5 Best Beginner Surf Spots in Asia
Asia is known for many things. Flavorful food, stunning scenery, budget-friendly everything. This is what traveling the Asian continent is all about. Just add surf into the mix and you’ve got yourself an epic adventure.
Surfing is an incredible way to see Asia!
Considering it’s the world’s largest continent and it’s bordered by the two biggest oceans, the opportunities for surfing in Asia are basically endless. And the best part of all is that you don’t have to be a pro to take part.
There are beginner-friendly surf destinations all over the continent, stretching from Japan all the way down to Indonesia. Check out some of the greatest here in this guide to the best beginner surf spots Asia has to offer.
Why go surfing in Asia as a beginner?
Ask any longtime surfer about his/her favorite starter waves and you’re likely to get a long list of destinations sprinkled across Asia. A huge reason for that is the warm, tropical weather and ocean waters that are sometimes even warmer than the air. Surfing in Southeast Asia means you never have to wear a wetsuit or booties due to temperature, which is a huge perk for beginners.
Aside from that, the real draw of surfing in Asia for first-timers is the fact that the entire continent is filled with one-of-a-kind destinations. After each surf sesh, you’ll be able to explore the rice terraces of Bali, the night markets of the Philippines, the elephant sanctuaries of Thailand, and much, much more.
Let’s not forget about the insane affordability of most Asian countries. Places like Singapore obviously don’t fit the “budget-friendly” category. But for the most part, new surfers have no trouble finding high-quality surf programs that won’t break the bank and leave you broke upon your return home.
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5 best beginner surf spots in Asia
Surfing paradise is out there, no matter your skill level.
Whether learning to surf is your main priority or it’s just one of your many bucket list items, all beginners should choose their destinations and their waves wisely. The good news is you’ve got plenty of options, like these five countries that are home to the best beginner surf spots in Asia.
1. Indonesia
Why? When it comes to surfing in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has it all. It’s a country that’s made up of more than 17,000 islands, so you’re bound to find a few spots with gentle waves that are perfect for beginners.
Bali is the go-to choice for travelers heading to Indo, especially for more experienced surfers, but Java is another good option if you’re planning a trip to Indonesia and you’re new to the watersport. For Bali, check out Kuta Beach, and for Java, spend some time on West Java’s Sunset Beach.
Indonesia is a magical place, and there’s a reason that Bali is nicknamed the Island of the Gods. Bali is certainly fit for the gods, but the same goes for most Indonesian islands—they’re literally paradise on Earth.
When? This archipelago extends over 3,200 miles East to West and more than 1,300 miles North to South. This massive stretch means that the best time to visit depends on which island you’re heading to. For Java, Bali, and nearby Lombok, you can’t go wrong visiting anytime between May and September.
Where to find programs: Because it’s such a popular place to surf, there’s no shortage of surfing programs throughout the Indonesian islands. Some of the best are in Bali’s Canggu, a hip and trendy town that’s filled with skate shops, bars, yoga studios, and surf programs like Baruna, Kima, and Dreamsea Surf Camp.
2. Thailand
Why? Out of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand is the #1 most visited. In 2018 alone, Thailand had almost 40 million visitors, and guess what? Many of them learned to surf. Contrary to what many travelers think, SCUBA diving isn’t the only cool water activity to do here.
The beaches in Thailand will keep you *plenty* entertained.
The beaches of Phuket are considered the best for beginners thanks to the gentle waves and fun atmosphere of this southern Thai island. Out of all the surfing spots in Phuket, Patong and Kata Beach are two of the best for beginners, but Surin and Kamala Beach give them a run for their money.
Visiting Thailand is a rite of passage for anyone traveling in Asia. The culture, the tropical beaches, the hectic atmosphere of Bangkok, the peaceful vibes of Chiang Mai, and the gentle-breaking waves all around the country are just a few of the reasons to add Thailand to your travel itinerary.
When? The best time to head to Thailand depends on the final destination, so let’s focus on Phuket in the South. This is a great place for surfing in Asia since the surf season here coincides with the low tourist season. Waves are consistent from April to October, with the best month overall being September.
Where to find programs: There are quite a few surf camps around Phuket, and a lot of them are specifically geared towards complete beginners. The top-rated program on the island is Shakabay located on Kata Beach, which is the ideal spot for beginners.
3. Sri Lanka
Why? Similar to Thailand, Sri Lanka is an amazing destination for surfing travelers on an extreme budget. Even the best camps in epic surf spots won’t stress out the most budget-weary backpackers. But let’s focus on what’s important—the surf.
The surf in Sri Lanka has been dubbed some of the best in the world by everyone from Travel Channel to National Geographic. This southern Asian island caters to all experience levels and even appeals to families who want to get in some bonding time by learning to surf together.
Sri Lanka is the epitome of adventure. It has everything from honking tuk-tuks to grazing elephants to rolling waves, and it can all be yours at an affordable price. The natural beauty of the island is the biggest reason to visit, but the affordability just adds to this destination’s sweetness.
When? There are two main surf regions in Sri Lanka, one in the southwest and one in the southeast. The southwest is home to several surf towns like Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, and Weligama while the southeast is home to the one and only Arugam Bay.
Good luck not getting distracted by the views!
There’s technically no bad time to visit since the off-season for one region is the on-season for the other. If you’re visiting between May and September, go to Arugam Bay. October to April travelers are better off visiting the southwest region.
Where to find programs: There are a lot of surfing programs to choose from in Sri Lanka, so check out this list of favorites.
- Kima Surf in Weligama
- Soul and Surf in Ahangama
- Safa Surf in Arugam Bay
- Lapoint Surf Camp in Ahangama
4. Philippines
Why? Just like Indonesia, the Philippines is made up of thousands of islands, so obviously it had to be added to this list of best beginner surf countries in Asia. Although there are plenty of breaks that aren’t for beginners here, surfing in the Philippines is for everyone.
The best word to describe this archipelagic country is “lively”. A lot is going on here, especially in cities like Manila and Cebu. At the same time, though, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some hard-earned chilling time after your daily surf lesson.
When? Once again, it depends on the island of your choosing. Baler Bay is a solid choice for beginners, which has good conditions from May to September. San Juan is another good option, especially when waves are calm but still rideable from July to October.
Where to find programs: Nalu Surf Camp in Baler is the go-to choice for beginners; they even offer family-friendly surf packages for the kids. If you do choose to visit more advanced surf destinations in the Philippines like Siargao, just make sure to avoid the challenging reef break (like the epic Cloud 9) until you’re ready.
5. Vietnam
Why? Vietnam isn’t often thought of as a surfing destination, which is odd considering the country has over 2,000 miles of coastline. The best waves are found along the South Central Coast, with the ultimate surf spot for all levels being Da Nang.
Affordability, beauty, culture, food, scenery, beaches, mountains…These are just some of the many reasons to book a surfing trip to Vietnam. This country is as beautiful as it gets, and not just when it comes to the things you’ll see, but also the people you’ll meet.
When? For surfing in Da Nang, the ideal time to visit is from September to March. There are plenty of gentle waves to start learning the art of wave riding, especially at the long and sandy China Beach.
Where to find programs: DaNang Surf School is by far the most popular choice for learning to surf in Vietnam. You can sign up for surf lessons here and spice things up with the occasional SUP tour around the Vietnam East Sea.
Hang ten on the other side of the world!
Why not explore ALL the best beginner surf spots in Asia? Leaving the continent and heading home with your newfound surfing skills and knowledge is the best souvenir you could ever ask for. Now that you know the top surf spots in Asia for beginners, it’s time to hang 10!
Explore ALL surfing programs in Asia on GoAbroad.com
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