Where to surf? The top 10 destinations

Where to surf? The top 10 destinations

Surfing has now become the number one water sport due to its accessibility in terms of equipment, and thanks to the large number of surf schools now open all over the world. Since the 2010´s it has been very accessible to learn surfing, which was not necessarily the case 30 years ago. Easy to use boards which are mostly made of foam are now available to the general public, and surf clubs have made teaching and renting them their priority.  

Surf spots that were already known since the 1950s, such as the Côte des Basques in Biarritz are now overcrowded, especially during the school holidays. This is one reason why more and more surfing spots, either little known or not known at all have started to stand out over the years, and nowadays there are a multitude of them all over Europe and the world.

What are the best spots to surf least once in your life?

Among the most affordable surf spots for all levels of surfers are of course the south-western part of France, from Lacanau to Hendaye, via the Basque country and its coast, Biarritz and Bidart. Also the Landes at Hossegor and Biscarosse, and many other beaches. Ask for as much information as possible before getting into the water in the Landes, as the many sandbanks that are not necessarily visible at low tide can become dangerous. Other surf spots in France not to be missed are the Bay of Audierne around the Pointe de la Torche, and the Crozon peninsula in Brittany. Always take into consideration the low and high tides.The tides have a major role in the quality of the waves and also affect the currents, and this is everywhere on the French Atlantic coast.

Portugal is also a must for any surfer, with its superb beaches near Peniche, which is less than 100 kilometres from Lisbon. The southern part of the country also has some fabulous surf spots. In the Algarve region, near Lagos and Sagres, a magnificent wild coastline awaits. From reef to sand waves, there is something for every surfing enthusiast. Not forgetting the mythical wave of Nazaré, for the beauty of the show and a feast for the eyes.

Take a diversion to Galicia before heading to Portugal in the north-west of Spain. If you are on a surfing road trip it’s well worth the diversion!

Spain means the Canary Islands of course, and there are many of them! Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the best known Canary Islands, although they are not the only ones where you can surf. The reef and point break spots are great for advanced surfers. The wave that always breaks in the same place, often fast and mostly over rocks which are sometimes sharp, but don’t worry, there are also many sandy beaches with beach breaks, i.e. a slower wave, sand under the water and several peaks so that several take-offs are possible.

How can we not talk about Morocco, just a few hours flight from Europe! From the north to the south postcard landscapes stretch out and long beaches rise up. Morocco is a country rich in beautiful waves in the regions of Agadir as well as in Casablanca, Essaouira and Dakhla. 

Well off of the Canaries is the Cape Verde archipelago, and in particular the islands of Boa Vista and Sal, which are dotted with surf spots to satisfy surfers with a minimum of experience, thanks to the accessible and safe beaches.

Further south, on the African continent, discover Mozambique and the incredible fine sandy beaches. Even further down is the unmissable South Africa … from Durban to Cape Town the waves are present almost all year round. However, the waves are big in the summer, so it may be better to visit in the winter. The ocean temperature is not very warm, but with a good neoprene suit you will be comfortable.

 

On the American continent, Costa Rica and Brazil are two countries not to be missed if you are a surfer or wish to become one. With warm weather all year round and therefore nice water temperatures which are rarely below 25°, it is a real surfing paradise.

To really get away from it all, Asia, especially Indonesia, offers a multitude of spots with Bali, Lombok and Sumatra being the most renowned surfing islands. Summer, (April to November), is the best time for surfing. Let’s not forget the Philippines, the most famous island being Siargao.

To finish off this tour of the world’s best surfing spots, we end up in French Polynesia with Tahiti and its famous left Teahupoo – a wave that goes from right to left – reserved for experienced surfers. Fortunately, there is plenty to learn about surfing in Tahiti, mainly on the black sand beach of Papenoo. Finally comes the birthplace of surfing, Hawaii! The American archipelago is full of surf spots and waves all over the country. It is here that surfing was born, at the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku surfing the waves on his wooden longboard.

 

A guy is falling into the water doing surf during the course
A guy is falling into the water doing surf during the course
A young man has fun surfing a wave sitting on his surfboard at the on Club Lassarga spot.
A young man has fun surfing a wave sitting on his surfboard at the on Club Lassarga spot.
Woman student is learning how to stand up on the surf board

Where can you surf at ION CLUB?

ION CLUB has several surfing centres, and all of them are accessible to beginners as well as to more experienced surfers. There are courses for beginners and advanced surfers, as well as surfboard rental.

In Morocco, the ION CLUB centre in Essaouira is located 1 km from the medina and is open all year round. It’s very convenient to get there as there are many flights from Europe landing in Essaouira, Marrakech or Agadir, less than 3 hours away by car. The waves are not very big and run opposite the centre. Experienced surfers should rent a car and head for Sidi Kaouki or Moulay, a few kilometres from the town.

Still in Morocco but much further south, is the ION CLUB centre in Lassarga. This one is ideally located as it is directly on the surf spot with a wave that breaks for 1 km along the beach, only between November and April. Beginners and advanced surfers are welcome!

Well off and south of the Moroccan coast, ION CLUB has set up shop on the island of Sal, more precisely in the village of Santa Maria. The centre of the same name offers a few surfboards and lessons for beginners near the small fishing harbour, where nice little surfable lines break out. The lessons can only be taken on site, unlike the ION CLUB centres where pre-booking is possible.

On the Caribbean side, an ION CLUB centre was set up in the Dominican Republic a long time ago, in Cabarete. The surfing part is managed by the club, but the spot is a few kilometres away, in Encuentro which is 10 minutes by car. It’s an easy reef wave when it’s not two meters high, and the surf spot is separated into several surfing zones depending on your level.

Another ION CLUB centre that has taken up surfing is in Le Morne, Mauritius. The club takes you to the Little Reef wave by boat, 500 meters from the shore. The surfing activity is not offered on the website, but it is possible on the spot on windless days.

Note that we talk here about surfing, but you can also have a go at stand up paddle boarding in the ION CLUB centres for the ride as well as for the surf, and a large part of the Fanatic range is represented.

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoil, stand up paddle boarding and surfing … ION CLUB has expanded its stock of surfing equipment over the years, and each centre will keep you entertained, both in lessons, through equipment hire and even for the lucky ones who can’t part with their favourite equipment. The ION CLUB centres are not only synonymous with wind… but luckily also with waves.

 

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