The 10 Best Surfing Spots for Beginners

Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu

This list isn’t a ranking, but if it were, Waikiki would be hard to top. While the waves break far from the fine-grained sand of Oahu’s South Shore, the slow, rolling breakers provide easy entry over warm water. There are plenty of rentals and amenities on the beach; you’ll have no problem finding someone to rent you a board or take you out for a lesson. It’s also arguably the most scenic setting in this collection, with the reef, skyline and Diamond Head mountain looming to the east. 

Cowell’s, Santa Cruz, California

The long, slopey, sand-bottom wave tucked south of Steamer Lane is one of Santa Cruz’s most popular locales. It’s a large playing field, and usually, you can find your own peak to practice popping up.  You'll never get held down long here. The wave needs some swell to turn on, but when the tide is low you can get a long, cruising wave to yourself. 

Imsouane, Morocco

Once dubbed Africa’s surfing Disneyland, Imsouane holds a spellbinding wave. Located in a small fishing village in Souss-Massa lies La Baie, a fun mile-long righthand tapered point break. On the right day, a longboarder can snag a 2.5-minute ride. It can hold a large crowd, but the vibe is generally welcoming. No need to bring a thick wetsuit either, a springsuit will do the trick. 

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The four-mile-long bay of Tamarindo holds several breaks, each one varying in levels of difficulty. For beginners, the best bet is to try just north of the Tamarindo Diria, where the surfing is usually small. When conditions allow, hit up Playa Avellanas or El Estero. There is no shortage of surf guides or locals to give a helping hand. Muy tranquillo with very warm water. 

San Onofre, San Clemente, California

A not-so-hidden gem in Southern California, San Onofre’s cobblestone beach has been a sanctuary for longboarders, standup paddlers and all manner of surf craft for decades. By the 1960s it was among the more popular waves on the San Clemente coastline for its easy access and consistently mellow waves. Not much has changed since. There are lefts and rights that beginners and advanced surfers can’t get enough of. It does get crowded on good days, so watch where you’re going and give people room. 

Zarautz, San Sebastian, Spain

The coastline in and around San Sebastian is simply stunning. Drive a half-hour west of the city, and you’ll find Zarautz, one of the region’s crown jewels for surfing. The waves aren’t crazy year-round in this part of the Atlantic Ocean, but Zarautz has a sprawling beach where you’ll find a series of accessible, friendly breaks along its stretch. It’s fairly consistent, but it gets busy. But it's a scenic destination, and after a session, you can find lively nightlife or a bunch of cafes. 

Puaʻena Point, Haleiwa, North Shore, Oahu

The North Shore has a deserved reputation for powerful, challenging, bail your board and pray waves. But there are a few spots that offer an easy, friendly north from the duck dives and hold-downs. Puena Point gets massive on a scary west swell, but most of the winter, it's a long, straightforward wave breaking on the north end of Haleiwa. Many surf schools in the area often bring beginners in private lessons or large groups to enjoy the mellow rides. 

Turtle Bay, Ritz-Carlton Oahu, North Shore, Oahu

Another gentle, warm water right-hander that suits a big board. If you’re keen on a lesson, Jamie O’Brien, of the best to ever do it on the North Shore, owns the only surf school operating out of the resort. O’Brien, a former Pipeline Masters champion and widely successful YouTuber, probably won’t push you in himself, but his staff has rave reviews. The schools cater to kids and families, as do the calm peeling waves. 

Côte De Basque, Biarritz, France

Ever wanted to see Spain from France? You can do that from the lineup at Cote De Basque, a well-frequented beachbreak south of Biarritz. The sand and tides have to align; no small task in this part of the world. Here’s how one French surfer described the wave, which is more suitable for beginners at low tide: 

In summer, the Côte des Basques is a paradise for longboarders. The setting is spectacular, with the Belza villa dominating the beach's northern end and the Pyrenees' foothills framing the southern end. The waves are less hollow than elsewhere, and if you find the right peak, you can get a ride that lasts for hundreds of metres. It’s a great spot for learning, so no surprise that there are loads of surf schools here, but that also means that it’s crowded in the water. 

Old Man’s at Tourmaline, San Diego, California

At the end of Tourmaline Street lies Old Man’s, a mushy playful point beloved by its local crowd. You’ll likely see a mix of longboard savants and beginner surfers. It’s got a neighborhood feel, and the vibe is welcoming, but be prepared to share some waves. As Surfline described it, “The atmosphere here is the antithesis of the aggro jostling going on just a quarter of a mile away at the Crystal Pier.”

So there you have it—10 of the world’s best surf spots for beginners. Remember, when in doubt, ask around. These locations almost always have more experienced surfers who can advise when it’s safe to paddle out and when it’s not.