Cheapest place to learn to surf – Top 6 destinations for surfing one a shoestring

To become a surfer, you need plenty of dedication and time. You want to go somewhere where living is easy so that you can focus fully on sharpening those surfing skills. Finding the cheapest place to learn to surf is the right move.

Where to go?

You want to find a place with low living costs and cheap surf lessons. Let the search begin.

At the end of the article, I will give you six crucial tips for learning to surf on a budget.

1. Bali

One-night stay in a budget hotel 20 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 4 $

Group Surf lessons 15 $

Meal at a local restaurant 1.6 $

One-day surfboard rental 10 $ (If you wander around and haggle a lot.)

Secondhand surfboard 200 $

Why should you choose Bali?

Bali is the spiritual homeland of every surfer.

The water is warm, and the turquoise waves look like a snap from a surfer magazine.

There are breaks suitable for all levels, including beginners.

The surf lessons are among the cheapest in the world. Just walk down to Kuta beach and you can get a one-hour private lesson for 30 dollars.

Bali can be crowded

The biggest downside of Bali is that since it is so cheap and lovely, it is also full of surfers of all levels.

As soon as you spot a good wave, one of those dedicated surfers snatches it up.

There are still plenty of opportunities to find uncrowded beaches, especially early in the morning. Medewi is a great place to check out.

Indonesia

One-night stay in a budget hotel 10 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) No need; private rooms are so cheap that there are almost no bunk bed options.

Group Surf lessons 15 $

Meal at a local restaurant 1.4 $

One-day surfboard rent 25 $

Secondhand surfboard 300 $

Why should you choose Indonesia?

If you are feeling more adventurous and are on a tighter budget, skip Bali and explore the rest of Indonesia.

Most people searching for the cheapest place to learn to surf end up in Lombok. Since there are a lot fewer things happening in Lombok, you will spend a lot less money. There are fewer tourists so you can bargain and get a better deal on your room.

Kuta, Lombok, is a great place to learn how to surf; the waves are slow and perfect for beginners.

Indonesia is a big country

The same swell that hits Bali also rolls in at more remote beaches and point breaks all over Indonesia.

Most people prefer the comfort of Bali, so if you are brave, you can find that hidden gem with perfectly shaped waves.

I recommend Krui in South Sumatra

Surfboard prices

Note that it is much harder to find a secondhand surfboard for a cheap price in the rest of Indonesia compared to Bali.

Because of this, hiring a surfboard for one day is also more expensive in the rest of Indonesia. If you are on a tight budget, the best thing to do is to buy a surfboard in Bali and bring it along to explore the rest of Indonesia.

2. Sri Lanka

One-night stay in a budget hotel 15 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 5 $

Group Surf lessons 25 $

Meal at a local restaurant 2 $

One-day surfboard rent 20 $

Secondhand surfboard 400 $

Why should you choose Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a clear favorite for people asking about the cheapest place to learn to surf.

The waves in Sri Lanka are very gentle, perfect for catching your first real wall of clear water. As you can see from the prices, Sri Lanka is a bit more expensive than Bali.

It is worth noting that Sri Lanka (unlike Bali) doesn’t have an industry producing surfboards, so the boards are more expensive in Sri Lanka. Consider bringing your own board to save a lot of money.

A year around destination

When it comes to finding the cheapest place to learn to surf, you also need to consider when the surf is working in those different countries.

Sri Lanka has two distinctive surf seasons.

October – March, the surf is working in the southwest and south of Sri Lanka. The places to go to are Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Weligama.

Arugam Bay

From May to September, the surf works in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay is the surf hub and the place to be. Arugam Bay is generally a bit more challenging than the west coast and thus attracts more experienced surfers.

October and April are the two worst months to go on a surf trip to Sri Lanka, since those months are the changeover between the two seasons.

3. Morocco

One-night stay in a budget hotel 25 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 12 $

Group Surf lessons 25 $

Meal at a local restaurant 2 $

One-day surfboard rent 15 $

Secondhand surfboard 400 $

Why should you choose Morocco?

The surf in Morocco is consistent, which is something you want to be looking for when you search for the cheapest place to learn to surf.

Nothing worse than spending money on a hostel while the surf is flat (or too big) for weeks at end.

Living in Morocco is both cheap and easy. It is a safe country with friendly people, so don’t worry about the whole Muslim-thing.

Since alcohol is not widely available in Morocco, there is a focus on surf rather than parties.

When to go to Morocco?

The surf season in Morocco is from October to March. If you are a beginner, you can still find some small waves in the summer. But the summer can also be very hot, thus the winter is much more pleasant.

Where to surf in Morocco?

Taghazout is the Kuta of Morocco. It’s where everyone starts their Moroccan surf adventure, the place where you meet fellow travelers and enjoy that surf community feeling.

When it is time to explore the rest of Morocco, I recommend Imsouane. The waves are long and slow and break over sand bottom, perfect for learning how to surf.

4. The Philippines

One-night stay in a budget hotel 25 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 12 $

Group Surf lessons 25 $

Meal at a local restaurant 2 $

One-day surfboard rent 20 $

Secondhand surfboard 400 $

Why should you choose the Philippines?

The Philippines has gone under the radar as a surf destination. The reason is because it takes a bit of effort to get to the best surf beaches.

