Hang Ten At These 10: A Surfing Guide

10 Awesome Surfing Destinations

From novice to pro, here's a look at some of the best surf spots in the world.

Surfing the Tube...
Paul Kennedy

Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay is one of the most beautiful surf spots anywhere in the world. White sands stretch for more than two miles along this beach that is bordered by cliffs spilling waterfalls. Waves can be challenging, even for seasoned pros, but if you're tuned in... there's some 12 foot waves that are ready to roll.

Fiji Island Surfing

Fiji scores in the category of "Epic South Pacific Perfection!" with surf seasons that run from April to October, friendly locals, and a wide range of hotels and restaurants that cater to the frugal as well as the affluent. Take a board that can handle 5-10 ft barrels, boots and a rash vest. It can get a little gnarly but breaks like Restaurants and Cloudbreak are ... epic Dude.

Huntington Beach, CA - Surf City USA

Huntington Beach is home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, an annual event that brings some of the best pro surfers in the world to the waves in the O.C. In 2011, the popular surfing competition will be held from July 30 - August 7. Practice early to get an advantage that many locals enjoy.


Thea Schrack Surfer at Huntington Beach 24x12 Poster

Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa

Also known as "J-Bay" and considered the finest right-hand pointbreak in the world, Jeffrey's Bay has several world-class sections. From June to August, southwest swells rope into the bay turning a lightning-fast wall into a throaty barrel at the section known as Supertubes. Longboarders and advanced surfers are in... beginners need to move on over to a spot called Point.

San Onofre State Beach

Located 80 miles south of LA, San-O is home to a thriving longboard scene and known as one of the best places to learn to surf, or catch up with waveriders of all ages and backgrounds. Friendly crowds, little "local only" attitude and easy-breaking waves equal a spot worthy of its classic SoCal beach rep.

Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the most consistent spot in North Carolina's Outer Banks for picking up swells from all directions. Autumn is primo at the lighthouse, when big south swells and warm water are there for the taking.

Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France

It might be a surprise to some that France is a top surfing destination. But Les Cavaliers boasts the South of France's best breaks courtesy of westerly swells and offshore winds. Best surfing here is in late summer and early fall.

Pavones, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been an increasingly popular surfing destination in recent years.Pavones boasts some of the longest left point break waves anywhere on the globe. Multiple take-off zones and waves that provide up to three minutes of ride time are just two of the reasons this area makes it to the top of the lists.

Surfers Point, Margaret River, Australia

Margaret River is definitely an off-the-beaten-path destination. It's a somewhat isolated region located three hours from Perth. Surfers Point is considered the crown jewel of the surf culture in Western Australia, where waves can reach heights up to 18 feet.

Surfrider Beach, Malibu, CA

Malibu's Surfrider Beach is the quintessential California cool when it comes to surfing. Made popular in the 1950s, its still a wildly popular surfing destination that is good for a visit year-round. Summertime south swells are best for surfing but be prepared for crowds.