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If Europe's first artificial surf reef, which has opened in Dorset, doesn't float your board, then where should you head for the world's best waves?
Bondi Beach, Australia
Synonymous with the surf-side good life, Bondi Beach is an iconic destination. The world's first surf lifesaving club was founded here in 1907, and thrill seekers have been flocking ever since.
Bells Beach, Australia
An hour and a half drive from Melbourne, Bells Beach is recognised as one of the best stretches of Australia's surfing coastline. The beach is a top destination for experienced surfers, with a cliff-flanked sandy beach and large ocean swells.
Kuta Beach, Bali
Bali's most surfed beach, this can get crowded but is still regarded as an epic spot. This is where surfing began in Bali, with perfect white sands and palm-fringed beaches.
Santa Cruz, California
The breaks of Santa Cruz are known for their difficulty - as well as their tricky locals. Many local surfers do not take kindly to newcomers cutting into their waves - so chose your beach with care.
North shore of Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii is undisputedly the home of surfing, hosting numerous world class competitions every year. The beaches are frequented by fanatic locals and dedicated surfers who make the pilgrimage to Hawaii wanting to surf the world's most famous waves.
Thurso, Scotland
Despite not boasting the balmy temperatures of other surfing hotspots, Thurso is a bracing spot for those brave enough to tackle the breaks. Indeed, it is often rated as one of the best reef breaks in the UK.
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
The islands' broad exposure towards the southern Indian Ocean provides some of the most consistent surfing in the world - and yet the islands are a relatively new surfing destination. The warm, crystal clear waters only began attracting surfers in the early 1990s, and since then have gained a cult following for the superb waves and beaches fringed with untouched rainforest.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
A popular surf spot since the 1960s, J-Bay draws the crowds to its sandy beaches and perfect swells. The town along the bay, around 700km from Cape Town, boasts a whole host of shops for surf gear and clothes.
Playa Naranjo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a serious surfer's Mecca, famed for its consistent waves all year round. Playa Naranjo, on the northern Pacific coast, is one of the country's best breaks with very strong off-shore winds from December through to March.
Hossegor, France
The Hossegor area in south west France offers many fine beach breaks and abundant waves, yet is under the radar for many people. Legendary surfer Kelly Slater said: "People don't realise how good the surf is there but it's incredible very often."
Any additions to this list published by the UK's Telegraph Online?
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"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
Lao-tzy, Chinese Philosopher (604 - 531 BC) |
10 Best Places to Surf?
Nov 4 2009, 11:23 AM
