Top 7 best places for beginner surfers

1. Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Being in Bali and not getting on a surfboard is an unforgivable mistake, as Bali is considered one of the best surfing destinations not only in Asia but also in the world. For those who dream of learning to surf, Kuta is the perfect place for beginners. The sandy bottom is smooth, with no rocks, coral, or high and strong waves, which are rare here. The ocean offers gentle, low tides.

There are many surf schools on Kuta's beaches where you can take a beginner's lesson or a series of sessions until you feel confident on the board. A single lesson at a surf school in Bali costs from $65, while a short course of 3 lessons will cost from $200. Lessons are available in both group and individual formats. You can also hire a private coach on the beach.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €15, 5* — from €90.

2. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

If you choose Sri Lanka for learning to surf, you will not regret it, especially if you end up in Hikkaduwa. The gently sloping sandy beaches and minimal or deep reefs, visible through the clear water, reduce the risk of injury—important for beginner surfers. The waves here are “consistent”, even, and small, with heights of 1-3 meters.

Worried about learning alone? Experienced instructors and surf schools are at your service. Most of them speak English, but the number of schools offering lessons in other languages is increasing each year. The cost of an introductory lesson at Sri Lankan schools starts from $40, while a course of 3-5 lessons starts from $120.

If you want to become a true pro, you can join a surf camp, live with like-minded people and experienced trainers, and dedicate all your days to conquering the waves. Depending on the number of days (from 7 to 20) and conditions (accommodation, meals + various excursions), the cost of staying in the camp ranges from $1000 and up.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €30, 5* — from €150.

3. Phuket, Thailand

While Bangkok is the business capital of Thailand and Chiang Mai is the cultural center, Phuket is rightly considered the surfing capital of Thailand. Every year, thousands of experienced surfers and those who dream of becoming one flock here. The best surfing spots for beginners are Kata and Bang Tao beaches. Kata boasts a pristine white shore with crystal-clear water and a smooth, gentle coastline, with strong waves being rare. The only downside is the high number of people wanting to surf. Bang Tao also has no dangerous waves, as the beach is specially protected from them, although the bottom is not as ideal as at Kata.

For those arriving in Kata for the first time, it seems like they have entered a surfing paradise: surf shops, clubs and bars for surfers, regular competitions, and, of course, surf schools and camps where you can learn to surf. The cost of a lesson with an instructor starts from $40, and renting a board for the entire day costs the same.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €20, 5* — from €95.

4. Agadir, Morocco

One of the best surfing destinations in North Africa is undoubtedly Morocco, and every winter European surfers flock here since it's much quicker and easier to reach compared to Asia. Agadir is considered one of the most ideal places for surfing in Morocco, thanks to its gentle and soft sandy coastline, various surf spots, and excellent waves.

For beginners, all conditions are perfect in Taghazout, a small village near Agadir. It features great beaches, no strong winds or waves, and numerous surf schools and camps. The cost for a week at a camp (including meals, accommodation, regular lessons, excursions, and transfers) starts from €420, and two weeks at the camp start from €800. The cost of a single introductory lesson is from €60.

The best times for beginner surfers to visit are winter and summer, as the waves are small and consistent. If you don't like the heat, it's better to go in winter, with air temperatures around +21-23°C and water temperatures around +18-19°C.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €40, 5* — from €120.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Moving from North Africa to South Africa, specifically to Cape Town, whose coastline is also ideal for anyone who has long dreamed of mastering surfing and is looking for a place to learn. Surfers of all skill levels occupy almost the entire coastline of the city, but the best spot for beginners is Muizenberg Beach: a smooth sandy shore with clear water, no rocks, cliffs, reefs, or strong winds, and numerous surf spots.

Even if you're not aiming to learn to surf while visiting Cape Town, you’ll still want to give it a try, as the coastline thrives on surfing: schools, competitions, bars, and parties. As for beginners and surf schools: the cost of a single lesson starts from $35, and the price includes a wetsuit and board, making it an ideal place for surfing.

Besides traditional surfing, Cape Town is also active in windsurfing, which you can also learn. The cost of one lesson is from $35-40.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €50, 5* — from €300.

6. Java, Indonesia

Java is a remarkable Indonesian island. It features jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, and ancient temples, and it is also the most densely populated island in the world (over 140 million inhabitants). However, savvy surfers have found a paradise for surfing here — G-Land Bay. Both professionals and beginners come here throughout the year. During the high season (from May to September), there are more professionals, as the waves and wind can be overwhelming, while the rest of the year is favorable for beginners who can enjoy the very small waves.

There are no underwater hazards, rocks, just a soft and even sandy shore and numerous surf schools to suit all tastes. The cost of lessons starts from $60, and a course of 3 lessons starts from $180. G-Land also features a large surf camp, with accommodation costs varying depending on the season, accommodation type, and service package.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €30, 5* — from €70.

7. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

If you are serious about mastering the "art" of surfing and want to focus solely on that, Arugam Bay is the best place to do so. This iconic youth village is where people spend their days conquering the waves and host beach parties by night. The youth are not the wealthiest tourists, so most accommodations in Arugam Bay are budget-friendly: hostels, modest bungalows, and 1-2* star hotels. There are very few good hotels here, so those who prefer comfortable conditions might want to look elsewhere.

Arugam Bay offers surf spots for both professionals and beginners, and depending on the weather (wave strength, wind), you will be taken to the most suitable place for your lessons if needed. The cost of individual lessons with a coach in Arugam Bay starts from $40, while group lessons start from $30.

Accommodation Costs: 3* — from €35.