The coral and the vauna (urchins) are a little sharp so booties may be required. The outer reef breaks up the energy into waves perfect for beginners. This corner of Maui is protected from big winter swells and sucks in south swells. Surf Report: Just south of Lahaina, Launiupoko State Wayside Park has long, rolling, easy reef waves that are perfect for beginners. Wax Run: Hanalei Surf Co., 866-HANALEI, Titus Kinimaka Surf School, Launiupoko State Wayside Park-Maui, Hawaii The North Shore of Kauai is one of the most localized surf spots in the world, but beginners generally stay in beginner spots, while the experienced surfers prowl the outer reefs.īonus: Up the beach a ways is Pine Trees, where Bruce and Andy Irons learned to surf and where they hold their Annual Irons Brothers Classic for up and coming Kauai surfers. Scene: The view from the water to the mountains could suck the stress out of the U.S. Next to the Hanalei pier, where veteran big wave surfer Titus Kinimaka holds his surf classes is the best spot for beginners. Surf Report: The North Shore of Kauai is best from early winter to late spring and offers a variety of breaks for beginners on up to World Champions. Wax Run: Hans Hedemann Surf Rentals, 80, Hanalei Beach- Kauai, Hawaii But in the water, it’s pure “aloha.”īonus: In winter, watch the pros go big at Pipeline, on the North Shore. Try Canoes, an easy right break near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Surf Report: Warm and sunny, with consistent waves year-round (but best in summer). If you want to catch a wave, these are the places to get your feet wet. We polled surfers, surf instructors, and surf shop owners around the country and chose these spots based on setup, reputation, access, safety, and security. Scattered around North America, every couple hundred miles or so, are beaches and reefs perfect for beginning surfers. Safety and security are important to, for in this crowded world, the best beginner spots provide protection from the tyranny of the elements and better surfers. Access is important: lots of parking, surf shops nearby for rentals and instruction, and an easy route out to the peak for those learning to paddle.
What makes a great beginner surf spot is the natural alchemy of a soft, sandy ocean bottom that creates gentle, almost perpetually rolling waves and allows for mistakes and recoveries. The warm, sandy surf of the Wall in Hampton, Rhode Island. Miles and miles of easy, rolling waves in Central Florida and Virginia Beach.
The sandbar at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz. The tombolo at Frank Island in Tofino, British Columbia.