Winter is here, but it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the surf. Chase the season to the Southern Hemisphere and discover some epic spots for a never-ending summer. Don’t hang up the board – hang ten!
South Africa
South Africa is home to some of the world’s best spots for tubular adventure and big wave extravaganzas. Not only does the country serve up upper-echelon action, but it’s also home to gorgeous scenery. Here is the bucket list for South African surf spots:
- Jeffrey’s Bay
- Wild Coast, Port Edward
- Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Llandudno, Cape Town
- Dunes, Cape Town
- Long Beach, Cape Town
- Eland’s Bay, Cape Town
- Big Bay, Cape Town
- Muizenberg, Cape Town
- Durban
The world-famous Jeffrey’s Bay immediately is a must-see, with annual competitions from the World Surf League to endorse the reputation of its legendary supertubes. To the west, Cape Town runs the gamut. Llandudno’s rocky boulders and hollow waves are unforgiving to beginners, Hout Bay’s Dungeons challenge the highest skill levels with tall waves and shallow reefs, while Dunes and Eland’s Bay can offer a more intermediate endeavor. Tamer waves and beginner surfing are at Big Bay and Muizenberg.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s outdoor beauty is epic, and so is the country’s surfing. Its north island offers some intensely picturesque beaches, while the south island’s remote charm lets you feel completely disconnected. Here are some awesome spots to ride the waves in the land of the kiwis:
- Muriwai, North Island
- Piha, North Island
- Taranaki, North Island (New Plymouth to Hawera)
- Rarawa, North Island
- Manu Bay, North Island
- Shipwreck Bay, North Island
- Great Barrier Island
- Kaikoura, South Island
The whole coastline of the north island hosts astonishing beach destinations, including Coromandel and the northern peninsula up to Cape Reinga. The rugged yet lush landscapes at Piha and Muriwai should be enough to elate the soul, but the surf is also right on point. Manu Bay has some extensive rides, and Shipwreck Bay has made it onto pretty much every kiwi surfer’s list.
South America
South America has unbelievable coasts to hang ten. Some favorites are:
- Brazil: Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island
- Argentina: Playa Mariano in Mar del Plata
- Peru: Máncora, Cabo Blanco, Chicama, Huanchaco, Lobitos
- Chile: Pichilemu, Punta de Lobos
- Colombia: Nuquí, El Valle, Playa Guachalito
Both Peru and Chile are a dream for goofy-footed surfers. Punta de Lobos can accommodate any level based on tide and season, but Chilean waters are usually cold, while Peruvian waters have more of a tropical temperature. Brazil’s Florianópolis has consistently solid waves at Praia Joaquina and powerful rides at Guarda do Embaú.
Australia
It wouldn’t be a Southern Hemisphere surf list if it didn’t include the excellent surf in Australia’s Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Here are some notable mentions for one of the best surf countries in the world:
- Kirra, Gold Coast
- Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
- Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
- The Pass, Byron Bay
- Angourie, Yamba
- Bells Beach, Torquay
- Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
- Black Rock, Jervis Bay
- Narrabeen, Sydney
- Main Break, Margaret River
- Prevelly Bay, Margaret River
Wherever your next adventure takes you, it’s important to have a place to store your gear, whether in the off-season or while you’re away to conquer new lands. StorQuest offers premium storage for the bold and the daring.