia

From its stunning blue seas and coral reefs to its volcanoes and rainforests, Bali, in Indonesia, is one of the world’s most beloved tropical destinations and a great place to visit.

Surfers from all across the globe journey to Bali to conquer its large and world-wide known waves, but there are also plenty of opportunities for a beginner surfer to learn to surf along its beaches.

Why Bali is a good choice for beginners?

Any country and spot on the Indian ocean is generally among the list of best places to learn how to surf for a few reasons. First, the locals are usually welcoming towards tourists, so you don’t have to fear from localism (and as a beginner, localism practically does not exist anywhere). Specially in Indonesia you will find very friendly locals, not only in the water.

Second, most of countries on the Indian Ocean are nearby the equator (and Bali, in Indonesia, it is), so the water is warmer compared to other famous surf areas on the north or south Atlantic/Pacific. Warmer water means no wetsuit needed and more time in the water.

Third, the swells, even though they can also be big, they are cleaner and more gentle compared to other areas around the planet. That means less currents and easier paddling compared to other countries and surf spots.

Best surfs spots for beginners in Bali

Bali is a big island, and is famous for some of the biggest and most powerful waves in the planet.

However, some of the spots in Bali are really perfect for begginers, so if that is your case, chick this out:

• Padang Padang Baby Rights*
  • The right waves in Padang Padang are perfect for beginners
  • Padang Padang offers a easy paddle-out channel with no white wash waves against you
• Jimbaran
  • Protected bay that offers gentle waves when other spots are totally maxed-out by big swells
  • Sandy bottom with no rocks that can injure you
• Batu Bolong, Canggu
  • Reef break with very consistent and gentle waves no matter the conditions
  • Long rides and waves rebuilding, perfect for the big boards or foamies that beginners use
• Dreamland, Uluwatu peninsula
  • Sandy bottom with gentle waves
  • Suitable for beginners if swell is not too big, otherwise leave it for experienced surfers

*Padang Padang Surf Camp in Bali offers a 7-night package with daily surf lessons from experienced instructors and outstanding accommodations in a lush tropical setting, located within walking distance to beautiful beaches, shopping, and dining.

Byron Bay, Australia

If going “down under” is doable for your budget (get ready to pay a bit for the flight ✈️), and you might consider the big continent island as your  next surf vacation (or you might also be a remote worker with freedom of movement) Australia boasts world-class surfing along its shores and expert coaching for beginners.

The warm season (summer) in Australia’s Gold Coast runs from November to March so might be and ideal option for beginners living in the northern hemisphere looking for a “winter” vacation.

Byron Bay has good surf, and that means crowds…

One downside of Byron Bay—especially if you ask the locals—can be the crowds, but experienced guides in the surf camps there will be able to find the best spots for you to learn to conquer the waves. If you want to surf on your own, here are the best spots.

Best spots for beginners at Byron Bay

Don’t let the crowds affraid you: we have a few options that might suit you.

• The Pass
  • The eastern-most point of Byron Bay is one of the most well-known spots at Byron Bay
  • It offers consistent rights perfect for all the levels
• Wategos Beach
  • Next to The Pass you find Wategos Beach, a spot known for its consistent slow and long waves
  • Perfect for beginners and long boarders
  • It has two beaches: Wategos and Little Wategos, one next to the other
• Belongil
  • The northern-most part of Byron bay is probably the less crowded spot in the area
  • It is great for beginners ONLY if swells are not big, so avoid it if that’s the case
  • If big swells wave size can increase easily and currents will make paddle a hard job

If you are interested in a surf camp at Byron Bay, Mojosurf Camp offers affordable dorm-like accommodations with three days of lessons perfectly tailored to beginners, along with plenty of free time to explore the town and take in the stunning views from the easternmost point of Australia.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Surfers in US California often head south to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico to enjoy the waves in Cabo San Lucas, which boasts a number of great beaches.

Cabo San Lucas has a big swell window that offers year-round surfing, and the warmer temperatures mean some surfers can forego the wetsuit in the summer months.

So yes, the Pacific waters of Cabo San Lucas is also in the list of best places to learn surfing.

Best spots for beginners at Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas offers some spots that are the perfect place to learn to surf. Those spots are:

• Acapulquito
  • Near the town of San José del Cabo
  • Gentle waves for those getting started with surfing
• Playa de Pescadero
  • Located between the towns of Los Cerritos and Todos los Santos
  • Consistent waves all year round

Cabo Surf Retreat offers a visitor package with five lessons, six nights of accommodations, surf gear, ground transportation, daily breakfasts, and even a guided art walk through the famous San Jose Plaza art district.

Canary Islands, Spain

When it comes to surfing in Spain, the Canary Islands, which is a volcanic island archipelago near the Tropic of Cancer and in front of the African coast of Morocco, offer abundant opportunities for surfers of all skill levels.

