Best surfing destinations in North America
Best surfing destinations in North America
Famous point breaks and iconic sandy beach wave zones in North America
North America has shaped modern surfing more than almost any other continent, with Hawaii in particular considered the sport's spiritual home.
Oahu's North Shore hosts some of the most famous waves in the world, including Pipeline and Waimea Bay, drawing the sport's best big wave riders every winter for major competitions. California carries its own weight too, from the powerful, dangerous swells at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay to the more forgiving, highly competitive break at Trestles further south. Mexico's Pacific coast adds Puerto Escondido, nicknamed the Mexican Pipeline for its heavy, fast breaking beach break that draws experienced surfers from around the world. Canada offers a much colder alternative in Tofino, British Columbia, where a small but dedicated surf community has grown despite water temperatures that call for a thick wetsuit year round.
Skill level varies a lot between these spots, so it is worth being honest about experience before paddling out at the more demanding ones.
Lists by region
Island in United States
Oahu
Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure
Famous for its North Shore, this island has well known breaks such as Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Big waves arrive on the north shore from November to March. The Triple Crown of Surfing contest takes place there in November and December. In summer the south shore near Waikiki has gentle waves for beginners.
City in United States
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
Temperatures are mild all year in this city, with highs from about 19 to 25 degrees Celsius. Water ranges from about 14 to 21 degrees Celsius, so wetsuits are common most of the year. Windansea in La Jolla and Black's Beach are known for powerful winter waves. Pacific Beach has beginner surf schools.
Country
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
Located between Costa Rica and Honduras, this country has a long Pacific coast with warm water. Offshore winds are steady in the dry season, so wave faces are clean. Popoyo, Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa have waves for beginners and experts. San Juan del Sur is a popular base with surf camps.
Country
Barbados
Tropical paradise with year-round sunshine
As the easternmost island in the Caribbean, this island gets Atlantic swells on its east coast. Soup Bowl in Bathsheba is a fast reef break for experienced surfers. Beginners can learn on the gentler waves of the south coast at Freights Bay. The main season runs from November to March.
Town in Mexico
Puerto Escondido
Coastal charm with vibrant local markets
As a beach town on the Oaxaca coast, this place is known for Zicatela, nicknamed the Mexican Pipeline. Zicatela has powerful barrelling waves that suit experts, with big swells in the summer months. Carrizalillo Beach is a sheltered cove with gentler waves for beginners. La Punta has surf shops and cafes.
State/Prefecture in United States
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
Surfing, called he'e nalu in Hawaiian, was practised here for centuries and was once a sport of chiefs. Big waves reach the north shores from November to March. Visitors should respect local surfers, wait their turn and follow lineup etiquette. Waves are smaller and gentler on south shores in summer.
Village in Costa Rica
Nosara
Serene beachside village with lush rainforest
Surfers and yoga students have visited this small town for decades. Playa Guiones is a long beach with consistent waves for all levels. Sandy bottoms and gentle waves make it popular with beginners. Surf schools and board rental shops are along the beach road. Howler monkeys and sea turtles live nearby.
Country
El Salvador
Land of volcanoes and pupusas
Water along this country's Pacific coast is near 28 degrees Celsius all year. Swells are largest from April to October, which is also the rainy season. Punta Roca near La Libertad is a long right point break for experienced surfers. Sunzal, Las Flores and El Zonte offer waves for different levels.
Town in Canada
Tofino
Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves
Surfers in this town wear thick wetsuits, hoods and boots all year because the water is cold. Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach have sandy bottoms and waves for all levels. Tofino is beside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Storm watching in winter draws crowds to the coast. Surf schools rent boards and wetsuits.
Island in United States
Maui
Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity
Compared with Oahu, this island has smaller crowds at most breaks, along with famous big wave spots. Jaws at Pe'ahi can produce winter waves over 15 metres for expert surfers. Honolua Bay on the northwest coast is a classic right point break in winter. Beginner lessons are common at Kihei on the south shore.
Region in Panama
Bocas del Toro
Tropical Bliss in Panama
Laid back and tropical, this Caribbean archipelago in northwest Panama has reef breaks near small islands. Bluff Beach on Isla Colón has powerful waves and a long sandy shore. Boats take surfers to reef breaks such as Carenero, Dumpers and Silverback. Waves are largest from December to March. Reefs are shallow, so beginners need lessons.
State/Prefecture in United States
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
With about 1,350 kilometres of coastline, this state has surf towns and breaks for every level. Malibu, Huntington Beach and Trestles are classic Southern California surf spots. Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz is a famous point break. Mavericks near Half Moon Bay has giant winter waves for experts. Wetsuits are needed in the north.
Beach in Honolulu
Waikiki Beach
Iconic Surf and Sun Paradise
Located on the south shore of Oahu next to Honolulu, this beach has gentle waves that suit beginners. Surf breaks such as Canoes and Queens have long, rolling waves for longboards. Waves are largest in summer, when swells arrive from the south. A statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a surfing pioneer, stands on the beach.
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