The Best Surf Spots in the World for Every Skill Level

If catching waves is your idea of a perfect day, you’re in the right place, or you will be, if you listen to me and finally book that flight. Between the lot of us, we have no shortage of guts, and thankfully, so shortage of epic surf spots in the world either. From mellow beginner-friendly waves to gnarly barrels for seasoned pros, here are the ultimate destinations to ride the waves.

For the beginners: Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

If you’re not a newbie, skip this one. And if you are, there’s no better place to learn than Waikiki Beach. This iconic Hawaiian spot has gentle, rolling waves that are practically tailor-made for beginners. The vibe is set to be chill especially with no shortage of surf schools around the beach with friendly locals at the helm.

Beginner-friendly surfing doesn’t get any better than you paddling out with Diamond Head Crater in the background, catching small waves while standing up like the pro you’re soon going to become.

Pro tip: Rent a longboard. It’s your best friend when learning to surf those Waikiki waves.

For the Intermediate Riders: Byron Bay, Australia

Ah, Byron Bay—the mecca of surf culture. This dreamy Aussie town is perfect for intermediate surfers ready to step up their game. The waves at The Pass are long and mellow, giving you plenty of time to perfect your style. On good weather days, you might even score a ride that lasts for what feels like forever.

Byron isn’t just about surfing; it’s about the vibe. Think laid-back locals, colorful cafes, and a solid chance of spotting dolphins while you’re out in the lineup. Surfing + Byron = pure magic.

For the Pros: Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

Pipeline, or “The Banzai Pipeline” if you want to sound legit, is the holy grail for expert surfers. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this wave is not for the faint of heart. It’s fast, heavy, and breaks over a shallow reef, creating perfect, hollow barrels that pros dream about.

Watching surfers take on Pipeline is like watching poetry in motion—if poetry had a side of danger and adrenaline. If you’re a pro looking to test your limits, Pipeline’s your stage. But fair warning: wipeouts here are no joke, so come prepared.

Pro tip: If you’re not quite ready for Pipeline and want to tone the difficulty level down, the North Shore has other killer spots like Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay if you want to ease into becoming a pro.

For the Adventurers: Chicama, Peru

Here’s one for the bucket list and for those who like riding the waves with a sense of adventure and time. Chicama, Peru, home to the longest left-hand wave in the world. Chicama isn’t about big, gnarly breaks; it’s all about the length; waves here can stretch up to 2.5 miles.

Chicama is a quiet fishing village with a low-key surf scene and off-the-beaten-path magic. The vibe is cold, peaceful, and somehow, thrill-inducing at the same time. You will find yourself peacefully and patiently riding a 2.4 mile-long wave on an equally peaceful beach.

Pro tip: Pack a wetsuit. The water here isn’t tropical warm, but the epic rides make up for the chill.

For the Soul Surfers: Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Here at Jeffreys Bay, the setting is unreal, and the point-breaks fast.

Known simply as J-Bay, this legendary South African spot is a dream for surfers chasing perfection. With its iconic right-hand point breaks, J-Bay serves powerful waves that’ll have your adrenaline pumping. It’s hosted countless surf competitions and is a pilgrimage spot for surfers worldwide.

And don’t get me started on the setting. You will literally be riding waves with wildlife around you—maybe even a few seals popping up for a look.

Pro tip: If you’re an advanced surfer, and know how to scale a long wall, check out Supertubes, J-Bay’s most famous wave.

Whether you’re a first-timer, a wave-chasing wanderer, or a seasoned barrel hunter, the world has a wave with your name on it (not literally, considering our obsession with naming the waves). Grab your favorite board, wax it up, and go chase the strokes 🌊 🏄‍♂️