Europeans flock to the Canary Islands for vacations and for surfing, since it is one of the best places to learn how to surf in Europe.

Related post: Tips to surf in Spain

The Canary Islands offer a great tourism infrastructure (the islands live mainly from european tourism) and offer abundant opportunities for surfing, with many surf camps tailored to beginners.

The Canary Islands for visitors and surfers

The Canary Islands archipelago has 7 islands, and the most developed ones from the tourism point of view (and also for the quality of the surf for beginners) are the 4 most eastern ones. Those are Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The 3 islands located more to the west (El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera) are kind of more wild, with less services and will be more difficult for you to move around.

The winter months in the northern hemisphere are tourist season for the Canary Islands, when the winds are not as strong, and this is the best time also in terms of surf quality. Outside of surfing, visitors also enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Best spots to learn to surf in the Canary Islands

There are a lot of spots around the 4 main islands mentioned above, but we will try to narrow the list to a few ones only.

• Lanzarote Island
  • Famara Beach
    • Big bay facing north in the mid/top side of the island
    • Gentle but consistent waves coming from swells from the north atlantic
  • La Garita
    • Facing east and protected from big north-atlantic swells
    • Perfect for big swells on the north shore that are too much for unexperienced surfers
  • La Cantería
    • Located on the north shore, it is a big beach break offering many peaks everywhere
    • Sandy bottom that makes it safe in case of falling off the board
    • If you are a total beginner be aware of currents with big swells and off-shore winds
• Fuerteventura Island
  • El Cotillo
    • Long sandy beach without hazards
    • Long white wash that will push big boards ahead easily
    • Perfect for the very beginners learning how to stand up
  • Playa Grande del Corralejo (aka Flag Beach)
    • Big beach facing east
    • Sandy bottom
    • Perfect to catch your first green waves
  • El Hierro
    • Facing north, it is a reef spot that offers consistent waves
    • Popular beach not only for surfing but also to chill and relax
• Tenerife Island
  • Playa del Conquistador
    • Facing south-west, so better with west or north-west swells
    • It needs specific conditions to work, but is a great spot for beginners wanting to catch their first green wave
  • La Tejita
    • Powerful white wash waves that are great for beginners with foamies
  • El Arenal
    • Located in the north shore, it offers left and right waves, however the lefts are better quality and hold-up the shoulder better
    • Very long rides for intermediate surfers that know how to turn and wait for the rebuild
• Gran Canaria island
  • Playa del Inglés
    • Very touristic spot, full of beachgoers and visitors
    • Inmense beach behind sand dunes with multiple peaks everywhere
  • La Cicer
    • Beach big near the town of Las Palmas (the capital)
    • Hotspot for surfers of all levels

If you choose Fuerteventura for your next surf trip to the Canary Islands, Red Shark Fuerteventura offers a beginner course—“From Zero to Hero”—that will have you up on a board in no time with personalized instruction during three-hour daily lessons over the course of five days.

All equipment and 7 nights of accommodations are included at a nearby four-star hotel with pools, bars, restaurants, and a gym.

Cape Town, South Africa

Thanks to relatively warm water temperatures year-round and quite mild winters, surfing is a beloved pastime in South Africa, especially around Cape Town.

The capital and its surroundings are the perfect place to be if you want fun in the water, outdoor activities, nightlife and all the services.

Surf for beginners near Cape Town

In South Africa you will find the largest and more powerful waves from March through September, so beginners are best suited to visit the country during southern hemisphere’s summer when the waves are less powerful (December to April).

Best spots in Cape Town and nearby

Cape Town is known for its good quality surf, specially for intermediate and advanced surfers. But relax, there are also spots for beginner surfers.

• Muizenberg
  • Long beach break facing south-east that offers non-stop waves perfect for longboarders and beginners
  • Peaks appear everywhere and with a big board you can ride the white wash a long way till the shore
• Big Bay
  • Facing west, in front of Robben island, Big Bay is a 1 km long section in the north tip of Cape Town’s main bay
  • Typical beach break with long rides and tourists spending the day in the area
  • A bit like Muizenberg, but on the Atlantic side of Cape Town

Hermanus Surf Camp offers customized surf retreats with daily lessons, six nights of accommodation, breakfast included, and airport transfers available for a separate charge. In addition to surfing, guests enjoy a number of activities in the area, from whale watching to wine tastings. The surf camp is a short drive—approximately one hour—from the Cape Town airport.

Nosara, Costa Rica

The incredible scenery where the jungle meets the ocean, and this laid-back, yoga-loving tropical retreat destination that is Nosara in Costa Rica makes it a favorite for surfers or anyone who yearns to be by the water. Costa Rica is a hotspot for US tourism and surfers wanting to escape the cold pacific waters of California and Oregon, but Nosara is decidedly less crowded than some busier tourist destinations in Costa Rica, making it a perfect location to learn to surf.

