What Makes A Surf Spot Great For Beginner Surfers
The worlds best surf spots for beginner surfers all share similar characteristics, but what determines the best surf spot for beginner surfers versus normal surf spots? At the end of the day it comes down to the type of waves that you will surf, which is determined by a variety of factors including, bathymetry, swell height, wind speed and direction, swell consistency tidal movements. All you need to know, is that these surf spots for beginner surfers have gentle waves, manageable ocean conditions and a large body of flat water that surround the break that makes paddling out, into the line up very easy.
One more thing to note, is that most of these surf spots are reef breaks. This may be intimidating to you as a beginner surfer, but, I promise that you will be totally safe surfing any of the surf spots we mention, when surfing on the right day.
Lombok, Indonesia.
Gerupuk Bay, Lombok
Lombok, Indonesia is undoubtedly the best place in the world for beginner surfers to learn the art of surfing. Lombok is a small island in the Lesser Sunda Island chain. Situated next to, and shadowed by it’s better known sibling, Bali, Lombok houses one of the most versatile surfing locations in the entire world, Gerupuk Bay.
Gerupuk Bay hosts 6 different surf spots, ranging in ability from complete beginner to seasoned professional, all within a 5 minute boat ride from each other. The unique shape of Gerupuk Bay creates favorable conditions all year round. When one surf spot has bad conditions, another surf spot will be working in the bay. This means that there is not just suitable surf conditions but excellent surf conditions all year round. We lived there for five years and the only reason I skipped a day surfing was to rest.
It’s not surprising that the best surf location in the world for beginner surfers; Gerupuk Bay, Lombok, hosts the best surf camp in the world. Surf Camp Lombok is a surf camp situated right on the shores of Gerupuk Bay and is the only Surf Camp in all of Lombok with direct access to the worlds best beginner surf spot. Surf Camp Lombok is also one of the first surf camps in Lombok and is the longest standing camp with over 15 years of operations. To add to their already outstanding reputation, they are one of, if not the only surf camp we endorse because of how good they are at teaching people how to surf!
Travel To One of The Worlds Best Surf Spots
For FREE!
Before we jump into the 10 best surf spots in the world for beginner surfers, I want to let you in on a little secret. Did you know, you can travel to one of these destinations for FREE, if you live in the United States. Now, I bet your first reaction is, this sounds like a ponzi scheme, but you will be shocked to know that credit card companies will give you free flights and hotel stays if you open certain credit card accounts with them.
Now, I know that you are still skeptical about this, so, I am going to explain everything in detail to help ease your mind. The first thing that you should know, is, in order to qualify for one of these credit cards, you need a credit score of 690 or higher and an income of over $30 000 USD per year. If you do not meet both of the above requirements, go ahead and learn more about the top 10 best surf spots in the world for beginner surfers. Continue reading this section if you do meet the above requirements.
The next thing you should know, is that there is a minimum spend of anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000 US Dollars within three months of opening the card to receive the bonus that works out to roughly between $670 to $2,670 US Dollars per month. Now, I know that seems like a lot but in reality, most of us spend that amount of money in any case, so keep reading. However, the minimum spend amounts are tiered, meaning you can choose which ever card is suitable for the amount of money you generally spend within the three month period. Obviously, the higher the threshold, the more points you get. In some cases, you can get the equivalent of up to 3 free flights if you meet the requirements for the highest tiered cards.
Now, we do not support credit card debt as interest rates are extremely high on this kind of debt, and this is most certainly not financial advice. So, we only suggest this strategy if you spend this general amount of money already or plan to spend this amount and are able to pay of the credit card debt each month. Please continue reading about how you can earn even more free flights with out spending a dime on the card if you meet all of the above requirements.
Here is the real kicker that most people don’t know about using credit cards to get free flights to visit one of the 10 best surf spots in the world for beginner surfers. Most credit card companies will give you between 50,000 and 200,000 extra points, which equates to multiple free flights depending on what type of flight you pick, when you refer someone to their credit card program. Yes, it is that simple and we have been taking advantage of this strategy to travel all over the world for free and now you can too.
