Going on a trip is a great opportunity to learn something new, or to try out a new activity that you’ve always dreamt of doing.
Surfing is one of those activities that most people want to try and some point in their lives and makes an excellent backpacking activity to pick up a new hobby, meet new people and also get to visit some really beautiful coastal locations.
Before I get started, if you do want to book surf lessons, check out BookSurfCamps where you can search surf holidays from hundreds of surf camps worldwide!
There are lots of destinations around the world with amazing surf beaches to learn and pick up the basics, here are my picks for the best places in the world to learn to surf.
1. Alentejo, Portugal
If you’re you want to learn to surf in Europe then you couldn’t do better than heading to Portugal. Alentejo, is a stretch of coastline which runs along the south west of the country, a beautiful natural area with excellent surf conditions. Beginners should head to the renowned surf camps in Santo André and Villa Nova de Milfontes.
2. Bali, Indonesia
If you’re travelling around Asia, then the best place to head for surfing, is the Indonesian island of Bali. The island attracts many beginners and more experienced surfers year round, and offers some great wave conditions. Surfing here began in the 1930s and there are numerous surf schools catering to beginners. Some of the best sites for beginners are Medewi Beach, Kuta and Dreamland.
3. Cornwall, UK
Believe it or not, you don’t have to head far to find a great surf destination. If you okay about not visiting a tropical surf destination, or you want to get in a bit of practice before you go, then the UK is a great choice. Okay, Cornwall doesn’t have the weather or waves as some of the other destinations on my list, but there are some highly rated surf spots. Some good beaches for beginners are Perranuthnoe, Godrevy and Perranporth, and of course there’s always Newquay, the UK’s surf capital, home to numerous surf schools.
4. Queensland, Australia
Australia is perhaps one of the most famous surf destinations in the world and what’s more, there are some great spot for beginners too. The Gold Coast, which stretches 40km from the New South Wales-Queensland border, to the town of Beenleigh is a good choice and its sub-tropical climate makes it great for surfing almost all year round. The Gold Coast is littered with surf schools and backpackers can turn up and book anything from a couple of hours to a week’s surf camp. Some of the other best surfing spots in Australia are Noosa further up the coast and Byron Bay, further south into New South Wales.
5. Huanchaco, Peru
South America is not usually a destination you would associate with surfing, but in fact the northern shores of Peru are a great place to learn. The small seaside town of Hunachaco, near to the northern city of Trujillo has a great little surfing community with numerous surf schools and experienced local teachers.
6. Other Places to Consider
• Baja California, Mexico
• Wollongong, Australia
• Tofino, Canada
• Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
• Lagos, Portugal
• Siargio, Philippines
• Costa Rica
• Biarritz, France
• San Sebastian, Spain
