If you are just starting out surfing, obviously you aren’t ready to surf the big waves yet. However, you probably want to know about the best surf spots in the world, including those with the biggest and most dangerous waves. Banzai Pipeline, otherwise known as “Pipeline” or just “Pipe,” is highly regarded as one of the best (and most difficult) surf spots in the world.

Banzai Pipeline is a surf reef break located off Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore. Specifically, it’s located off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea.

If you don’t know what a reef break is, it’s an area in the ocean where the waves break/crash once they hit the shallows of a reef. Pipeline is known for its enormous waves that break in the shallow waters just above its sharp reef. These form huge, hollow tubes of water that surfs can surf inside. Though obviously very dangerous, the best surfers in the world come to Pipeline for the challenge. It’s truly amazing even to watch.

Many surfers and photographers have died at Banzai Pipeline, which is why it has earned the reputation as the deadliest surf spot in the world. Several top surfing competitions are held at the Pipe each year, including the Pipe Masters, IBA Pipeline Pro and the Pipeline Bodysurfing Classic.

Deaths in the last few years at Banzai Pipeline include Joshua Nakata (bodyboarder), Joaquin Velilla (surfer), Malik Joyeux (charger) and Jon Mozo (photographer).

Many big name surfers have earned their reputation by surfing the Pipe. However, the dangers here like the waves are very big and very real. Head to the Pipeline to watch some of the thrilling competitions, where you will be able to see some of the top surfers in the world compete.

Whether you are a surfing neophyte or an advanced master of the waves, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp promises a memorable and exciting surfing vacation that places the emphasis directly on the sport. Based in Costa Rica , Witch’s Rock Surf Camp offers comfortable near the water along with several other additions to the package that are sure to make your surfing vacation an excellent one.

The boutique surf resort is located on the oceanfront of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, a beautiful community with friendly people that treat everyone like family. Its origins are humble, the modest dream of some Californians looking for a simpler life. They drove an old school bus all the way down to Costa Rica in search of waves and warm water, ended up stopping in Tamarindo, opened a beach bar, and began to teach surf lessons. The Witch’s Rock Surf Camp evolved soon thereafter and since has been the destination for over 10,000 guests.

As far as accommodations go, the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp does not skimp on comfort. Tastefully decorated rooms with soft mattresses on the beds and a view of the water – and the waves – assure that you will be relaxing peacefully after a long day of surfing. As part of your vacation, you can opt to be part of the surf school, which is held right in front of the hotel at Playa Tamarindo.

The surf tours are aimed towards advanced surfers, and offer convenience, excitement, and fun. Because of the hassle involved in flying with surfboards, what with damage and handling fees, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp offers all-inclusive surf tours, on which you are encouraged to use one of their surfboards. Surfers are taken to all of the locations in vans, so there is no need for rental cars and no way to get lost. As experienced surfers who know the area well, the guides will direct you to the best waves possible, making sure that you do not have to spend a day looking for something that is worth your time. And they assure that you will not be lost in the shuffle, as only four surfers are allowed on each tour.

For more information, please visit http://www.witchsrocksurfcamp.com/

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots in the world, New Zealand offers stunning views almost everywhere in the country. As an island nation, the beaches are generally pristine, but most importantly for those with surfboards in hand and tubular waves on their mind, the surfing is out of this world.

A great way for a family or a couple to experience the ideal surfing conditions is to take a surfing vacation. For example, acrossnz.com offers learn-to-surf vacation that gives you a guided tour of some of the most remote and beautiful surf spots while teaching you how to surf. You are given the equipment that you need, the proper instruction and training from professional instructors, and access to spots that match your ability levels as far as waves are concerned, without having to worry about learning alongside experienced surfers. The latter are welcome too, since part of the aim of the trip is to match surfers with spots of their ability level, all the while enjoying the rich New Zealand tradition of friendship and camaraderie.

