Surf Travel

Riding the desert winds of the Masirah Island

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:32:56 +0000

When the Middle East meets the Asian continent, there's Masirah Island, one of the best kept secrets in the kiteboarding world.

Hot summers and warm winters. Desert landscapes, endless sandy beaches and constant strong winds. The Arabian Sea hides a treasure for all wind lovers. Welcome to Masirah Island, territory of Oman.

The island offers ideal wind conditions, nearly untouched nature and the original charm of the Middle East. Most of the island's interior is deserted.

The hidden surfing paradise of North Korea

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:41:42 +0000

North Korea, the world's most secretive country, has plenty of secret surf spots to discover. But, will it be possible to ride waves in the land of Kim Il-sung, the eternal president?

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea, offers 2,495 kilometers (1,550 miles) of coastline, with the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan in the Western and Eastern coasts.

If you had the opportunity to surf waves in North Korea, you'd rather head for the Sea of Japan coast because the local sea currents circulate in the counterclockwise direction, clearly hitting the exposed coast.

The everlasting surfing waves of Portugal

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:52:49 +0000

Portugal offers approximately 943 kilometres (586 miles) of waves. It is considered one of the best countries in the world for surfing, as you'll find a good to great surf spot all along the coast.

Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, located at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula. The oldest European nation-state offers 300 days of sun per year and a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures.

There are great waves for surfing along the mainland, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Surfing is a very popular sport in Portuguese beaches, in all seasons.

Surfing crystal waters in Papua New Guinea

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:55:39 +0000

Papua New Guinea has been known for its pristine diving spots and crystal clear waters, but surfing has become quite popular in this Oceania country.

The second largest island in the world offers 600 outer islands, atolls and coral reefs. Located northeast of Australia, Papua New Guinea has a wide set of surf breaks, surrounded by WWII artifacts, marine life and sunken volcanoes.

Rugby is Papua New Guinea's most popular sport, but surfers have been visiting the country for a couple of decades. Fortunately, the weather conditions and the local touristic resorts are playing on surfing's side.

Surfing in Russia with a sip of vodka

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:35:52 +0000

Vodka. Before getting in the cold waters of Russia, sip a small shot of Russian vodka and you're ready to dive into a unique surfing experience. Yes, the largest country in the world has great waves on offer.

There are only three valid keys to open the secrets of surfing in Russia. The land of matryoshka dolls and caviar will pump perfect waves in the Sochi, Kamchatka Peninsula and in Vladivostok. Always expect low water temperatures, between 5-10ºC.

Surfing in Russian is an adventure and requires a previously planned surf trip. The usual checklist should include special gear and tools for extreme natural events and conditions.

Surfing the ancient and enigmatic waves of Morocco

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:47:58 +0000

Morocco has some of the best surf spots to offer in the world. Taghazout area is especially well known for its perfect right-handers that have been attracting surfers from worldwide since the 60's.

The swell season starts in October till April. During summer the most consistent area is between Safi and north Rabat. September and October are normally great all along the coast when the first winter swells arrive and usually no wind.

Due to a big range of surf breaks it's a perfect surfing destination for all levels of surfers.

The best surf spots in the Maldives

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:08:33 +0000

Maldives has some of the best waves in the world. This country has 1192 islands and endless surf breaks.

Maldives' waves can't be considered super powerful, as the swell normally reaches shoulder-to-head high, but it offers big chances of barrels and long fun waves. It's the perfect trip for intermediate and advanced surfers.

The surfing season in the Maldives depends on the Atolls, but most of the archipelago is good for surfing from April till October, yet March and November are also good and have the best weather.

Swell is amazingly consistent in this part of the planet, but even on flat days there's always something exciting to do in the Maldives, like snorkeling or fishing.

The entire archipelago can be divided into three different surf areas: Male Atolls, Central Atolls and South Atolls. The main differences between them are about swell size, consistency and most of all in crowd.

The endless barrels of G-Land

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:23:28 +0000

G-Land is one of the most renowned waves of Java. Located in the Eastern side of the island, G-Land is also one of the most exposed reefs in Indonesia, catching more swell than any other break. The reef stretches along one and half kilometres and holds four different take-off surf spots, targeted to different levels of surfing experience.

"Kongs" is the first break way up the point and very rarely drops below three feet. It offers long workable walls and it is a slower and mellower break compared to those down the line.

"Money Trees" is the next section of the wave and is also the most consistent surf area of the reef. The spot is famous for its fast wave faces, as well as the emerald green and almond shaped barrels.

"Launching Pads" is comes next. This is a more demanding wave, in which barrels get bigger. Its name derives from the take-off point leading into "Speedies", a few 70 metres down the reef. It could mean one of the longest barrels of your life.

"Speedies" is definitely famous for its long spinning barrels. This surf spot truly says all about G-Land. If you score it on "the day", you’ll understand why.

Hainan Island is the surf capital of China

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:01:10 +0000

Surfing in China is all about discovering waves in the 14,500 kilometres of coastline. People's Republic of China might be the most populous state in the world, but surfing is still not the main sports attraction for the 1.3 billion citizens of the country.

China shares maritime boundaries with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, countries were surfers are more common in the regional surf spots.

Surfing in China wasjust a mirage in the beginning of the 21st century, but fortunately everything's changing. The foreign surfing community has been discovering the ocean treasure of China and the country is falling in love with the sport of riding waves.

The Hainan Island is undoubtedly the capital of surfing in China. Located in the South China Sea, Hainan Island gets multiple swells from northeastern and southern currents. Its beautiful sand beaches and warm climate have helped to develop a stable touristic offer for surfers and their families.

The heart of the Chinese surfing communities has two different prime surfing regions. In the east coast of Hainan Island, look for several surf opportunities between Ganzhe Dao and Xincun Gang. In this strip, there are great surf spots for the winter season: Shimei Bay,
the famous Riyue Bay, Ho-Hai Beach and "Matos".

Surfing the endless wave of Pororoca

editor@surfertoday.com (Editor at SurferToday.com) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:51:28 +0000

The ultimate dream of a surfer is to surf an endless wave. The dream may become reality if you're in Brazil, at the right time. Pororoca is considered one of the longest surfable waves in the world. This tidal bore is located in the huge Amazon and can only be surfed twice in a year.

Pororoca delivers up to 12-foot river waves, during the dry season, in February and March. But, watch out. Pororoca is a dangerous wave and is only suitable for experienced surfers.

The water is full of trees, debris, crocodiles, piranhas and snakes. Also, the wave is so fast you won't be able to catch it up again. The amazing Pororoca should be surfed with a boat or jet ski support.