Hang ten: Finding the best surf spots in the world

Surf the world’s best waves. Image via Adobe Stock

The surf culture has influenced society in myriad ways, from the Beach Boys and baggy shorts to endless summer waves and bonfires on the beach.

The perfect surfing beach not only offers magical, consistent waves, but comfortable accommodation, friendly locals, and lots of things to do. So if you want to hit the waves or simply dig your toes into the sand and soak up the scenery, here are the top 10 surfing beaches in the world.

THE BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE WORLD

PIPELINE, OAHU, HAWAII

Pipeline is, without a doubt, the granddaddy of all waves and while most surfers will never be good enough to ride waves here, they dream of gliding along its perfect crest.

Situated on the island where surfing was invented, this is one of the highest and heaviest waves in the world, reaching heights of over six meters and breaking over a shallow, razor-blade sharp table reef.

SUPERTUBES, JEFFREY’S BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa’s Supertubes has been voted as the best right-hand ride in the world, offering long, fast barrels off an intense point break.

Surfers enjoy a variety of breaks here, including Magna Tubes, Boneyards, and Supertubes, as well as one of the longest rides in the world at 300 meters long.

TEAHUPO’O, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Deemed as one of the most perfect and feared waves in the world, Teahupo’o (meaning “Wall of Heads”) is a heavy, hollow-breaking wave that presents a short, intense, and ultra-surreal ride.

ULUWATU AND KUTA, BALI, INDONESIA

This paradise island attracts experienced and professional surfers from Australia and Hawaii, as well as crowds of beginners from across the globe to enjoy its beautiful glassy waves, so expect crowds.

P-PASS, POHNPEI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Short for Palikir Pass, P-Pass is world-renowned for its incredible right-hand wave, flawless, blue, reef-pass tubes, and crowd-free waves due to being remote and fairly costly to get to.

MAVERICKS, CALIFORNIA

Mavericks is known as the wave of legends and is surfed by only the gutsiest of board riders. The only way to get to this enormous wave – think 25 meters high, is by boat or jet-ski, and surfers who have been too confident have not come out alive.

HOSSEGOR, FRANCE

Dubbed the “surfing capital of Europe”, this beautiful beach on the Atlantic coastline is home to the rich and famous and some spectacular tube rides, which attract pros from around the world.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, SOUTHERN OAXACA, MEXICO

Boasting powerful barrels, sandy point breaks and a long 10-month surf season, this Mexican state surf spot is one of the best in the world.

CLOUD NINE, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

It’s called Cloud Nine for a reason – experienced surfers will either enjoy a slice of this watery paradise or a world of pain with this powerful, dramatic left and right-hand break that crashes onto the shallow razor-sharp coral.

LANCE’S RIGHT, SIPORA, MENTAWAIS ISLANDS, SUMATERA BARAT, INDONESIA

Avid surfers call this place “perfection” with its warm water, consistent world-class waves, killer right tubes, and sunny, palm-lined beaches.

Located just off a tiny seaside village on the stunning Indonesian island of Sipora, this spot is well worth the time, money, and effort it takes to get here.