The world’s best surf spots

Pro-surfer Tehillah McGuinness shares the world’s best surf spots…

Surfing is a total lifestyle and it can take you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. There are so many different types of waves for all skill levels and too many surf spots to visit in one lifetime. So here are the top 5 most iconic surf spots of all time.

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

This chain of islands in Indonesia – off the western coast of Sumatra – is recognised for having some of the most perfect surfing breaks in the world. If there was ever an ideal surfing trip to take with your buddies, this is it. The Mentawai Islands provides a plethora of conditions for surfers of all skill levels.

Mavericks, California, United States

This legendary location is just north of Half Moon Bay and is considered the best winter destination for big wave riders. Mavericks is not for the faint of heart. After a strong winter storm in the northern Pacific Ocean, waves can often crest at over 25 feet and top out at over 60 feet. Routinely, waves that break can be recorded on the Richter Scale. This break is caused by an unusually-shaped underwater rock formation.

Mavericks is a winter destination for some of the world’s best big wave surfers and an invitation-only contest is held there most winters, Only a select few are willing to risk the hazardous, sometimes deadly, conditions!

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Discover the best breaks or learn to surf in surfing paradise. With endless sun-drenched beaches and four epic point breaks, it’s easy to see why the Gold Coast is home to a city called Surfers Paradise.

As well as being an international party destination, the Gold Coast boasts some of Australia’s best, most consistent waves and hosts many international surfing competitions. The 35 beaches are patrolled year-round by professional lifeguards and have surf to suit all levels of experience. If you’re a surfing novice, the Gold Coast is an ideal place to learn.

Supertubes, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

This is my all-time favourite, as Jeffreys Bay is my ex-hometown. Also known as J-bay, this is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This legendary break is host to the annual J-Bay Open at Supertubes in July, and spectators and professional surfers from all over the world flock to this event. Supertubes is notorious for amazing right-hand tubes and long point breaks.

Jeffreys Bay was once just a small fishing village with a reputation as a ‘hippie hangout,’ but it’s become a popular tourist destination due to its reputation as one of the best surf spots in the world. Surfers from all over the world flock to Jefrreys for rides that near 300 meters long. Actually, there isn’t really a time where this spot isn’t crowded by surfers. But they’re not alone either, as Jeffrey’s Bay is most certainly shark territory!

Pipeline Oahu, Hawaii

Pipeline is the Super Bowl of surfing. Its powerful waves and shallow reef make this famous surf spot very enticing for surfers who love to get ‘barrelled’. However, it’s considered the deadliest wave – due to more deaths than at any other spot in the world. This spot is definitely not for beginners; it’s for the best of the best. It’s the birthplace of surfing and the mecca for true surfers.