Top 5: Best Surf Spots in the World

There’s a lot of ocean in the world, which means there’s a lot beach and just as many places to surf. Some waves rise above the others, while the rest crash and fall into shore. Some scenery is so beautiful it makes the wipeout worth it.

For surfers, the best spot to surf is the one where the wind, swell, direction, tides and seafloor meet. Wind creates the quality of the surfing waves while the force and interaction with the direction of the swell, the tide, type and status of the ocean floor create a certain wave condition. Surfers travel the world looking for the best waves.

Here are the top five surf spots in the world.

Pipeline, Oahu

Hawai’i Pipeline is a fixture on the surf tour circuit for a reason — it’s one of the heaviest waves in the world and also one of the deadliest. Every surfer’s dream is to ride the perfect crest of Pipeline, the big daddy of all waves. The waves grow in size over six meters of a shallow base of a razor-blade table reef, so if you dare to challenge this flawless tube, you’ll experience one of nature’s finest moments. Chances are, you’re probably not good enough to surf here yet, but keep practicing.

Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay

Known to many surfers as J Bay, this South African destination lives up to its name. Supertubes, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. With some of the most consistent tube surfing in the world, it’s a popular spot. Supertubes is something all surfers should experience as it offers the highest walls of water in the area. Visit J Bay during the winter months, June–August, or go to the annual Billabong Pro WCT in July.

Bundoran Beach, County Donegal

The cold on this Ireland beach may deter anyone but a seasoned vet. For die-hard fanatics, the shimmering green waters with its rolling waves from the Atlantic are shaped by bouncing off the headlands and flat rock reefs drawing them into Bundoran. This is one of the world’s best surfing spots where the waves average 10 feet. The town embraces the culture with extra accommodations for surfers, even offering discounts to surfers who visit during the peak of the season, September–May.

Black Beach, San Diego

Black Beach is for the seasoned professionals, as it has the most powerful breaks with strong currents and is not advisable for beginners. Considered the best surfing spot on the mainland of the United States, it hosts a number of expert surfers. In addition, winds do not affect the waves, allowing for the fun to continue late in the day.