That leads us to why we are telling you this. Our goal with these credit cards, is to help everyone avoid paying for flights and hotels ever again by using points. Help us help the world by signing up to get your very own free flights using our promo code, it is totally free. Once you sign up, you can help responsible friends and family sign up and get loads of free flights all over the world using credit card points!
Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is considered the birth place of Surfing and has a variety of diverse surfing locations. Honolulu is a City on the South Shore of Oahu and the famous North Shore. Waikiki is one of the worlds best surf spots for beginner surfers because it offers a long summer season of fun, gentle, rolling waves that are easy to catch and safe for everyone to learn on.
Why Isn't Waikiki The Best Surf Spot for Beginner Surfers?
There are a few reasons why we do not consider Waikiki the best beginner surf spot, The first reason is because Waikiki can be terribly crowded. While the waves are great, there are hoards of people that flock to Waikiki to take advantage of the Islands perfect waves for beginner surfers. Another reason is accessibility and price. Waikiki, Honolulu is one of the most expensive places in the world to go on vacation and the United States tourist visa is one of the hardest visa’s in the world to get. So, for the average person, a trip to Waikiki may cost an arm and a leg for not much reward. The last reason is that the season here is only 6 months long as the wind trend is onshore during the winter months.
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Muizenberg
Cape Town, South Africa
Muizenberg, South Africa is one of the worlds best surf spots for beginner surfers because of the way the wave break. It is one of the few beach breaks in the world that offers gentle, rolling waves that are both suitable and convenient for beginner surfers. Muizenberg is unique because of how gradually sloped the beach is. Additionally, Muizenberg beach is protected from the wild Atlantic Ocean by False Bay, a large bay at the edge of the African Continent.
South Africa is Cheap!
The other reason Muizenberg made it onto our list of the best beginner surf spots in the world, is because of how accessible it is to the average person. Staying in Cape Town, South Africa is about as cheap as an undeveloped country but you still get developed amenities. Not to mention that South Africa has extremely relaxed visa regulations. Most countries qualify for visa on arrival, which makes Muizenberg accessible for everyone. The only downside to surfing Muizenberg is the crime, active wildlife and cold water.
Elephant Rock
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Nestled along the pristine shores of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay stands as a beacon for beginner surfers looking for the perfect wave to learn to surf on. Its consistent and forgiving waves that gently roll into the bay make for the ideal conditions for beginner surfers, creating an ideal learning environment. The waves at Elephant Rock, in particular, are renowned for their mellow yet surfable nature, providing newcomers with the confidence to master the art of surfing. The long and gentle sand bottom point break, makes it an excellent spot for honing skills, and the warm waters ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for those just starting their surfing journey.
Other Arugam Bay Attractions
Beyond the excellent surf for beginner surfers, Arugam Bay offers a diverse range of attractions that enhance the overall surfing experience. The surrounding landscape is adorned with lush greenery, adding a touch of tropical paradise to your surf trip. The friendly local community adds to the welcoming atmosphere, creating an environment where beginners can feel supported and encouraged with multiple surf schools in the area. After a riveting day of learning to surf, surfers can explore the vibrant culture, savor local delicacies, or unwind on the sandy beaches, making Arugam Bay not just a surf spot but a holistic destination for those learning to surf. With its combination of learner-friendly waves and a captivating atmosphere, Arugam Bay has rightfully earned its place among the world’s top surf spots for beginners.
San Onofre
San Diego, California
San Onofre is situated directly between Oceanside and San Clemente in beautiful California. Known for its amazing weather and consistent surf, San Onofre, California offers gentle rolling waves for the most beginner surfer.
The long, peeling waves of Old Man’s Beach offer a gentle and forgiving ride, making it an excellent spot for those taking their first strokes into the world of surfing. The gradual and predictable reef break creates a conducive learning environment, allowing beginners to build confidence while enjoying the iconic California surf.
