Written by SARAH SEKULA
If learning to surf has been on your to-do list for a while, the good news is it’s never too late, you can pick up this sport at any age.
As a newbie, it’s important to seek out gentle, rolling waves and sandy ocean bottoms. You want a no-pressure environment when perfecting the art of balancing on a board.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Ukumehame Beach Park near Lahaina on Maui is one of the most suitable places for beginners. Also known as “Thousands,” this spot off Honoapiilani Highway has an impressive stretch of breaks.
With so many peaks available, you and your surf instructor will be able to find one that’s not crowded.
Puerto Chicama, Peru
Home to the world's longest lefthand wave, this is ideal for beginners because the length and direction makes the waves easier to catch and gives you more time per wave to practice your moves.
For novice surfers, December to March is the best time, when waves are smaller and more mellow.
San Diego,
California
La Jolla Shores is a great place to learn thanks to the prevailing southwest wind and the lifeguards who stay on duty throughout the year.
Inch Marlow, Barbados
Surfer’s Point, on the southeastern part of Barbados where the Atlantic joins forces with the Caribbean Sea, is the ultimate hang-ten mecca for newbie and intermediate surfers.
Bathsheba's Soup Bowl, on the other hand, is a nasty curl off the island’s eastern side which you’ll want to steer clear of.
It’s still worth driving over though, to see the fierce waves from the craggy cliffs. If you’re visiting in November, you can check out the annual surf competition.
Eleuthera,
Bahamas
In north central Eleuthera, two miles south of Gregory Town, you’ll find Surfer’s Beach. It’s off the beaten path, but that’s exactly its appeal.
In addition to having the most consistent break on the island, it’s also rarely crowded. It takes time to master turning the board to dodge other surfers.