There are a number of great surf spots in the world. It’s easy to find articles about famous locations that feature “epic waves”, killer tubes and jaw-dropping breaks.

There are a number of great surf spots in the world. It’s easy to find articles about best towns in the world to surf that feature “epic waves”, killer tubes and jaw-dropping breaks. But as exciting and impressive as these locations may be, they don’t always sound like the best places in the world to learn to surf. If you are a beginner, make sure to understand that not all surfing spots are meant for you.

This blog will answer most common queries people have around planning a surf trip – ‘Where to surf?’,’How to surf?’,’Which are the top surf camps in the world?’, and so on.

How do you choose the best surf towns in the world for beginners?

To qualify as the best surf destinations for beginners, these spots will need to have:

  1. Small and consistent waves that aren’t too dangerous.
  2. Good surf schools where novices can learn to surf.
  3. Surf breaks meant for beginners that aren’t crowded with other surfers, locals, and pros.

In short, novice surfers need to feel safe, be in competent and qualified hands, and have stress-free access to some long, gentle waves so they can develop the proper skills and techniques in order to progress to more challenging breaks.

But as exciting and impressive as these locations may be, they don’t always sound like the 5 best places to learn to surf. Beginner surfers need waves that:

  1. aren’t too dangerous
  2. have good surf schools that cater to new surfers nearby
  3. are suitable for learning
  4. feature breaks that aren’t crowded with other surfers, locals, and pros

In short, novice surfers need to feel safe, be in competent and qualified hands, and have stress-free access to some long, gentle waves so they can develop the proper skills and techniques in order to progress to more challenging breaks.

So where are the Best Places to Learn to Surf in the World?

We’ve compiled a shortlist of places around the world to help answer that very question. Find below the 5 best places to learn to surf in Europe, Asia, Central America, North Africa, and Australia.

That’s 5 places on 5 continents, which not only provide the surf trip of a lifetime, check all of those beginner surfer boxes and have some of the top surfing camps.

1. Portugal

European charm, world-class waves

An undisputed regional gem, European surfing doesn’t get any better than Portugal. With its 943 km (586 miles) of coastline and surf spots galore, Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. Home to Europe’s most unspoiled beaches, this beautiful Iberian country has 7 surfing regions, each with their own special character.

With only 8 km (5 miles) of coastline, Portugal’s smallest surf region and the one with the highest density of world-class surf breaks is Ericeira on the south-central coast. Ericeira is Europe’s only dedicated World Surfing Reserve and home to the WSL Championship, held at Ribeira d’Ilhas beach.

Portugal has some of the mulitple surf spots that feature in some or the other list of best places in the world to surf. The surfing camps in Portugal cater to beginners teaching them everything to get them start surfing confidently.

Ericeira is also a great place for beginner surfers, with certified surf instructors, fun Ericeira surf camps and multiple spots that are suitable for those just starting out. Top beginner surf beaches in Ericeira include Foz do Lizandro, São Julião and Praia do Sul.

Ericeira-surf
Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira, Portugal

2. Bali

Eat, Pray, Surf

best places to learn how to surf
Padang Padang Right

The Indonesian island of Bali is home to some of the most beautiful tropical beaches in Asia. It’s also home to 50+ world-class surf spots. It is the undisputed Asian surfing capital.

While Bali surf spots are well known for legendary breaks like Uluwatu and Padang Padang, it is also regularly sees professional competitions. The variety of waves it has to offer and the many holistic Bali surf camps makes it one of the best places to learn how to surf.

Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is the island’s southern-most tip. Suitable spots for beginners on the Bukit include Dreamland and Balangan when surfing conditions are favourable.

The world-famous Padang Padang is right beside a gentler beach break (Padang Padang Right), which provides a nice, long and unbroken wave. Padang Padang Right is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf or hone your skills.

3. Costa Rica

Surfing and “Pura Vida”

best places to learn how to surf
Costa Rica’s Nicoya peninsula. Pic: EladeManu (Flickr CC)

Famous for its beautiful and diverse nature, Costa Rica is also a popular surfing destination, with most of its best surf spots located in the province of Guanacaste.

Situated in the north-western portion of the country, the weather is drier and the beautiful Pacific beaches lure surfers from all over the world, all year round.

In particular, Guanacaste’s Nicoya Peninsula is home to beaches that suit all levels of surfers. Though there are several spectacular big-wave reef breaks for the experts among us, surfing schools close to the gentler beaches of Playa Avellanas, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, and Playa Hermosa are ideally located for beginner surfers who want to learn to surf from the expert surf instructors.

4. Morocco

The Best of All Worlds!

best places to learn how to surf
Surfing in Taghazout. Pic: Oskar Seljeskog (Flickr CC)

The Atlantic coast of central Morocco offers 230 km (143 miles) of shoreline. It features a variety of beach, point and reef breaks for all levels of surfers. It’s also not too hard to save money. You can get accommodation, food and surf lessons for a reasonable amount of money at the many low-budget high-quality surf camps in Morocco.

The small and cosmopolitan village of Taghazout is a center for Moroccan surf culture and a great place to learn the art. Likewise, the nearby charming Berber village of Tamraght is perfectly situated for beginners and those who wish to combine a surfing trip with other activities like yoga, hiking, sightseeing, or camel and horseback riding. Both villages are conveniently close to the busy regional capital of Agadir and its international airport.

5. Australia

Experience the Classic Surfing Lifestyle

best places to learn to surf
Learning to surf at Byron Bay. Pic: Andy Tyler (Flickr CC)

The town of Byron Bay, a surf hub for Australians since the 1960s is home to several great surfing beaches and one of the best places to learn how to surf, especially during the months of March through May, which provide warm temperatures and consistent swell.

Surf schools are plentiful in Byron Bay as is the variety of waves in this world-famous “hippy” surf town. Recommended beginner spots include Clarke’s Beach and other spots on the actual bay. Byron’s most popular beach, the Pass, has big crowds and a higher difficulty. Because it’s close to Gold Coast and Brisbane, it makes it a great place for a family-oriented surf holiday.

Ready to Ride the Best Waves and Learn to Surf in Paradise? Join Rapture Surfcamps in Bali, Costa Rica, Morocco, Portugal, or Nicaragua for an Unforgettable Surf Adventure!

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