Other Things To Do In California
There is a lot more going on in San Diego other than just surfing. Did you know that oceanside has one of the oldest surfing Museums in all of America. San Diego also plays host to other amazing beaches and beautiful landscapes. You can take a short drive from San Onofre and swim with Nurse sharks on the pristine beaches of La Jolla Shores. Encinitas, California situated between La Jolla and ‘Sano’ offers world class surfing and iconic California sunsets with a much calmer vibe than that of Huntington Beach!
El Transito
Nicaragua
One of the least known, best surf spots for beginner surfers is El Transito, Nicaragua. Nica has been under the radar for a long time due to past political unrest but is quickly building a reputation for itself. El transito boasts 3 different breaks within walking distance that are suitable for all surfers, but most specifically for beginner and intermediate surfers. There is beautiful long left hand point break on the South end of the beach that is almost always empty.
We host a series of surf retreats there every year and have first hand experience with how quite and tranquil this place really is. Come and join us in paradise and learn more about surfing than a seasoned professional.
Our retreat in Nicaragua is hosted at the stunning Mandla Resort. Mandla is a family operated 5 star boutique hotel that boasts incredible accomodation, beach access and food fit for a queen. I mean quite literally, one of the owners, Katie Hunt, used to chef for the queen of England and is in charge of every meal you will be served. Not to mention that we cover a detailed surfing syllabus that includes two surfs a day, theory classes, video review sessions, yoga and so much more! Did we mention that you will also go sand boarding down an active volcano, or even go wake boarding in a secluded estuary, or horse riding at sunset?
Jacking Horse
General Luna, Siargao, Philippines
Nestled in the heart of the surfing paradise that is Siargao, Jacking Horse in General Luna stands out as a haven for novice surfers seeking the perfect blend of learning and tropical beauty. Jacking Horse, with its sandy bottom and gentle, rolling waves, provides one of the best opportunities for you to learn to surf in a safe and calm environment. The consistent, beginner-friendly surf spot makes it an ideal spot for you to catch your first, while the warm waters of the Pacific create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for surfers of all skill levels.
The vibrant local culture adds to the overall experience, inviting surfers to explore the island’s markets, savor fresh seafood, and connect with the friendly community. With its combination of learner-friendly waves, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming island ambiance, Jacking Horse in Siargao rightfully claims its spot among the world’s top surf destinations for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
Tamarindo
Costa Rica
Nestled along the sun-soaked shores of Costa Rica, Tamarindo emerges as a surfing haven, particularly catering to those taking their first steps on the board. The main beach break in Tamarindo boasts consistent, approachable waves, making it an ideal playground for beginner surfers. The long, sandy beach offers ample space for beginners to practice and catch gentle waves, creating an environment that fosters confidence and skill development. The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean add to the overall appeal, providing a comfortable and inviting setting for surfers of all levels.
Sayulita
Mexico
Nestled on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Sayulita emerges as a surfing gem, beckoning beginners surfers with its warm waters, golden sands, and a welcoming surf culture. The main beach break in Sayulita offers an inviting introduction to the world of surfing, with its manageable waves and sandy sea bed, not to mention it’s only a stones throw away from America. This makes it an ideal spot for beginner surfers looking to catch their first wave, providing a gentle and forgiving environment for skill development. The tropical climate and consistent waves create a paradise for surf enthusiasts, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable experience for beginners eager to ride the waves of the Pacific.
Taghazout
Morocco
Nestled along Morocco’s captivating Atlantic Coast, Taghazout emerges as a surfing haven, offering a unique blend of North African charm and world-class waves. The beaches surrounding Taghazout, such as Anchor Point and Hash Point, provide an ideal playground for beginner surfers. With long, rolling waves and a sandy ocean floor, these breaks offer a forgiving environment for those venturing into the world of surfing. The moderate climate and consistent swell make Taghazout a year-round destination, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for surfers of all levels looking to ride the waves of the Atlantic.


