9 Places to Shred the Gnar (And For The Rest Of Us… “Surf”)

Here’s something that’s hard to do while stuck inside for months on end: go surfing. It’s much less fun in the pool (unless you have a wave machine) or the bathtub (unless you can shrink yourself). Regardless, the lack of surfing has made us think about surfing, so we made a new print about it, and now we’re thinking of the next place we’ll go to charge a bomb (translation: aggressively tackle a massive wave). So we noodled on it and put together this list of 9 epic places to go get amped about rad barrels and eskimo rolls and foamies and stuff. (We have on idea what we’re saying.) But anyway, surf’s on. 

Pipeline, Oahu, HI: Yea, ya know, just the granddaddy of all waves. On the island where modern-day surfing was basically developed. It’s an insane wave that carries you over a razor-blade sharp table reef (so maybe don’t touch that) and one of nature’s finest creations. If you dare try it.

Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: Let’s start here: Teahupo’o means “Wall of Heads”, so this one’s pretty crazy. It’s known as one of the most perfect and feared waves in the world, and is so absurdly heavy it’s almost cartoonish. So guess you’re just gonna have to see it to believe it.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall: With its consistent waves and a beach break that works left and right, this is the spot to go if you’re looking for something a bit more chill (and appropriate for any level). Plus, it’s tucked away in sort of a wild, unspoiled part of Cornwall that isn’t littered with tourists, and views of rolling, grassy hills and craggy cliffs aren’t such a bad sight while cresting the waves. 

The Box, Margaret River Valley, Australia: At the Box you’ll find a slab wave (meaning it transitions quickly from deep to shallow water), and this one means serious biz. It’s super dangerous so it attracts thrill-seekers; if you’re looking to risk your life just a squish, this could be your spot. Oh, also, the water is sharky as hell. 

Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa: This is where you go when you’re looking for super small waves, and by small, we mean 1,000 feet long (seriously). The bay is split up into sections so you’ve got all sorts of choices: Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Boneyards, and of course the mother of all, the Supertubes. 

Hoddevik, Norway: Ok, temperature warning: these waters are literally ice cold, but if you’re geared up with a wetsuit, you’ll be one happy camper. The water’s surrounding cliffs break the wind, keeping the waves consistent, and with few fellow surfers daring to test the temperatures, you might have the sea all to yourself. 

Hossegor, France: Known as the surfing capital of Europe, this Atlantic surfing spot has super heavy waves that break on a super shallow sandbank. Aka, they’re not for the faint of heart. However, you can always just go for the celeb sightings—the beach is home to all sorts of the rich and famous.

San Vicente de la Barquera, Spain: Nestled amid meadows, dunes, forests, and cliffs sits the ridiculously charming village town of San Vicente de la Barquera. Between difficult peaks for advanced surfers and mild conditions for beginners, it’s got something for everyone—plus some pretty boss seafood restaurants to fuel up afterward.

Montanita Beach, Montanita, Ecuador: Most people shoot right up to the Galapagos Islands to surf, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll spot Montanita Beach: a hidden little gem that once upon a time, wasn’t even on the map. The spot is equally great for pounding surf as it is for socializing—the locals have been classified as the friendliest bunch of surfers around (and are all about hitting the bar for that apres-surf).

And hey, if you can’t quite make it to any of these spots just yet, you can always get your surf on with your Undies. It’s basically the same thing.