Let’s go surfing now: 4 tips for planning a surfing vacation
By Aimee Heckel
Listen to the Beach Boys: It’s summer, and it’s time to hit the waves.
Whether you’re a total kook (in which case you probably don’t know that means beginner in surf lingo), or looking for a new place to fine-tune your skills, here are some totally gnarly ways to plan a surfcation.
1. Start at Wavehunters.com. This website specializes in surf travel and surfing trips and the full-service travel company can tell you the best times of year to make your trip and help you find the right spot.
Whether you are looking for the least-crowded surfing destination (Papua New Guinea), or surf trips with the best night life (Central Costa Rica), Wavehunters can hook you up with what you need.
2. Get off the beach — and onto a cruiser. Consider adding a boat to your trip. When you book through Maldives Surfing Tours, your guide will bring you to the best waves. Plus, these trips tend to be much cheaper than other kinds of surf vacations.
3. Stay at a surf-friendly hotel. Forbes.com tracks the best hotels for surfers. On the list: The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, that overlooks the SoCal beach and nearby popular surf spots for all levels. Note: The Ritz-Carlton is a four-star hotel, and although rates vary, they tend to range between $400 and $700 a night.
Looking for something a little (or a lot) cheaper? Stay at the Bali Beach Surf House overlooking the ocean, where rooms start at $110 per night. Note: Book asap, because the calendar is nearly booked full.
4. If you’re new to the scene, consider surf lessons. Some companies, such as Learn to Surf LA, offer surf camps, too. Mojosurf is known for its top-notch surf camps in Australia. Enroll in a three-month surf academy, or just a weekend escape. We like the middle ground: the “10 day go pro” package.
National Geographic has a list of the top 10 surf schools, from Hawaii to Costa Rica to New York.
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