The 19 best places to learn how to surf for beginners in 2025

Our top picks for the best places to surf in Portugal: Ericeira, Alentejo and Peniche (and Lagos too!).

Beautiful Portugal, home to some of the greatest surf spots in all of Europe. Offering great waves suitable for all levels, Portugal has become Europe's most visited surfing destination and is a great place to learn how to surf! 

Why choose Portugal to learn how to surf?

Portugal is the most affordable country in Western Europe and offers budget-friendly flights. It's a great choice for a surf trip, whether you are thinking of traveling solo or with a group of friends. Half an hour up the coast from Lisbon, you'll find our camp in Ericeira, which is known for being an international surfing mecca. This area is where you'll find the best beaches to learn how to surf in Portugal.  

The surf mecca of Ericeira

This Portuguese fishing village quickly transformed into a surfer's mecca because of its powerful and reliable surf. Although more and more surfers visit Ericeira from all over the world, this has not ruined the authentic Portuguese feeling. Ericeira is about as Portuguese as you can get. It's all about wandering the streets, grabbing a coffee and some good local food after a morning surf.  

The town has a perfect fusion of trendy cafes, surf shops, traditional seafood restaurants, and some bars. Giving you a relaxed daytime scene and a lively nightlife that kicks off after midnight.  

Portugal's shores have always been famous for their wave diversity and being one of the world's best surf destinations. Wave after wave pound this glorious coastline, and no matter the conditions, there is most certainly an offshore wave somewhere close by. In Ericeira, you are surrounded by majestic nature and 8 kilometers of pristine coastline.  

You will find beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks to suit various surfing styles and skill levels. Surfers that come here can't stop raving about it.

Never-ending surf in peaceful Alentejo

After a car ride to the more southern part of Portugal, you’ll reach the beautiful area of Alentejo. Here, you’ll find never-ending beaches and amazing waves, perfect for playing around and learning the basics of surfing. We have a surf camp in Alentejo, located a bit off the radar in the countryside, with a true surf vibe.

Since Fuerteventura is closer to Africa than to the mainland in Spain, the island will give you a unique mix of European and African influence. Giving you ethereal landscapes, year-round sunny weather, and incredible waves, you will have an unforgettable surf trip in Fuerteventura in 2024.  

Why learn to surf in Fuerteventura? 

In Fuerteventura, learning how to surf will be a relaxing experience on deserted beaches with many mellow waves, perfect for learning. The water stays warm with an average temperature between 22°C and 23°C. It is an excellent destination for beginner surfers thanks to the beginner beach breaks being accessible all year round.  

Fuerteventura is often referred to as the European answer to Hawaii. As soon as you arrive, you feel the hang-loose summer vibes. The island has volcanoes, more than 300 days of sunshine a year, regular wind, and an ocean with consistent waves. The locals call it “La Isla Tranquila”, which refers to the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere and the hippie surf culture.  What could be better than this?

Experience these good vibes at our Fuerteventura surf camp. Start your day with a morning session on the sandy beaches, come back to our camp, eat some delicious food, and jump in the pool for a refreshing swim to cool off. It is a true escape from the busy touristy feeling while you are still close to all the best surf spots on the island. You will find yourself more connected to nature and the ocean but still get to experience authentic Spanish culture in cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby.

Our top pick for the best place to surf in Costa Rica: Santa Teresa.

Connect with Costa Rica's Pura Vida lifestyle while learning how to ride the waves. If you are looking for a tropical paradise where the jungle meets the ocean, Costa Rica is it for you!  Costa Rica is, according to us, one of the best countries to surf in while combining the trip with action-packed adventures.

Why is Costa Rica the place to surf for the first time? 

Costa Rica delivers on its promise of the Pura Vida lifestyle. You will love this place if you are a fan of sustainable eco-adventures! Go zip-lining through the jungle, meet the curious monkeys, explore stunning waterfalls, and surf on beautiful beaches fringed with tropical jungles. End your day by dancing the night away under the palm trees.  

One thing we admire about this destination is the genuine surf culture feel Costa Rica has. Surfing plays a huge part in the Costa Rican lifestyle and many locals combine surfing with their day-by-day life. When you visit Costa Rica, you will probably see young people go surfing after school or work. The surf culture here is real!    

Surfing in Costa Rica is magnificent, thanks to the great waves on its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, which offer waves suitable for all levels of surfers. Our Costa Rica camp is located in Playa Santa Teresa on the Pacific coast. This is a true surf and nature lover's paradise, and we are stoked to have one of our homes here.

Our top picks for the best places to surf in Sri Lanka: Ahangama and Weligama.