If you are prepared to put in that effort, you will be rewarded. The fact that fewer surfers go to the Philippines means more waves for you. Since there are fewer tourists, there is also a bigger chance to score great deals on accommodation and surf rental.

When to go to the Philippines?

Figuring out which months to go to the Philippines when you are wondering about the cheapest place to learn to surf is a bit tricky.

The reason behind this is that what a good surfer needs to be satisfied is not the same as what you as a beginner surfer need.

So even though the surf season in the Philippines is generally considered to be August to March, you can still go at other times and if you are lucky find small pleasant waves perfect for practicing.

Where to surf in the Philippines?

Siargao and San Juan are the two biggest surf hubs of the Philippines.

Siargao is the location of the epic surf break Cloud 9. As a beginner surfer, you are not there just yet, but there are plenty of beginner-friendly beaches in the same area.

San Juan is located in the North of the Philippines and has grown a lot as a surf hub in the last few years. Go now before everyone catches on.

Let the adventure begin

The downside of the Philippines is that the swell is not as consistent as in many of the other top surf destinations around the world. The infrastructure poses another challenge; don’t expect the same comfort level as back home. But if you are on a budget and are adventurous, this is a good place to learn to surf.

5. Portugal

One-night stay in a budget hotel 80 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 30 $

Group Surf lessons 50 $

Meal at a local restaurant 10 $

One-day surfboard rent 40 $

Secondhand surfboard 400 $

Why should you choose Portugal?

Portugal is the cheapest place to learn to surf in Europe. It is also a country rich in surf culture with a long, dramatic coastline.

When to go to Portugal

The surf season in Portugal is all year round, although it can be quite stormy in the wintertime, with huge swells rolling in. It is the season for catching giants at Nazaré. (Maybe you are not there, just yet.)

You are less likely to score beginner-friendly waves between November and April, but the prices are also much lower; so great if you are on a budget.

I would especially recommend Portugal in the shoulder season, March-June and October. The prices are much lower.

Where to surf in Portugal

Ericeira is the surf mecca of Portugal. You can absolutely learn to surf in Ericeira, but it is a swell magnet, in other words; the waves are often powerful.

Peniche is good for people learning to surf since there is a big sand-bottom beach with beginner-friendly waves rolling in.

The south of Portugal has plenty of beginner-friendly breaks to choose from, but you might need a car to reach the breaks that are suitable for the conditions of the day.

6. Namibia

One-night stay in a budget hotel 30 $

One-night stay in a hostel (bunkbeds) 10 $

Group Surf lessons 50 $

Meal at a local restaurant 6 $

One-day surfboard rent 30 $

Secondhand surfboard 500 $

Why should you choose Namibia?

When you are looking for the cheapest place to learn to surf, getting off the beaten path is your best strategy.

And right now, for surfing, that means going to Africa. Namibia is one of the safest African countries, that also happens to have great surf.

Uncrowded waves mean that you can make the most of your surf holiday.

When to go to Namibia

The surf is year-round. Advanced surfers are recommended to go from May to September. But since no one needs two-meter waves to learn to surf, I recommend November to April. The weather is also more pleasant during that time.

Where to surf in Namibia

Unlike many other surf destinations, you don’t need to do a lot of research about where to go, you should absolutely go to Swakopmund. It is already remote enough. There are plenty of beautiful empty beaches around the island, perfect for sharpening your pop-ups.

Six important questions to consider to save lots of money

Now when you have some ideas of where to go to find the cheapest place to learn to surf, let me give you six points to consider when you want to become a surfer and stay on a budget.

1. How many surf lessons do you need?

Surf lessons are one of the biggest expenses for learning how to surf.

However, seven surf lessons should be enough for you to get enough knowledge to start practicing on your own.

You do not need endless surf lessons; learning to surf is about practicing, and you can do this on your own. Don’t get addicted to having a surf teacher who pushes you into the best waves.

2. Transportation to the waves

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to your epic surf trip is how you will get to the surf beach.

You can save a lot of money by staying in a guesthouse within walking distance of a good surf beach.

3. When should you buy your own surfboard?

Another big expense when it comes to learning to surf is the cost of renting a board. In most cases, you will save money by buying your own board. (When you leave, you can sell the board to another beginner.)

As a beginner, you need a soft top that is a bit longer than your own length.

Don’t waste money on expensive surf rental, instead get your own board.

4. Season of the waves

Even in a surf paradise, not all seasons are the same.

There is usually a very specific time when the waves are good for learning to surf.

Make sure that you travel to your chosen destination when the waves are bountiful, small and well-shaped.

5. Season and prices

I have given you estimated prices for all the important factors, but the truth is that the price of accommodation fluctuates according to the season. In high season, the prices peak. (Take it from someone who has a guesthouse in Ericeira, Portugal.)

In low season you can find cheap rooms, but the waves might be fickle.

6. Local knowledge

Becoming a surfer is about getting to know your local break.

To surf is not just about getting your board and paddling out.

Surfing is about looking at the wind direction, the wave size and frequency, and deciding which break will be the best choice.

Talk with the people at your chosen destination and get their recommendations of where to go and when. But also try to understand the swell chart and when the waves are truly epic.

Final thoughts on the Cheapest place to learn to surf

Learning to surf should not be expensive; it should just be you and the ocean. What you do need is time. Learning to surf takes a couple of months of your undivided attention.

Don’t worry; it will be the best months of your life. Save up money, grab your passport and go on a surf adventure.