The Best Surf Trips for Intermediate Surfers

So you’ve been surfing a couple of times, and now you’ve caught the bug…it happens to the best of us. Great surf depends entirely on the coast, the ocean, and the wind, and it’s no small feat to get those conditions just right. That’s the sport’s biggest draw – every wave is different from the last, making surfing hugely thrilling and incredibly addictive. If you’re an intermediate surfer dying to become one with the waves again, grab a board, don a wetsuit, and join us on the beach on these surf trips.

The best intermediate surf spots

Portugal   

• Best time to visit: September – December
• Top spots: The Algarve

Portugal’s coastline is the perfect playground if you’re looking to catch some of the world’s best waves. Its sweltering temperatures and wide variety of waves make it a great place for surfers of all abilities. Go in the summer, when swell sizes are smaller, making the waters friendlier for beginner and intermediate surfers. Portugal’s amazing surf is no secret to surfers in Europe and around the world – there’s a reason that Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira, is located here. Its prime peninsular location in the Atlantic allows it to catch wind from the north, west, and south, making for incredibly consistent swells. Many tourists looking to try their hand at surfing flock to Portugal’s shores to catch some sun, sand, and surf, and with its incredible culture and cuisine, it’s truly hard to imagine anyplace better.   

You’ll find a wide variety of breaks and swells along Portugal’s extensive west coast, so be sure to hit multiple places to find the spot that works best for you. Make sure your tour hits all the good spots: Lisbon, Nazaré, Porto, Lagos, and Ericeira. You’ll even get a chance to walk amongst the locals on cobblestone paths, and have a glass or two of wine between trips to the beach for surfing lessons. Even if you’ve been surfing before, lessons can be incredibly useful to assess your ability and help you hone your skills. Whether it’s in Porto, Lisbon, or Lagos, each spot will be fun and challenge you in its own way. You’ll be bragging about your new skills in no time!

Bali   

• Best time to visit: May – September
• Top spots: the west coast during May – September; the east coast during November – March

Bali’s world-famous surf was discovered by travellers not too long ago, but has since gained a reputation thanks to its impressive waves and legendary breaks. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” expert surfers and thrill-seekers have Bali high on their list of surfing destinations – but don’t take that to mean that Balinese waters aren’t suitable for intermediate surfers, too. One of the reasons for Bali’s popularity is the variety of waves and breaks along its shores. The swells that come from the south are consistent, which means great surf for all abilities, all the time. Though it’s important to pick the right place so that the waves don’t scare you off, once you do, it’ll be the perfect way to advance your surfing skills, and you’ll go from riding the white water to your first wave in no time.

The peak surfing season in Bali is from April to October, and the legendary surf is sure to draw loads of surfing pros and beginners alike to Bali’s beaches. However, on the off-season, waves are smaller and more approachable – perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Plus, you’ll avoid the line-ups that can form in the peak season, and the beach won’t be as crowded. Home to an age-old yoga tradition, Bali is the perfect place to discover how surfing and yoga practice complement each other. Go island-hopping, from Lombok and Nusa Lembongan, to Bali’s legendary Canggu and Kuta beaches, where you’ll have the opportunity to do other water sports as well. Whether you’re riding the waves with magnificent views of rice paddies and temples, or watching as the pros catch impressive waves against a glowing tropical sunset, this is definitely a destination that you’ll remember.   

Australia   

• Best time to visit: June – September
• Top spots: Everywhere!

In Australia, surfing is a way of life. It’s one of the nation’s most popular pastimes, so it’s no wonder Australia has become the premier surfing destination that challenges the pros while easing in beginners. Miles and miles of coastline surrounding this island-nation means consistent and diverse swells, and you’ll have locals and tourists alike joining you in the lineup. There are so many well-known surf spots here that have reputations for legendary waves, so even though you’ll have to navigate the crowds here, it’ll be worth it.

If you’re serious about improving your surf, Australia is your ideal destination. You might even consider going on a surf camp to dedicate a week or a weekend to upping your game. There’s a good selection of camps that take place in and around Sydney, and take you all along the south coast of New South Wales. From Byron Bay to Bondi Beach, Australia’s legendary surf won’t disappoint.

Costa Rica   

• Best time to visit: June – September
• Top spots: Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Limón

Costa Rica’s status as an up-and-coming surf destination and its reputation for being tourist-friendly makes it an agreeable destination for intermediate surfers who want to avoid the huge crowds that go to popular locations like Australia or Bali. With over three hundred white sand beaches and coastlines on both the east and west, Costa Rica is an ideal location to practice your surfing skills. The surf is consistent, and offers something for all levels.  

Every surf spot is different, and you’ll find a huge range in Costa Rica of different breaks, swells, and types of waves. The waves on the Caribbean coast aren’t for the faint of heart, so avoid parts of Puerto Viejo if you’re just starting out. Instead, catch more approachable waves on the Pacific coast. Whether you’re in playful and lively Tamarindo, laidback Nosaro, energetic Jaco, or low-key Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a uniquely chill surfing destination that will let you focus on your surfing surrounded by some of the cleanest beaches, as well as the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

When you’ve graduated from your beginner surf classes and you’re ready for a new adventure, it can be hard to find that middle ground between easy waves and expert thrills. Thankfully, with a little research, intermediate surfers can find their perfect adventure!

Where are your favourite surf spots?