The Top Surfing Destinations in the World 2014

THE TOP SURFING Destinations The World in 2014 Surfing can be done in many countries around the world but only a few deserve attention when it comes to listing the very top surfing destinations in the world. THE GLOBAL STATS ON SURFING 13.2 BILLION That's how much the global surfing market is set to reach by 2017. 23 MILLION $75K/YEAR. Based on a survey, the average U.S. surfer is 34, owns 4 boards and makes $75K/year. the total number of surfers worldwide. This figure equates to the entire population of Australia. BIGGEST The biggest single group of Australian surfers today exists between the ages of 35 and 44, and the 15-to-17 year age group shows the lowest surfing participation rate by percentage of any age group. 1 IN 10 According to statistics, over 1 in 10 Australians are surfers. THE NORTH SHORE OF OAHU, HAWAII TOP SPOTS Ehukai Beach, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay WHEN TO GO October to March E SUITABLE FOR All types of surfers WHAT TO KNOW Your limit. This is the home to many surfing professionals so don't get carried away with your abilities as a surfer if you're still relatively new to the sport. The North Shore of Oahu offers a seven-mile stretch of perhaps the very best waves in the world. Between Ka'ena Point and Kahuku Point are breaks such as the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. The surfing pros hit town during the winter season and the place really comes alive with surfing's prestigious Triple Crown contest, being held here annually in December. BALI, INDONESIA Kuta Beach, Keramas beach and Uluwatu TOP SPOTS A May to September WHEN TO GO E Beginners to pro surfers SUITABLE FOR 3 WHAT TO KNOW Can get crowded in peak season and certain spots like Uluwatu can be dangerous if you're an inexperienced surfer. Bali is a paradise for surfers and the surrounding islands have some great surfing beaches too. Keramas beach is a popular spot for advanced surfers - it has an excellent reefbreak and offers constant waves and a big swell. While Kuta beach is favoured by those new to surfing with tamer conditions. THE GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA TOP SPOTS The Spit, Coolangatta beach and Burleigh WHEN TO GO January to July E SUITABLE FOR Beginners to pro surfers WHAT TO KNOW This is a busy spot for surfing: there's 500,000-plus locals vying for waves - and that's not counting visiting surfers. The Gold Coast boasts 57 kilometres of pristine coastline that's home to some of the best surf breaks in the world- like the Superbank that stretches from Snapper Heads to Greenmount and Burleigh Point - probably the world's best right-hand point break. HOSSEGOR, FRANCE La Nord, La Graviere and Les Estagnots TOP SPOTS May to October WHEN TO GO Intermediate to pro surfers SUITABLE FOR WHAT TO KNOW The language - If you don't speak French, you may not get as welcoming a vibe as others who do. This surfing spot has been dubbed the "surfing capital of Europe" and people come from miles around to watch the pros ride tubes here. Winters can be cold here and can provide some dangerous surfing conditions with massive storm swells slamming the beaches on a weekly basis. EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA A TOP SPOTS Jeffreys Bay, St. Francis Bay and Port Elizabeth WHEN TO GO May to September E SUITABLE FOR Beginners to advanced surfers WHAT TO KNOW Cold water and heavy waves to be expected. South Africa's coastline is defined by a series of points and bays and it has loads to offer surfers. In particular, Jeffreys Bay is a top destination and boasts long fast barrels, magna tubes and even super tubes. SLIGO, IRELAND Mullaghmore Head, Easkey and Strand Hill TOP SPOTS A July to September WHEN TO GO Mostly intermediate to advanced surfers, however Stand Hill is a good spot for the novice SUITABLE FOR 3 WHAT TO KNOW Cold water and harsh weather conditions. Ireland, known among surfers as "Europe's cold-water Indonesia", has become a mecca for surfers over the past 10 years, boasting big waves and beautiful surroundings. Of course, you will have to come prepared for the harsh weather conditions and expect rain - plenty of it - but if you're truly passionate about surfing, you'll appreciate what the Emerald Eye and especially Sligo, has to offer. What the Experts Say We asked some of the most influential surfing bloggers and surfing enthusiasts what were their thoughts on top surfing destinations in the world for 2014. Here is what they said "At the moment we feel Morocco is one of the best surfing destinations in the world - it might not be the most famous or the biggest but the sheer variety of waves, the amazing Moroccan culture, the tasty food and low living costs all make it a great destination for a surf holiday." O Chris Stevens www.epicgapyear.com www "I think, for me at least, the best place in the world to surf is Indonesia. The waves are nearly endless - all kinds of them, from playful little runners to bombing, terrifying reef breaks. The food is amazing, and the people are some of the nicest on the planet. Everything's cheap, everything's beautiful, and it just feels happy no matter where you go. www.theinertia.com Alexander Haro O www "The best surfing destination in the world is a personal choice for each surfer and is not necessarily those flagged by the worlds surfing magazines and companies. It's not always the biggest, most shallow or barrelling wave in a sunny warm climate. I'm in Australia at the moment and long for the cold, raw waves of western Ireland. The best surfing destination is where you, the surfer, connect with most and feel at home." O Neil Cooney www.surfaroundireland.com www "My top destination: Boat trip in the Maldives (of course, but I really mean it). Why: Because surf conditions are good but not as powerful as in Indo, it is politically safe, not dangerous (no malaria and no shark attack reported) and it's possible to surf uncrowded waves in turquoise water." www.surfatoll.com Gérald Speckert O www REFERENCES www.surfinglife.com.au/news/sl-news/11434-lies-damned-lies-and-statistics latitudes.nu/the-best-surfing-spots-in-bali-a-top-5-from-beginners-to-pro-surfers/ goafrica.about.com/od/southafrica/a/surfingsa.htm www.balisurftravelcompany.com/2012/11/surfing-in-bali-when-to-go/ adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trips/best-surf-towns-photos/ blog queensland.com/2013/02/06/how-to-surf-the-gold-coast/ travel.cnn.com/explorations/play/worlds-50-best-surf-spots-250983 surf.transworld.net/1000078145/features/top-10-surf-meccas/ www.lowpressure.co.uk/surftravelplanner/region.aspx?region-34 surf.transworld.net/1000134321/features/go-there-hossegor/ www.backpackerbanter.com/blog/about-us TOTAL SURFING FITNESS Functional Fitness Training For Surfers www.totalsurfingfitness.com %24