Ready to catch a wave?
Awesome. But before you get off the couch to head to your local spot, be sure to soak in this list of seven of the sickest surf locales in the world. There are some badass breaks at all these destinations, ensuring that even the most seasoned among you will be up against a sick challenge.
Image Credit: Blog Friendly Rentals
Let’s start with Spain. This medieval village in the Basque country is thought by many to have some of the most premiere waves in all of Europe. Mundaka Beach, roughly 90 meters long and 100 meters wide, serves up waters perfect for those of moderate to advanced skill. A picturesque destination, it’s hosted surf contests as part of the World Tour for many years—and for good reason, as waves here reach as high as 12 feet and last for as much as 300 meters.
Image Credit: Simply Woman Magazine
In search of some of the finer waves Europe has to offer? Seek the moody green waters of Bundoran Beach in Ireland. Sure, the sea here can be cold, but if you’re well-seasoned it won’t matter. The ten-foot-plus waves are far too much of an attraction to turn down—plus, there’s nothing like throwing a few back at an Irish pub with the locals. (It’s Dublin, so by “a few” we mean “a shit ton,” of course.)
Image Credit: The Vacation Times
Time to get on island time. Fuerteventura off the African coast has an immense collection of wildly popular waves, including Generosa Suicides, Shooting Gallery, El Hierro, German Rights, and others. Chief among these is The Bubble, the celebrated right-hand tube reserved for experts only. If you’re aching for a challenge, pack your sunglasses between October and March for the height of surf season.
Image Credit: Fjord Norway
Fantastically consistent swells and breaks for beginners to da pros characterize the mountain-wreathed wilds of Hoddevik, Norway. The prospect of icy waters may deter some of you, but don’t let it—modern wetsuit technology totally has your back, and besides, you won’t have to deal with the obnoxious crowds prevalent in some of these other destinations.
Repping the contiguous United States is Black’s Beach in San Diego—which we’re still pretty sure means “whale’s vagina” in German. Anyway, Black’s Beach is stowed away under the bluffs of Torrey Pines and is considered perhaps the dopest surfing spot on our mainland. Bear in mind that Fridays and Saturdays can get crowed af, though, and if you’re a beginner, you should look elsewhere.
Image Credit: Volcom, YouTube
Vive la France! Hossegor is another pro destination for those jonesing for a wicked wave. If your skills are up to par, you’ll enjoy gloriously brutal beach breaks that can go head-to-head with anything found in Hawaii—not to mention the warmest Atlantic sea temperatures around. And if your skills are not quite up to speed yet, there’s always La Sud directly to the south, catering to the beginner and intermediate types.
We had to finish by showing love for Hawaii. It belongs on any surfing list, as does Ehukai Beach Park in particular. Why? It features the world-famous, experts-only Bonzai Pipeline. Get this: Its waves reach as high as 25 feet OR MORE in the winter months. But, ugh, proceed at your own peril, alright?