We all know our local surf break is the best in the world, well that’s how we all feel anyway.
I still think Avalon beach is the best, but I’d love to get on a plane and hit some of these spots right now if I could.
So, these are not in order, they are simply a list of the best surf breaks.
We’ll use the term “destinations” to describe the top five surfing beaches, rather than “specific places” or “entire countries,” but some islands are minimal enough to rank as a single destination.
For this list, a “destination” is defined as an area large enough to provide easy access to numerous locations, but not large enough to require hours in the car to go between them.
This is also a Top Five depending on a variety of characteristics, including facilities (city, lodging, eateries), beautiful scenery, and non-surfing sports (because you can’t always surf).
However, the most crucial major determinant is, of course, wave strength.
Have you ever wanted to surf in Europe or Puerto Rico
Top surf breaks in the world
This list is not in order. It all depends on what you personally think is the best type of wave, whether you prefer lefts or rights, reef or sand banks, big or medium size waves etc
Before leaving for a surf trip, you should know what to pack for a surf trip. Here’s my ultimate list for a surfing trip.
Pipeline – Banzi Pipeline
The most famous, epic barrels in the world in Banzi pipeline, world-famous for it’s powerful left handers that barrel hard over a dangerous reef.
Pipeline is one of the most dangerous surf breaks in the world too, many surfer have died at pipeline over the years, which is a testament to how hard these guys go.
G Land, Indonesia
G-land is a powerful sucky left, reef break in Indonesia. It a goofies heaven, that has a consistent and almost perfect barrel, most times of the year.
You will have to avoid the malaria-carrying mosquitoes and wear some booties for the long walk along the reef.
Margaret River Surf Break
Situated not far from Perth in Western Australia. Margaret River Surf Break is home of the WSL world surfing league.
A sometimes massive peak that has a mostly left handed goofy heavenly wave, that can have a few rights every now and then. It’s usually cold, big and epic.
Malibu, California, United States
This iconic slice of Californian heritage, the first authorized World Surfing Reserve, is known not just for its waves but also for its presence in Hollywood movies and tv shows.
Malibu’s accessibility to Los Angeles and other SoCal attractions make it a wonderful surf site for visitors looking for a famous tour on the West Coast of the United States.
Surfrider Beach in Malibu is ideal for longboarders and beginners, but it may get busy. In general, California offers up to 300 days of excellent surfing per year.
Touring Malibu is like making a trip to the origin of contemporary surf culture and the first spot where surfing gained traction outside of its Polynesian roots.
The best surf spot break for a surfing trip is Hawaii. Here’s my ultimate guide to planning a surf trip to Hawaii
Bells Beach, Australia
This is one of the wsl world surfing leagues favourite surf breaks, the winner receives a bell as a reward, which is why they call it, Bells Beach.
Long rights that you can ride for such a long time, similar to J Bay in some aspects, Bells beach is an iconic beach break from Australia.
Teahupo’o Surf Break
This big wave surf break is in Tahiti french Polynesia. Teahupo’o is known for its big, left handers, that are sucky, on a sharp reef.
This is an advanced surfer’s spot to hit, Teahupo’o is on the wsl world surfing leagues calendar.
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira, home of the ASP World Tour Surf Championship at Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, is a fantastic surfing location by any measure.
Ericeira was designated as Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2011 due to its nine premier surfing beaches and high environmental criteria.
It’s also close to local attractions and a short drive from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, which is well worth a couple of day visits.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa (J Bay)
J Bay is a naturals wet dream, perfect right handers all day, you just have to be extremely careful when surfing this spot, as there are way too many sharks.
“J-Bay” offers an alternative of 10 various segments and is famous with high-level surfers, novices, and longboarders alike.
It is habitat to Supertubes, the world’s longest and best right-hander, according to many specialists. Keep an eye out for currents, wear booties, and bring a sturdy board.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Trekking, cuisine, partying, sightseeing, pilates, and other water and excitement activities such as whitewater rafting, sport fishing, motorcycling, and sailing are all available in this Central American tourist hotspot.
Considering its growing reputation among surfers, it still has fewer visitors than similar sites in Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
Playa Maderas (with waves proper for all levels of expertise), Playa Remanso (ideal for novices and 10 minutes from the city), Playa Yankee (advanced).
Colorado (left and right, river mouth, barrels), Playa Coco (newbies), and Playa Hermosa (1-mile stretch, canoes convenient, infrequent casings, and plenty of spikes!). Spring and summer are the finest seasons for surfing.
Gold Coast, Australia
Queensland’s surf Mecca is famed for its numerous right-hand point breakers, extended reef waves, and a new synthetic beach at Narrowneck, which is Australia’s sixth biggest town.
This spot isn’t on the list because it has great surf, it’s more because of it’s healthy surfing society.
Here are my best surfing blog posts
- Beginner to Intermediate Surfer Advice (Best one)