When surfing in Sri Lanka, you are surrounded by nearly 1600 kilometers of palm-fringed coastline. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country located just south of India in the Indian Ocean. With friendly people and impressive landscapes, you will find yourself learning how to surf with good company and stunning scenery wherever you go. Not only does Sri Lanka have flourishing wildlife, an inspiring history, and a rich culture that links to both India and Southeast Asia, it has also made it to the list of the best places to learn how to surf.   

Why choose Sri Lanka as the best place to learn surfing? 

It is an unbelievably affordable destination suitable for solo travelers, duos, and groups. It offers endless adventure opportunities. Visitors can visit the misty mountain tops, explore beautiful waterfalls in the rainforests, and search for wild elephants on a safari, all while learning to surf.   

Sri Lanka is famous for its great beaches, which have soft, golden sand and fun waves for every surfer. The long, slow, consistent waves are so manageable for even first-timers!  

Our Sri Lanka camp is located on the Southwest coast in beautiful Ahangama, only minutes from the ocean. We are in less crowded sections of the coastline, which makes it an ideal spot for learning. With a variety of user-friendly waves and fewer people in the lineup, you will have a better experience learning how to catch the perfect wave. In this area, you will find a variety of quality beach and reef breaks catering to all levels of experience.

So, you want to learn how to surf in Bali? Excellent choice. To many, Bali is the best place to learn surfing in the world.

Think “Bali” and beautiful nature, great surf and good vibes immediately come to mind. If you mention Bali anywhere in the world you will probably be told about the epic waves and spirited surf culture in this natural paradise. Bali is a perfect location for any adventurous soul hoping to learn to surf. 

Why choose Bali for your first surf experience?

There are countless reasons to learn one of the greatest sports here. Bali is a surfer's dream. With surf spots all over the island, serving waves suitable for all skill levels, you will find yourself your own perfect wave. Thousands of surfers from around the world come here to surf these amazing waves and be close to the unique and laid-back surf culture. Most cannot bear to leave and make it their home.   

Combine surf lessons with day trips to explore Bali's natural beauty and hidden gems. As soon as you step on Balinese land, you're entering an exciting new world of adventure, good vibes, and rich culture. Secret beaches, historical temples, glorious mountains, and gorgeous waterfalls are just some of the natural wonders you will explore here. You will also be greeted by amazing Balinese people who are noted to be some of the most gracious and cultured people on earth.   

Considered the best place to learn how to surf in Bali, our Bali camp is located in Canggu. The beaches around this area offer beautiful beach breaks, which is what you should be surfing as a beginner. In Canggu, you will be surrounded by an artsy vibe with an incredible food scene, fun shops, many concerts, and bars.

Our top picks for the best places to surf in El Salvador: El Sunzal and El Tunco.

There truly is something special about this small country in the heart of Central America. El Salvador might not be the first country that comes to mind when booking a surf trip, but there are plenty of reasons why it should be. It offers beginner-friendly waves, 300-meter rides, and magnificent barrels for more experienced surfers. This is a great place to learn how to surf or improve your surfing skills in 2024. 

Why choose El Salvador for my first surf holiday?

At our surf camp in El Salvador, you’ll find amazing waves right outside the door. The surf spot outside our home is called El Sunzal (just like the town where the camp is located) and is the perfect beach break for beginners to learn how to surf. You’ll enter and exit the waves in a safe way and surf one-on-one with an experienced surf instructor. 

After a five-minute beach walk from the camp, you’ll reach a town called El Tunco (also known as “Surf City”), where you’ll find a great surf vibe with like-minded people, amazing food and vibrant nightlife.

Where is the best surfing for beginners?

The best surfing spots for beginners are those with gentle, rolling waves, sandy bottoms, and warm water. Some of the best places to learn surfing include Ericeira in Portugal, Ahangama and Weligama in Sri Lanka, Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, and Byron Bay in Australia. These locations offer consistent beginner-friendly waves, and an easygoing surf culture, making them perfect for your first surf trip.

Where is the best place to learn surfing?

The best place to learn how to surf depends on what you're looking for. If you want mellow waves and tropical waters, Bali and Costa Rica are great options. If you prefer a European surf trip with a mix of cooler waves and culture, Portugal or France might be your best bet. Every destination has experienced instructors, and beginner-friendly waves, so you can't go wrong!

Which is the best country in the world for surfing?

There are many incredible spots, but some of the best places to learn to surf in the world include Bali, Costa Rica, Portugal, Australia, and Sri Lanka. These places offer warm water, and  year-round waves.