You can also plan your own private surf vacation, of course, after doing the research. Surf reports and surf maps are important tools for the experienced surfer who knows what he or she wants out of a surf spot. These allow you to have all the predicted information for the time of your visit so that your trip is not ruined by inclement weather or inconsistent swells. These can be found and purchased online, but there are also plenty that are available for free.

The lengthy coastline of New Zealand combined with the small size of the island means that you should be able to find waves near you no matter where you happen to lodge, although some home bases will be more convenient than others. You can also travel between different water temperatures, from sub-Antarctic to sub-Tropical and back. There is a staggering amount of variety available to a New Zealand surfer who decides to stay at any location on the island, so do not fret. Plan to do some research in order to get the maximum amount of enjoyment from your trip without any nature-related headaches.

Located far out in the Atlantic Ocean, there are few places more beautiful than the island nation of Barbados. Featuring stunning island scenery and a rich culture, Barbados is worth a visit of its own merit. Surfers though will especially want to make time and save money for a trip to experience the world-class waves that form off the coasts of Barbados.

A coral reef stretches around Barbados, reining in the waves and allowing the swell to be more consistent than usual. Because of the island’s position in the Atlantic Ocean, waves can travel thousands of miles to finally break on the shore of Barbados. These two factors make surfing a possibility almost every day of the year, without too much difficulty in finding a spot. The east coast of the island is especially popular among surfers, because it has what many contend to be the best waves. The south coast is popular because a variety of surfing conditions from one side of the coast to the other allow you to decide what you want to surf and when.

Barbados is warm and sunny the whole year, with temperatures ranging from 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and not getting much higher or lower than that, except in rare circumstances. A wind coming from the northeast blows steadily so that the island is not unbearably hot. When it does rain, it is only in small showers and is usually in the later half of the year, so for the first part of the summer you can expect it to be dry. Water temperature stays in the mid-80s.

A popular surf spot on the eastern coast of Barbados is called the Soup Bowl, and its world-class waves are known far and wide among dedicated surfers. Even with this in mind, the crowds tend to be manageable throughout the week and the year. Parking is limited, but getting to the spot is fairly easy since Barbados isn’t too large of an island. It is generally recommended that the best time to go is from September to November in order to take advantage of the good weather and the excellent waves.

Many surfing enthusiasts will tell you that there is no best time of the year to surf; all year is fine enough, and you just have to find the right spot! In South America specifically, though, wave conditions are better and the weather is nicer at certain points throughout the year. Therefore, you will want to make sure to visit at the best time to get the most out of your vacation.

On the Atlantic side of South America, including countries like Brazil, the best time of year to surf is from April to October. During that span of time, the surf is more consistent. The waves also tend to be larger and higher quality. Because of this, summer is probably the best and easiest time to head down to South America for a surfing vacation. The weather hovers around 80 degrees and you are more likely to find tourist amenities and more English speakers. If you are looking for a stellar destination, Florianopolis, Brazil, has an intriguing culture, beautiful landscape, and excellent surfing and world-class lodging.

As far as the Pacific side of the continent, you are going to want to visit from March to May, which is the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of fall. During the other seasons, you will find that the swells are either enormous and daunting or small and inconsistent. If you absolutely must go another time of the year, springtime, from September to November, can be a good time, but you may find that your luck is tested more than your surfing ability. Otherwise, if you visit somewhere between March and May, you will discover ideal weather, warm water temperatures, no interference from local school-goers, and, most of all, consistent swells with big waves. The weather tends to hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on where you go. Rainfall is infrequent in March but much more frequent in May, so plan to visit earlier in the southern hemisphere fall.

No matter when you visit South America, you will experience rich culture, gorgeous landscapes, and friendly people. As far as surfing goes, though, you will want to do your research in order to discover when is best for you. Do not worry about stressing over the details too much; it is a vacation, after all.

Hawaii is the island paradise that everyone dreams of visiting at one point in their lifetime. Just the name “Hawaii” conjures up serene visions of lounging on the beach, enjoying native music and hula dancers. Hawaii is also the perfect place to grab a surfboard and catch some of the excellent waves, and there are some very special spots for maximum surfing enjoyment.

