Best places in the world for beginners to learn to surf

Some popular places to learn to surf include:

Hawaii, particularly the North Shore of Oahu
California, specifically Huntington Beach and Santa Cruz
Australia, particularly Gold Coast and Byron Bay
Portugal, specifically Ericeira and Peniche
Costa Rica, particularly Jaco and Tamarindo

Keep in mind that the best place to learn to surf will vary depending on factors such as the time of year, your skill level, and your preferences. It is always best to research and consult with locals or surf schools to find the right location for you.

Best waves for beginners in Hawaii

In Hawaii, some of the easiest waves to surf are typically found on the south and west shores of the islands. These areas typically have smaller, more consistent waves that are well-suited for beginners. Some specific locations that are popular for learning to surf in Hawaii include:

Waikiki Beach, Oahu: Waikiki is a popular spot for beginner and intermediate surfers, with gentle, slow-moving waves that are easy to catch.
Ala Moana Bowls, Oahu: This spot is located just outside of Waikiki and is known for its long, slow-moving waves that are easy to catch and ride.
Kuhio Beach, Oahu: This spot is located in the heart of Waikiki and is known for its small, gentle waves that are well-suited for beginners.
Lahaina, Maui:This spot located on the west coast of Maui is known for its small, easy-to-catch waves that are perfect for beginners.
Kaunakakai, Molokai: This spot located on the island of Molokai is known for its small, easy-to-catch waves that are perfect for beginners.

It's worth noting that conditions change and it's always good to check with locals or surf schools for the best spot for beginner surfers on that day.

What are the best places to learn to surf in Australia?

The easiest waves to surf in Australia include:

Gold Coast, Queensland: The Gold Coast is home to a number of beginner-friendly spots, including Kirra, Coolangatta, and Rainbow Bay, by Snapper Rocks. These spots are known for their small, slow-moving waves that are easy to catch and ride.
Byron Bay, New South Wales: Byron Bay is a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels, but the area around Tallow Beach is particularly well-suited for beginners. The waves here are small and slow-moving, making them easy to catch and ride. We recommend learning at Wategos, Belongil or The Pass.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Margaret River is home to a number of beginner-friendly spots, including Prevelly, Gnarabup, and Guillotine. These spots are known for their small, slow-moving waves that are easy to catch and ride.
Bells Beach, Victoria: Bells Beach is a world-renowned surf spot, but it's also a great spot for beginners. The waves here are small and slow-moving, making them easy to catch and ride.
Phillip Island, Victoria: Phillip Island is known for its small and consistent waves that are perfect for beginners.

Depending on the conditions you can always surf down the line. Be sure to check the conditions and only paddle out when you feel safe and comfortable. Alternatively, book a session with a surf coach or surf school if it's your first time surfing a new spot.

The best places to learn to surf in California

California is known for having some of the best surf spots in the world and many areas are great for learning to surf. Some of the best places to learn to surf in California include:

Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach is known as "Surf City" and it's a great place for beginners to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners, and the waves here are small and slow-moving, making them easy to catch and ride.
Pacifica: Pacifica, just 25 minutes from San Francisco is known for its mild waves, which are well-suited for beginners. The waves here are typically smaller and slower-moving, making them easy to catch and ride.
Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is known for its consistent and mild surf conditions, making it a great place for beginners to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Venice Beach: Venice Beach is a great place for beginners to learn to surf, with a number of surf schools that cater to beginners. The waves here are small and slow-moving, making them easy to catch and ride.
Hermosa Beach: Hermosa Beach is a great place for beginners to learn to surf, with a number of surf schools that cater to beginners. The waves here are small and slow-moving, making them easy to catch and ride.
Malibu: Malibu is known for its consistent and mild surf conditions, making it a great place for beginners to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.

I've always wanted to go to Portugal, but I heard it's only for advanced surfers?

Nazaré has put Portugal on the map as one of the largest waves in the world. But don't worry, you can still book that flight to Portugal and learn to surf at some wicked beginner surf spots. Some of the best places to learn to surf in Portugal include:

Ericeira: Ericeira is a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels, and it's home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners. The area is known for its small, slow-moving waves that are easy to catch and ride, making it a great place to learn to surf.
Peniche: Peniche is located in the west coast of Portugal, it's known for its consistent surf and variety of breaks, making it a great place for beginners to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Carcavelos: Carcavelos is located near the city of Lisbon, it's known for its small and consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Matosinhos: Matosinhos is located near the city of Porto, it's known for its small and consistent waves that are perfect for beginners. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Sagres: Sagres is located in the southwestern coast of Portugal, it's known for its consistent surf, variety of breaks and mild conditions making it a great place for beginners to learn to surf.

It's worth noting that conditions change and it's always good to check with locals or surf schools for the best spot for beginner surfers on that day.

What are the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is known for its excellent surf spots and is a great place for beginners to learn to surf. Some of the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica include:

Jaco: Jaco is located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it's known for its beginner-friendly waves and variety of breaks, making it a great place to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Tamarindo: Tamarindo is located on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it's known for its consistent surf and beginner-friendly waves. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Playa Hermosa: Playa Hermosa is located near Jaco, it's known for its beginner-friendly waves and variety of breaks, making it a great place to learn to surf. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Playa Negra: Playa Negra is located in the Guanacaste province on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it's known for its consistent surf and beginner-friendly waves. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.
Santa Teresa: Santa Teresa is located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it's known for its consistent surf and beginner-friendly waves, as well as for its laid-back atmosphere. The area is home to a number of surf schools that cater to beginners.

It's worth noting that conditions change and it's always good to check with locals or surf schools for the best spot for beginner surfers on that day.

What do beginners need to know before surfing a new spot?

Beginners should be aware of a few key things before surfing in a new place, such as:

Local conditions: Beginners should familiarize themselves with the local surf conditions, such as the size, direction, and power of the waves, as well as the tide and weather conditions. This will help them to choose the right spot to surf and to prepare for the conditions they will be facing.
Beach and water safety: Beginners should be aware of the local beach and water safety regulations, including any hazards such as rip currents, rocks, or other hazards in the water. They should also be aware of the beach flag system, which indicates the level of danger in the area.
Respect for locals and the environment: Beginners should be respectful of the locals and the environment when they are surfing in a new place. This means being aware of the local customs, avoiding overcrowded areas, and not littering or leaving any trash on the beach.
Respect for other surfers: Beginners should be aware of the etiquette of surfing, including the right of way rules, and be aware of their own limitations and avoid putting other surfers at risk.
Appropriate equipment: Beginners should make sure they have the appropriate equipment for the conditions, including a properly sized board, a leash, and suitable clothing.
Seek advice from experienced surfers or surf schools: Before surfing in a new place, it's always best to seek advice from experienced surfers or local surf schools, they will be able to provide you with detailed information on the conditions, hazards, and best spots to surf.
Lastly, always check the forecast and be aware of any weather warnings or alerts that may affect your safety.