With the majority of the Earth being water, there is no doubt that there are some pretty epic places in the world to surf. Surf coasts are plentiful and there hasn’t a better time than now to pick up the adrenalin pumping sport. See our top picks of the 5 coolest places to surf in the world!
1. Nazare, Portugal
This one is definitely not for the beginner or even elite. It’s for the absolute thrill-seekers and adventure-chasers. Not only does it attract a completely different breed of surfer, it attracts a different breed of human altogether. Nazare is notorious for producing some of the BIGGEST waves in the world, with the biggest wave surfed to date being 80ft tall (that’s equivalent to about 4 double storey houses high!). You’d need a special boat or jetski to get you out there and a special surfboard with foot-holes to even attempt to make the trip down. Nonetheless, it’s still one of the coolest places to watch the adrenalin seekers do their thing!
Credit: Red Bull
Credit: Red Bull
2. Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii
The birthplace of surfing, Hawaii, is definitely not one to miss. Banzai Pipeline (or Pipeline as most people call it) is one of the most famous and popular surfing destinations for the serious surfers. With epic tubes and consistent conditions, the professional Word Surf League world tour ends here and the famous Pipeline Masters happens here. It’s a great place to surf, if you’re a bit more experiences, or to watch surfers. Both are worth it! Plus, you’re in Hawaii!
3. Bells Beach, Australia
A top 5 list of surf places in the world would be incomplete with one from Australia. Australia boasts some of the best beaches in the world with the Great Ocean Road in Victoria creating some of the best views in the WORLD! Much of the coast along the Great Ocean Road is surf-able with one of the best being Bells Beach. Bells, as the locals call it, is another leg of the World Surfing League world tour. Not only is it a great surf beach for the experiences surfers, it’s also neighbouring surf beaches such as Winkipop (another for intermediate/experienced surfers) or Anglesea and Jan Jac which are super beginner friendly. PLUS it’s on the Great Ocean Road- one of the most scenic drives in the world!
4. Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch, California
This one is one of the COOLEST ones because it’s not actually on a coast, nor is it on a beach. It’s designed to be able to have the longest rideable barrel so that everyone can live our their surf dream of being able to nailing one! It’s a man made surf ‘pool’ that generates waves from a long train that pulls the water along and is loved by beginners right through to the most elite. Anyone can come and try it, so it’s definitely one to hit up!
5. Eisbach, Munich, Germany
Munich is a city in Germany with no coast, so how does it have a cool surf spot? The Eisbach wave is a forceful river waves that breaks just under/after a bridge near the Haus der Kunst Museum and is a must see for anyone visiting Munich! The wave is only about 1m high and 10m wide so it recommended only for experienced surfers but it’s mesmerising to watch, particularly when you see people walking around in wetsuits and a surfboard in the middle of winter!
Not really a surfer? Check out our article about where to go in Tasmania instead!