Located on Hawaii Island, the Honls surf spot is almost legendary among Hawaiian experienced surfers due to the beauty of the spot and the fierce, epic quality of the waves. Just a bit off of Highway 19, Honls is near a civilized area, thus tending to be a bit crowded on the weekends, especially during peak season. But if you can find a spot to yourself, you can be sure to catch some ferocious waves.

Another classic surf spot on Hawaii Island, Honolii is popular with the locals as well as with visitors to the island. Surfers of all skill levels can enjoy the waves here, and it is an especially good place for beginners to learn the sport. Another crowded spot, you can tell when you have arrived because of all the cars. But otherwise, enjoy a bit of classic Hawaii surfing.

Although Hawaii Island boasts many excellent surf spots, Oahu is home to plenty world-class locations. The Ala Moana Bowls is one of these spots, known far and wide among surfers for its amazing wave quality. If you are vacationing in Hawaii, try to go during the week, because otherwise it tends to get crowded, sometimes with people who are not especially keen on sharing the waves with you.

Kaisers is another famed spot among experienced surfers. While the locals are sometimes not keen on sharing the waves with others, the pristine surf-perfection of these waves makes it easy to realize why. As is the trend, the spot tends to get very crowded very fast, so expect to wait a while to get the perfect wave for the day. Surfers of all skill levels will no doubt enjoy Kaisers, because the tube sections are so regular and well-formed that getting in and out is more forgiving. Do brush up on your surf etiquette, though, unless you desire conflict.

Depending on who you ask, surfing either seems like a sport that would be rather simple to pick up after a bit of trial and error or a difficult enterprise that needs to be taught in order for the fledgling surfer to have fun. For those in the latter school of thought, there are plenty of surf lessons to be had in Los Angeles, California, so grab a board and put on your thinking cap.

Learn to Surf LA offers surfing lessons for a variety of skill levels and instructional desires. Whether you are an absolute novice surfer or if you have some practice under your belt, you will be able to find some useful instruction from the dedicated instructors. You can opt for private lessons in order to get a more accelerated grasp on the ins and outs of surfing, or you can sign up for a group lesson and learn to surf with a bunch of other people in the same boat as you. One lesson for one surfer costs $120, with discounts as you book lessons for more surfers or if you pay for several lessons at once.

Surf Academy specializes in lessons for aspiring surfers of all ages. Located in Santa Monica, the main “campus” for the academy is Huntington Beach, with some lessons, surf camps, and corporate surf parties held elsewhere. Group lessons offer fun with a bunch of other novice surfers at a price of $50 for a single lesson and $185 for a series of lessons. Semi-private lessons consist of you and three friends learning how to surf for $65 a lesson. If you want a truly private lesson, then the cost is $75. In order to sign up for lessons, Surf Academy requires advance registration, which you can complete online, by mail, or by fax.

Aqua Surf School offers lessons in Los Angeles every day of the week. The instructors are trained using a system they developed called BAPS, and they promise the most progressive surf training. For one person, lessons are $125, with discounts as you book lessons for more people. Everything that you need is provided, so you only have to show up. There are also surf camps available for children so that they can spend time learning to surf with experienced instructors that value water safety and one-on-one coaching. Once you register, you will be emailed a Google map with directions to your location.

The Baja Peninsula is an fabulous surf destination with a variety of surf spots for every skill level of surfer. There is a tremendous amount of points, coves, beaches and river mouths that are wide open to the consistent swells of the Pacific Ocean.

Here are some of the top Baja surf spots:

Baja Malibu
Club Marisol
Erindera
La Fonda
La Salina
Las Gaviotas
Mushrooms Calafia
Punta Cabra
Punta San Jose
Rosarito Beach
Salsipuedes
San Miguel
Scorpion Bay
Theresas/K-38
Todos Santos

K-38 and San Miguel are popular tourist spots that are often very crowded. Todos Santos offers some of the biggest waves in the world and definitely not for beginners.

