The Top 10 Waves To Surf Before You Die
Barra De La Cruz
When: April—October
Where: “Barra” as it’s called, is located 30 minutes from Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Why: Unveiled to the surfing world during the epic Rip Curl Search event years ago, with ideal wind, swell direction, tide, and sandbars, Barra De La Cruz is one of the best right-handers in the world with both barrel and turn sections galore.
Local Knowledge: Bring some surf gear to the locals—your kindness could pay off in the form of set waves. And you didn’t hear it from us, but the whole state of Oaxaca is loaded with excellent surf, and thanks to an article in Surfing Magazine that pissed off the locals, no pros with photographers for the next two years.
Lower Trestles
When: April—October
Where: On the border of Orange and San Diego County in SoCal.
Why: A long right and quick, rampy left, Lowers is commonly known as one of the most rippable waves in the world.
Local Knowledge: Beat the crowd by surfing on a Sunday afternoon.
Jeffrey’s Bay
When: April—September
Where: 45 miles from Port Elizabeth on the southern tip of South Africa.
Why: In a world filled with perfect rights, J-Bay stands at the top of the list.
Local Knowledge: Don’t drop in on the guys wearing white jerseys over their wetsuits and time your entry or else you’ll be smashed into the rocks.
Macaronis
When: April—October
Where: In the southern part of the Mentawai Island chain off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Why: With a barrel off the takeoff followed by a long, smashable wall, it is hands down the most rippable wave in the world.
Local Knowledge: Get photo and video of yourself here—you’ll never surf better than out at Maccas.
Malibu
When: Year-round but best in the summer months.
Where: The quaint little slice of heaven known as Los Angeles.
Why: Yeah it’s crowded as all hell and you’ll probably get run over by Matthew McConaughey’s SUP but where else can you surf in the shadow of Miki Dora and California’s pioneers?
Local Knowledge: You can drop in on anyone except Allen Sarlo. Movie stars especially are fair game. Malibu.
Restaurants
When: Can break anytime but most consistent April—October.
Where: Tavarua, Fiji.
Why: One of the most perfect left tubes on the planet. On the right wave, you literally sit in the barrel the entire length of the wave.
Local Knowledge: Don’t fall! The bottom at Restaurants is sharp, shallow, and littered with watches, jewelry , fins, skin, and probably a few GoPro cameras.
Snapper Rocks
When: February—July
Where: Coolangatta on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Why: Yeah it’s insanely crowded but it’s also one of the longest, most shred-friendly rights on the planet.
Local Knowledge: Don’t go during the Quiksilver Pro in late February/early March. Sit by the rocks, be aggressive, and you’ll get one eventually.
Pipeline
When: October—April
Where: Smack dab in the middle of the “Seven Mile Miracle” on the North Shore of Oahu.
Why: With the intensely regulated lineup and fiery locals you won’t get the best waves, but just paddling out at Pipe is a rush in and of itself.
Local Knowledge: Surf before the sun comes up for your best shot at a good one out there.
Rincon
When: October—March
Where: Central California near the little town of Carpentaria.
Why: Because it’s “The Queen Of The Coast” and the best right in California.
Local Knowledge: Don’t let the crowd dissuade you, start at the top of the point and find your sweet spot in that mass of humanity.
Teahupo‘o
When: April—September
Where: The end of the road on the island of Tahiti.
Why: To get the barrel of your life.
Local Knowledge: While the mags generally portray “Chopes” as the deadliest wave in the world, at four foot and the right swell direction, it’s ridiculous how tubed you can get without fear of dying.
Related Posts
How To Paddle a Stand Up Paddleboard “SUP”
How to Paddle a Stand Up Paddleboard Basic Paddleboarding strokes One of the most basic parts of stand up paddle boarding is the paddling it allows you to move around in the water at speed and control. Making sure that you get the most form every stroke will...
Beginners Guide to Buying a Surfboard
Beginners guide to choosing the right surfboard So you got the bug and you decided to buy your first surfboard you have a couple of goes and looking to make that first purchase and commit to the surfing life style, but what one to buy?, One of the most common...
Best Stretches for Surfers
BEST STRETCHES FOR SURFERSStretching Stretching before and especial after a surf session is vital for getting the best out of your surfing performance, The best stretches for surfers should help in a range of movements as well as better long-term contractions of your...
Top 20 Surfing Exercises for Paddling & Stability
Top 20 Surfing Exercises for Paddling and Stability Nothing prepares you for surfing fitness better than surfing itself. There are however, a few things you can do to keep the right muscles in working order and help you surf longer with more power. The following...
Beginners Guide to Surf Safety & Surf Etiquette
Beginners guide to Surf Safety & Surf Etiquette Learning to Surf is one of the most fun and life changing experiences you can have, and for lots of people journey that can last a life time. But before you start it’s really important to have a basic understanding...
Beginner’s Guide to Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP)
Beginner’s Guide to - Stand Up Paddle Board Gettting Started Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. Its popularity is due to fun and relaxing nature of the activity, accessible to all. Its also a great way to give...
