Read on to learn more about the top surfing spots in the southern hemisphere that ocean lovers and surfers alike will not want to miss.
The perfect surfing conditions are created by storms and wind traveling across large expanses of water. The size and quality of the incoming waves and swell are largely influenced by the strength of the winds and the distance they can travel before meeting the shore.
With less variation between seasons and wider expanses of open ocean, it should come as no surprise that the southern Hemisphere has some of the best and most consistent surfing conditions in the world. And after a long day of catching waves, there is no better way to end the evening than enjoying a chilled glass of Liquorland spirits and reveling in the events of the day with friends and family.
Snapper Rocks, Queensland – Australia
The Gold Coast, situated along Australia’s northeast coast, boasts some of the country’s most exhilarating surfing and swimming spots. It is also home to the Superbank, a massive and remarkable man-made sandbank that creates one of the longest waves on planet Earth.
This barrelling wave reels from Snapper to Greenmount Beach, cementing itself as a must-visit hot spot for any serious surfer. Thanks to its picture-perfect conditions, the waters can become fairly busy during peak hours. To avoid hurting yourself and others, taking a lesson with Get Wet Surf School is strongly recommended for any newcomer.
Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape – South Africa
Jeffreys Bay, located along the southeastern coast of South Africa, is a familiar name to anyone in the surfing world. This is largely because it is home to the World Surf League’s Annual J-Bay Open, which returns annually to this premier surf spot thanks to its very consistent and favorable conditions.
It is a beloved spot for local legends like Jordy Smith and top international surfers like Kelly Slater and Mike Fanning. However, be warned. Those who call these waters home take their sport very seriously and expect others to follow the unspoken rules of surfing etiquette.
Máncora, Peru
Peru and surfing go hand in hand, so much so that evidence suggests surfing actually originated in this South American country. The northern coastline is home to the most popular surf spots in the country, including Máncora.
This northwestern city, situated along the Pan-Amercian Highway, is well-known for its lively nightlight and very consistent surf, which provide the perfect conditions for all skill levels. There is never a wrong time to hit the waves here, with the biggest waves supported by northerly swells from October to April. However, the warm summer weather between December and April provides endless days of surfing in the sun.
St. Clair, Dunedin – New Zealand
Anyone who has had the opportunity to hit the surf off Dunedin’s coastline will be quick to tell you that it boasts some of the best waves in the world. This rugged coastline, with its cold water and seemingly constant swell coming from the south, may not be suitable for beginners, but there is a good reason why locals affectionately refer to it as the ‘cold water Bali.’
St. Clair is a sandy beach break suitable for surfers of all levels. It has a punchy shore break on one side and a fantastic right-hand point break on the other. Conditions are best at low tide with N/NW winds, but they can vary widely throughout the day. The summer season is fairly calm and better for beginners, while the rough winter storms originating from the south make the winter season more suitable for the more experienced among us.
Dungeons, Western Cape – South Africa
Dungeons is a somewhat unknown surfing spot located in Hout Bay, South Africa, that is only accessible by watercraft. This incredible destination is unique because it only works with winter storm surf that arrives on this coastline between June and August. However, this small surfing window is well worth the wait, as it is classed as one of the world’s ‘big wave’ venues.
The 15-to-30-foot swell breaks over a shallow reef and is not for the fainthearted. Only seriously experienced surfers should brave these monster walls of water for the ultimate adrenaline rush, which is further bolstered by the fact that this area is one of the most active shark spots in South Africa.
Florianópolis, Brazil
Brazil has produced some of the best surfers in the world. In fact, according to Stab Magazine, it is the world’s best surfing nation. With over 4,500 miles of coastline to choose from, featuring a variety of different climates and swells to suit all levels, you are spoiled for choice.
However, Santa Catarina, an island state in the south of Brazil, close to Florianópolis, the surf capital of the world, is practically a swell magnet. It boasts roughly 50 different surf breaks that can handle a variety of swells, wind conditions, and tides, offering something for everyone. There are fantastic surf conditions year-round, but the best waves arrive between March and November, with the biggest coming in the winter months between June and August.
Redgate Beach, Western Australia
With a whopping 80 miles of coastline and over 75 breaks, it is no surprise that the Margaret River region in western Australia has become a popular stop for local surfers and travelers alike. Powerful swells generate punchy waves at Surfers Point, where the best in the world come together for the World Surf League’s Margaret River Pro.
At Redgate Beach, beginners and intermediates can make the most of the constant waves and gentler sand breaks by enrolling themselves in a class with Margaret River Surf School.
