Surfing in North America
Surfing in North America, from Hawaii's North Shore and California to the point breaks of Mexico.
North America has surfing in its blood. Modern surf culture as we know it took root along the beaches of California and the shores of Hawaii, and the continent still offers an incredible spread of waves, from mellow beginner beach breaks to some of the heaviest, most fearsome big-wave spots on the planet.
California and Hawaii remain the spiritual heartlands, with world-famous point breaks, reefs and the legendary swells of the North Shore. But the surf stretches far beyond: Mexico’s Pacific coast serves up warm-water perfection, Costa Rica has become a year-round surf paradise, and the wild coast of British Columbia offers cold-water waves amid old-growth rainforest.
Whatever your level, there is a wave here with your name on it, whether you want gentle whitewater to learn on, a long peeling point to carve, or a heaving barrel to test yourself against. Add warm water, a laid-back surf-town culture and reliable swell, and the region is one of the world’s great surfing destinations.
North America's Best Surf Spots#
Oahu, Hawaii, USA The undisputed home of surfing, whose North Shore hosts the sport’s most famous waves, including the thundering barrels of Pipeline and the giants of Waimea Bay. In winter, huge Pacific swells turn this seven-mile stretch into the sport’s ultimate proving ground.
Maui, Hawaii, USA Beyond its beaches, Maui hides the monstrous outer reef of Jaws (Peahi), the epicentre of big-wave tow-in surfing, alongside gentler spots perfect for learning. It is a mountain of contrasts where beginners and big-wave legends share the same island.
Santa Cruz, California, USA A quintessential Californian surf town wrapped around the legendary point break of Steamer Lane, where long, powerful right-handers peel beneath the cliffs. Cold water, consistent swell and deep surf heritage define this laid-back coast.
Malibu, California, USA Home to Surfrider Beach, one of the most famous and photogenic point breaks in the world, whose long, gentle right is the archetypal longboarding wave. It is a place woven into the very history and mythology of surfing.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico Known as the ‘Mexican Pipeline’, this stretch of Oaxacan coast produces some of the heaviest, most powerful beach-break barrels on the planet. It is a big-wave arena for experts, backed by a buzzing, sun-soaked surf town.
Sayulita, Mexico A colourful, bohemian town on the Riviera Nayarit with a mellow, forgiving beach break that has made it one of Mexico’s most popular places to learn. Warm water and an easygoing vibe make it perfect for beginners and longboarders.
San Diego, California, USA A surfer’s city with a wave for every mood, from the reefs of La Jolla to the beginner-friendly beaches of Pacific and Mission. Year-round surf, warm sun and an ingrained beach culture make it one of America’s best all-round surf destinations.
Tofino, Canada North America’s cold-water surf capital, where waves roll onto wild beaches backed by the old-growth rainforest of Vancouver Island. Thick wetsuits are essential, but consistent swell and a dramatic, moody setting make it utterly unforgettable.
Huntington Beach, California, USA Officially trademarked as ‘Surf City USA’, this is the spiritual home of Californian surf culture, with a reliable pier break and a beach that lives and breathes the sport. Its long, consistent waves make it a perennial competition venue.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica A lively surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a range of beach and point breaks suited to all abilities, and warm water year-round. Its easy waves and vibrant scene have made it one of Central America’s most popular surf hubs.
Isla Todos Santos, Mexico Just off Ensenada in Baja California lies Killers, one of the biggest and most serious big-wave spots in North America, where winter swells can top twenty metres. It is strictly the preserve of elite big-wave chargers.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico A relaxed Pacific base with mellow waves nearby at Sayulita and in Banderas Bay, ideal for beginners and intermediates seeking warm water and sunshine. The surrounding coast hides a string of uncrowded breaks worth exploring.
Nosara, Costa Rica A laid-back, yoga-infused surf town on the Guanacaste coast whose beach at Playa Guiones offers consistent, forgiving waves nearly every day of the year. It is one of the finest places in the Americas to learn or to simply enjoy dependable surf.
Outer Banks, USA The wave-rich barrier islands of North Carolina are the East Coast’s surfing epicentre, with punchy beach breaks that fire when Atlantic hurricane swells arrive. Wide, wind-swept beaches and empty line-ups reward those who venture out.