The Best Surf Locations Around the World for Beginners

The always sunny beach of Mancora in Peru is a perfect place for any beginner. There is consistent swell and always sunny weather, and there are fearless surf instructors who will risk injury to them self to catch a wave for their students. With prices low, why not do it in Mancora, Peru’s beach getaway?

It’s called Surf City USA for a reason, and that is because of their surf culture. You’ll find plenty of surfers in the water of California year-round and all day – for beginners, if the spots next to the pier are too crowded, just walk down the long stretch of beach to find a spot all by yourself.

While Bali is mostly known for big wave surfing, it has plenty of spots for those just trying to get their wet a little wet. The water is warm (check), plenty of boards you can rent (check), consistent swell (check) and sunny skies (check). It has everything you could want when you’re just learning how to surf.

There may not be a more beautiful beach in the world then the stretch of beach along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. While Palomino is not the best place to surf in Colombia – the Pacific Coast lays claims to that title – it is prefect for beginners. The swells are not difficult to surf, with a pretty gentle slope, while the water is warm and the scenery from the water is beautiful. You’ll enjoy the lifestyle and there plenty of boards to rent.

The birth place of surfing couldn’t be more perfect as a place to begin your surfing obsession – because it always becomes an obsession. Warm water and sunny skies with board rentals in sight, you’ll have a great chance at standing up in Hawaii – as long as you stay away from the big waves.

Combine one part French culture and another part surf culture ,and you get Biarritz, France. Learn about French culture and learn how to surf at the same time. With decent waves and delicious food, this is as good of a place as any to begin.

Mexico is a surfer’s paradise with consistent waves year-round and some of the largest waves in the world – but not to worry, those spots aren’t included here. Sayulita is a mellow beach town that offers consistently fun surf that’s not going to overwhelm.

With so many different styles of waves in close proximity, Byron Bay might just top the list. The laid-back town and surf culture surrounding the area makes for the perfect environment for a beginner, not to mention the perfect waves coming in nearly year-round.

Huanchaco makes the list because of its history alone. While it may not be recognized as the birthplace of surfing, fishermen have been riding waves here since time immemorial, and you can still see them fishing and riding waves in while you’re surfing. Huanchaco was declared a World Surfing Reserve by the organization Save The Waves Coalition in 2012. It has waves well suited for longboards, which will allow you to connect the different sections on the wave.

Just past the world famous and ridiculously crowded Trestles Beach, lies San Onofre Beach. If there could be a “best wave for beginners” award, it would go to this wave. It is gentle and rolling and the drop in is about as easy as they come. With consistent swell, it is one of the best waves to learn on, despite the usual crowd.