The Best Places for Beginners to Learn to Surf in 2025

At Kala Surf, we believe Bali is legit the best place to learn how to surf.

It’s not just about the waves either (although you can easily find breaks for all levels, from beginner to more experienced surfers).

It’s the full experience! 

Affordable cost of living, world-class surf spots, rich local surf culture, warm water all year, incredible food and the kind of island energy that makes you want to stay longer.

We’d love to have you join us in Bali. But if that’s not on the cards this year, there are still amazing places around the world where you can get started.

These destinations offer the right combination of beginner-friendly waves, skilled instructors and the world's best surf for you learners.

Top beginner waves in the world

Here’s our countdown of the top surfing destinations for beginners in 2025... starting at 10 and building up to (you guessed it!) Bali’s Bukit Peninsula at numero uno.

10. San Juan, Philippines

Top pick: Urbiztondo

This laidback spot on the north coast has grown into one of the Philippines’ most popular waves. The beach break here is soft and forgiving, which is ideal for beginners.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Friendly community, warm water, consistent swell and plenty of surf schools right near the beach.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii

Top pick: Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is world-famous for a reason. Its long, slow, rolling waves are perfect for first-timers. It's also an historic surf spot, with some of the earliest photos and clips of surfers taken here.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

A must-visit surfing destination where modern surfing was born. Plus, there’s warm water and expert instructors on nearly every block. And poke bowls. They rule.

8. Algarve, Portugal

Top pick: Arrifana

Portugal offers a mix of beach breaks and rock-bottom points. Arrifana in particular is known for its striking cliffs and ultra mellow waves. It gets busy in summer, like all European surf spots, but you can still fill waves that are less crowded.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Great weather, dependable swell and a surf scene that feels distinctly Portuguese.

7. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Top pick: Santa Teresa Beach

Located on the Pacific coast, this town is a magnet for surfers of all levels. Santa Teresa has a mellow vibe and long sandy beaches. And while it can get big, you'll find gentle waves in the area so long as you go during the dry season.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Costa Rica is one of the world’s best countries for surf travel. It's safe and blessed with some of the friendliest locals in the world.

6.Sayulita, Mexico

Top pick: Sayulita Beach

This colorful fishing village turned surf town has a vibrant community and easy waves for beginners. It's definitely becoming more gentrified every year, but it's still got plenty of soul.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

It’s small and everything is within walking distance. And besides the flourishing learn-to-surf community, the town itself is full of charm.

5. Byron Bay, Australia

Top pick: The Pass

Byron Bay is often called the surf capital of Australia’s east coast. The Pass offers long, peeling rides in waist-high water. Many people actually combine a Bali trip with a trip to Byron Bay. And why not? You're only a short flight to Brisbane from Denpasar. Might as well check it out!

Why it’s a great place to learn:

The scenery is gorgeous, the waves are friendly and the town balances that laidback Australian feel with cool backpacker vibes.

4. Weligama, Sri Lanka

Top pick: Weligama Bay

This southern bay has gentle beach breaks that stretch for miles. It’s peaceful, with just enough surf infrastructure to keep things easy. Sri Lankan food is pretty good too (but not as good as tucking into a warung feed in Bali, in our humble opinion).

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Safe, slow waves over sand make it perfect for first-timers. And like Bali, it’s affordable enough to stay for an extended period of time and set up your home away from home.

3. Taghazout, Morocco

Top pick: Panoramas

This once-sleepy surf village now buzzes with yoga camps, surf schools and beach cafés. Panoramas is the best beginner surf spot in Taghazout. Practice your pop up by day and eat tagine in the evening. Not bad, right?

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Affordable and culturally rich. One of the best value destinations in this list. A must for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere looking to fly south-ish for the cooler months.

2. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Top pick: Playa Tamarindo

This town is built around surfing. The beach break here is long and sandy, with waves that are ideal for building confidence.

Why it’s a great place to learn:

Plenty of instructors, surf shops and rentals if you want to go it alone. You’ll never feel out of place as a beginner here.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Top picks: Balangan, Dreamland and Uluwatu

It’s hard to beat Bali. Balangan offers a soft takeoff zone that makes it easier for newer surfers. Dreamland has mellow whitewater near shore and more push farther out. And Uluwatu, while known for advanced surfers, has inside sections for when you start to get better.

Why it’s the best place to learn:

Bali has everything: year-round warm water, a massive variety of surf breaks, nightlife and instructors who know how to take you from zero to your first green wave. It’s also still affordable if you know where to go.

Want to know where to go and what to bring? Check out the best beginner surf spots in Bali and what to pack for your first surf trip.

FAQ: Beginner Surf Travel in 2025

Q. What are the best surf spots in the world for beginners?

Bali, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Portugal and Hawaii are among the best. They offer reliable waves, quality instruction and warm water.

Q. Is Bali really one of the best places to learn to surf?

Yes. Bali ticks every box! Soft beach breaks, expert coaching, consistent waves and a surf vibe that welcomes everyone.

Q. When is the best season to learn to surf?

You can actually learn to surf all-year round. It depends on where you go and whether you want cold or warm water. Bali's dry season is super popular from April to October, but its wet season also works for beginners.

Q. Are beach breaks or reef breaks better for beginners?

Beach breaks are safer and more forgiving, especially for your first few sessions. But many reef or point breaks in places like Bali are beginner-friendly when the swell is small.

Q. How long does it take to learn to surf?

Most people ride and stand up on their first whitewater wave on day one. After a week of lessons, you could be catching green waves and paddling with more confidence.

Q. What should I look for in a beginner surf destination?

Choose places with a mix of reef, point and beach breaks, consistent swell, warm water and experienced instructors. Oh... and epic surf-focused accommodation too.

Q. Can I learn to surf if I’m not super fit?

Yes. Surfing is for everyone. You’ll build strength, balance and ocean awareness as you go. Start where you are and have fun. Zero expectation. Maximum effort.

Q. What is a surf capital?

A surf capital is a town or region known globally for its waves and surf culture. Think Bali, Byron Bay, Santa Cruz in California, Jeffery's Bay in South Africa or Oahu’s North Shore.

Q. How do I plan my first surf trip?

Pick a destination with good beginner conditions, book lessons, stay near the beach and go in the right season. A surf camp like Kala Surf makes it easy to get started, whether you want to surf your first wave or a big wave!

Final thoughts

Learning to surf is more than just a sport. It’s a proper lifestyle shift. You’ll start noticing tides, reading waves and spending more time outdoors. But the destination you choose really matters.

Nobody wants to blow their monthly vacation time or hard-earned cash on a dud surf spot. All the places above are worth considering. But if you want warm water, a vibrant surf scene, good food and waves for every level—all in one place—Bali is hard to top.

And we’d love to help you catch your first wave