What makes Nosara a not too crowded spot is basically being far away from the main airport and a bit difficult to reach. The last 20 kms to arrive there are through unpaved roads. People that only feel confortable in spots with all the services around and like big urbans areas will probably opt for other options, so that’s basically what makes Nosara a not-so-crowded spot.

Best spots for beginners in Nosara

Nosara is known for its intermediate-advanced spots but also has some places for all levels. Those places are:

• Playa Samara
  • It is perfect for all levels, so also for beginners
  • During lower tide the waves break far away and that means paddling a bit to reach the spot
  • The waves are long and needs a but of south swell to start working properly
• Playa Guiones
  • Typical beachbreak that is perfect for beginners if you stay close to the shore
  • When it’s pumping you can expect to get 2 meter waves proper only to advanced surfers

Looking for a female only surf escape to Costa Rica? Safari Surf School is located in Guanacaste province, one of the best places to learn how to surf in Central America. It offers beginner surfers seven days of instruction, gear, daily breakfasts, video analysis, and airport shuttles. Air-conditioned rooms, a pool, a bar/restaurant, and a clubhouse are all located on-site, and a short private path takes guests directly to the sandy beach.

North shore of Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA

The North Shore of the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago is synonymous with surfing, and this island is one of the world’s most popular destinations for those seeking the perfect swell.

Surfing as we know it today was born between Hawaii and California, so you can be sure that surf culture permeates every aspect of life on Oahu. The community is home to some of the biggest surfing competitions in the world, and if you search online the word Pipeline you probably get an idea of what Oahu has to offer.

But where did those first surfers learnt in the first place hundreds of years ago? Are there any spots for beginners aside those famous spots that hold world-wide famous competitions?

Best spots to learn to surf in Oahu

Since surfing was born here, sure there are spots perfect for beginners. Let’s. check them out.

• Haleiwa Beach
  • Sandy beachbreak full of left and right peaks everywhere
  • Different orientations along the coast that makes it work different depending on the conditions
  • It can get big when is working, but there’s always a bit more protected corner somewhere
• Chuns Reef
  • Reef break that offers slow and gentle rolling waves
• Waimea Bay
  • Protected bay north from Haleiwa
  • Only works with a bit of swell

Go Nuts Hawaii Surf Camp tailors surf lessons to all levels and includes standup paddleboarding as well, with daily instruction at some of the most famous surf beaches on the planet.

Expert instructors lead small groups in this surf town, and packages also include daily breakfasts and lunches and airport transfers. This camp and its location offer beginners a chance to learn while also having a chance to watch some world-class surfers in action.

Peniche and Baleal, Portugal

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise, offering without doubt the best quality surf in the European continent. With more than 1,000 km of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal offers hundres of spots with different features and for all the levels. For advanced surfers Portugal is probably the place to be to enjoy surfwith waves reaching up to 15 feet in some coastal areas.

However, this stunning European destination, with rugged cliffs overlooking picturesque shorelines, also offers some great beginner surfing when the waves are smaller in the summer or even all year round.

Inexperienced surfers can find plenty of affordable surf camps for summer vacations and get to enjoy all of Portugal’s culture, history, cuisine, and hospitality.

Peniche is one the best places to learn how to surf because it is located in a bay protected from big winter swells. So it means it offers beginner-level waves during the whole year.

Peniche is next to another little town located on top of a peninsula known as Baleal. This area is conveniently located close to the Lisbon airport (a 90 minute drive) and is a true mecca for surfers. You will be immersed in surf culture in this small city of approximately 15,000 residents, and there are a wide variety of surf camps for every skill level and budget.

Best spots for beginners around Peniche and Baleal

A great feature of the Peniche area is having many different spots with different orientations, so no matter the swell size or the conditions there will always be a spot with tiny waves for practicing:

• Baleal Lagide
  • Next to the town of Baleal there’s this spot working on mid-low tide that offers waves for beginners and intermediate surfers
  • With big swells you can use the white wash to practice and advanced surfers will enjoy a much powerful breaks
• Baleal Cantinho
  • In front of Lagide stands the spot of “Cantinho” or little corner in portuguese
  • It is protected from the north swells and can be a bit more crowded than Lagide
• Peniche Cerro
  • Located on the other side of the bay, in front of the town of Peniche
  • A bit more exposed break with sandy bottom
  • With big swells it gets easily maxed-out and unsurfable, but with small conditions is perfect to practice

On the Peniche and Baleal are check out Alex Surf School’s surf camp if you are looking for lessons. They have twice-daily lessons over the course of three days guided by experienced instructors who can coach beginners in the summer months, when the waves range from 3 to 4 feet.

That’s the list of the best places to learn how to surf.

Did you already knew any of them?

Do you have any suggestions that you think could be added to the list?

We read you in the comments’ section!