Surf’s Calling: Best Places to Learn to Surf for Beginners

Want to learn to surf but not sure where to go?

I’ve surfed off the coast of five continents and have been to surf camps and schools all over the world — I’ve got you covered when it comes to planning a global surf adventure.

Here are my recommendations for top places to learn to surf for beginners. These surf spots have consistent waves, lots of surf infrastructure (surf camps and schools), and generally good vibes. You can’t go wrong with any of these

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

1. Bali (Indonesia)

• Where to go: Canggu, Uluwatu, Lombak (see my full guide to surfing for beginners in Bali here)
• Best time to surf for beginners: May – October (dry season)
• Why it’s great for beginners: Great surfing year round, warm water (i.e., no wet suits required), consistent surf and swells for all levels, lots of surf infrastructure (camps, schools), budget-friendly place to surf and travel
• Surf camps:
  1. Kima Surf Camp (Canggu, Seminyak)
  2. Padang Padang Surf Camp
  3. DMH Surf & Stay (Lombak)

2. Portugal

• Where to go: Western Portugal (Ericeira, Peniche, Cascais), the Algarve (Sagres, Lagos) (read my full guide to surfing for beginners in Portugal here)
• Best time to surf for beginners: May to September (gentler waves and swells)
• Why it’s great for beginners: Vibrant surf culture, lots of surf resources (camps, schools), fun, friendly and fairly affordable place to learn to catch waves
• Surf camps:
  1. Tiny Whale Surf Lodge
  2. Salty Pelican Surf Camp (Ericeira, Cascais, Peniche)
  3. Baleal Surf Camp

3. Costa Rica

• Where to go: Tamarindo, Nosara, Jaco, Playa Hermosa
• Best time to surf for beginners: December to April (dry season)
• Why it’s great for beginners: Consistent waves and swells, warm water, lots of beach breaks for beginners (beach breaks have sandy bottoms as opposed to rocky reefs), great “pura vida” vibes, lots of surf camp and school options (although many popular ones on the pricier side)
• Surf camps:
  1. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
  2. Corky Carroll’s Surf School
  3. Surf with Amigas (women only)

4. Dominican Republic

• Where to go: Cabarete (my top choice), Macao (Punta Cana)
• Best time to surf for beginners: October to April (although Cabarete generally has decent beginner waves all year)
• Why it’s great for beginners: Consistent waves year-round, warm water, fun and laidback Caribbean environment
• Surf camps:
  1. Swell Surf Camp (see my review of Swell here)

5. Nicaragua

• Where to go: San Juan Del Sur, Playa Maderas, Popoyo
• Best time to surf for beginners: December to April (dry season)
• Why it’s great for beginners: Consistent waves and swells for beginners, warm water, less crowded and expensive than nearby places like Costa Rica
• Surf camps:
  1. Verdad Nicaragua
  2. Popoyo Surf Lodge
  3. Magnific Rock
  4. Dreamsea

6. Sri Lanka

• Where to go: Weligama (South), Arugam Bay (East)
• Best time to surf for beginners: Weligama from November to April, Arugam Bay from May to October
• Why it’s great for beginners: Lovely tropical beaches with lots of gentle swells and consistent waves for beginners, budget-friendly prices, easygoing and friendly vibes
• Surf camps:
  1. The Surfer Weligama
  2. Salty Pelican
  3. Surf and Yoga Mirissa

7. Morocco

• Where to go: Taghazout, Agadir, Essouira
• Best time to surf for beginners: March to October
• Why it’s great for beginners: Lots of consistent surf beaches for all levels, unique cultural environment, very affordable prices, generally warm weather (but chilly water), lots of surf resources (camps, schools)
  • Note: Surf camps should generally be fine, but Morocco is fairly conservative and you may encounter some hostility if you’re a female solo traveler here
• Surf camps:
  1. Surf Maroc
  2. Surf Star
  3. Solid Surf House
  4. Amayour Surf

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Planning your next surf adventure? Read my recommendations for the essentials to pack on your surfing trip and my tips for sun protection while surfing.