If you are visiting San Diego, you can take a quick road trip to Baja for a day or two of fabulous surfing. Some of the top surf spots in the area are less than an hour from the border.

If you are new to surfing, you should consider taking lessons at the San Diego Surfing Academy. They offer group and individual lessons for people of all ages. They operate year-round at South Carlsbad State Beach, located about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. At San Diego Surfing Academy, they can also organize corporate surf parties. Additionally, you take part in surf camps or learn about their surf trips to Costa Rica. Visit surfsdsa.com for more details.

Pacific Surf School is another surf academy in San Diego that offers terrific lessons and camps for kids. It’s highly regarded by the surfers in the area. They offer youth day surf camps for kids ages 8-17. They also offer a special all-girls program. Additionally, Pacific Surf School features a teen overnight surf camp for ages 12-18, which is popular among residents and tourists alike. To learn more about the camps, visit pacificsurf.org.

The pristine blue waters of the Caribbean tend to provide consistent waves that are about chest-high to over your head, but the beauty of the area and the many possibilities to find your own remote spot are the reasons why people flock to the islands. Whether you bask in the sun on Barbados or explore the coasts of the Dominican Republic, you are sure to find something to keep your interest on one of the Caribbean islands.

Depending on the time of year that you plan to vacation in the Caribbean, you can expect different surf conditions. The dry season is from December to March, and it features consistent waves at the expense of less favorable weather conditions than if you were to go in the wet season. July to September is the time to go if you would rather have nicer weather.

Barbados is a choice destination for surfing in the Caribbean. Since it is surrounded by a coral reef and isolated in the Caribbean, it gives the waves from the Atlantic Ocean a chance to reach Barbados and then stay there. Swells coming from any direction generate waves that can be surfed, meaning that you will never have to be hunting for that perfect spot that has something for you to do.

The Dominican Republic has several good spots, both on its North Coast and its South Coast. The waves are the perfect size for beginners and intermediates looking to practice their trade, especially during the summer. Encuentro is an exposed reef break, and as such, it has consistent, dependable surf at all stages of the tide. Located on the North Coast near Puerto Plata, an up and coming resort area, as well as the capital, Santiago, Encuentro provides much to do for surfers and enjoyers of Dominican culture and life alike.

Surfing season in Puerto Rico starts in October and ends in the middle of April. Throughout that time period, there are plenty of good quality waves. Hurricane season starts in June and lasts through November, meaning that there is a chance to find some good waves during that time too, though it will be unpredictable and inconsistent.

What better way to enjoy surfing than to dedicate an entire vacation to the adrenaline-pumping water sport? Sometimes referred to as the “Hawaii of Latin America”, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for your surfing adventure due to the incredible waves and the amount of surfing-related businesses that call Costa Rica home. If you cannot find a wave where you are, you can simply drive to the other coast, and chances are that you will find something there.

Before starting to plan your surfing vacation, you will need to choose a time when you are able to go. Assuming that you had all the time in the world and your only concern was picking the best time as far as surfing is involved, the dry season is the most popular time to go. This lasts from December to April, and although it is the busiest time of the year as far as tourism is involved, it is also the nicest time to travel. It is easier to find cheaper accommodations and service during the rainy season at the expense of having to spend some time indoors when the weather is inclement.

Depending on which part of Costa Rica you plan to stay, you will want to pack the appropriate clothing. If you are in the capital city, San Jose, or another area in the highlands, you will want a sweater or a light jacket, as the weather tends to be breezy and chilly. Especially for travel during the rainy season, try to wear waterproof clothing that dries easily; otherwise, you may find yourself waiting forever for those denim jeans to dry. Don’t pack too much, because space on public transportation tends to be limited and you will have a harder time getting around. Lugging the surfboard around is challenging enough.

As far as the surfing goes, you will be hard-pressed to find better waves, whether you are on the Caribbean coast or the Pacific Coast. There are major transportation services that offer air-conditioned busing back and forth from each side of the island so you will have no problems finding the perfect wave. All that is left is to enjoy your surfing vacation in the beautiful land of Costa Rica.