Ready to catch your first wave? Whether you’re dreaming of warm water, gentle beach breaks, or budget-friendly surf towns, 2025 is shaping up to be an epic year to start your surfing journey. Here are the top 10 surf destinations for beginners handpicked for their mellow waves, chill vibes, and surf schools that know how to get you up and riding.
1. Weligama, Sri Lanka
Best time for beginners to go: November to April
Weligama is one of the most beginner-friendly surf towns in South Asia, and for good reason. The wide sandy bay offers slow-rolling whitewater waves that are perfect for building confidence on a longboard. You’ll find dozens of surf schools and board rentals directly on the beach, most run by friendly local instructors. The town is low-key but has just enough cafés, yoga studios, and tuk-tuks to keep things interesting. Weligama is also a great base for exploring nearby spots like Midigama or even taking a wildlife safari inland.
2. Taghazout, Morocco
Best time for beginners to go: October to March
Taghazout has exploded in popularity among beginner surfers in recent years, thanks to its mix of mellow waves, affordable surf camps, and stunning Atlantic sunsets. Spots like Panoramas and Banana Beach are ideal for learners, offering soft beach breaks and easy takeoffs. The local surf scene is welcoming, and there are plenty of budget hostels and all-inclusive surf camps. When you’re not in the water, you can explore local souks, eat tagine, or unwind with a yoga session overlooking the ocean.
Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco
3. Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Best time for beginners to go: April to October
Kuta Beach, in Bali, remains a top pick for first-timers thanks to its soft sand bottom, long gentle waves, and abundance of surf schools. The conditions are forgiving year-round, especially during dry season, and you’ll find plenty of instructors offering affordable lessons right on the beach. After surfing, dive into Bali’s vibrant scene—think sunset bars, day trips to temples and rice terraces, and beachside cafés. It’s a bustling place, but for new surfers looking to improve quickly and have fun, it’s hard to beat.
Read our complete surfing guide to Bali, Indonesia
4. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Best time for beginners to go: May to October
Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is a goldmine for beginner surfers, and San Juan del Sur is its most famous hub. While the town itself is a lively mix of surf hostels and beach bars, nearby beaches like Playa Remanso and Playa Hermosa are where the real magic happens. These beaches offer long, peeling waves and soft sand—perfect for learning. San Juan also has a strong backpacker vibe, affordable surf lodges, and plenty of post-surf activities like catamaran cruises and volcano hikes.
Read our complete surfing guide to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
5. Sayulita, Mexico
Best time for beginners to go: December to April
This colorful town north of Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place to learn to surf in 2025. Sayulita’s main beach has a small, consistent wave perfect for longboarding, and surf schools line the shore offering beginner-friendly group and private lessons. Beyond the surf, Sayulita is known for its bohemian charm, great street food, art markets, and scenic jungle hikes. The town gets lively in peak season, but the beginner waves stay mellow—just watch for a few rocks near the shoreline.
6. Byron Bay, Australia
Best time for beginners to go: December to April
Australia’s surf culture is iconic, and Byron Bay is the perfect place to experience it. Main Beach and The Pass are two of the best spots for beginners, offering long rides on gentle right-handers. Byron has a laid-back yet stylish vibe, with plenty of surf shops, cafés, and yoga studios. You’ll find top-notch instructors here who are as passionate about surf safety as they are about fun. It’s not the cheapest destination, but the quality of instruction and beautiful surroundings are worth it.
Read our complete surfing guide to Byron Bay, Australia
7. Tofino, Canada
Best time for beginners to go: May to September
If you’re open to cold water surfing, Tofino is a magical place to start your surf journey. Located on Vancouver Island, this rugged surf town is surrounded by temperate rainforest and wild beaches. Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach are perfect beginner breaks, with consistent waves and a strong safety-first surf culture. Wetsuits are a must (even in summer), but the scenery and peaceful vibes are unmatched. When you’re done surfing, explore tide pools, eat local seafood, or soak in a cedar hot tub.
8. Muizenberg, South Africa
Best time for beginners to go: November to March
Muizenberg, just outside Cape Town, is often called the best place to learn to surf in Africa. Surfer’s Corner offers gentle, long waves ideal for new surfers, and the community here is welcoming and inclusive. There’s a long promenade with surf shops, coffee stands, and colorful beach huts that add charm to your sessions. Muizenberg is also a great base for exploring the Cape Peninsula—think penguin colonies, mountain hikes, and wine tasting just a short drive away.
9. El Tunco, El Salvador
Best time for beginners to go: March to October
El Tunco is quickly becoming Central America’s new surf hotspot, and it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly despite its growing reputation. The beach break at nearby Sunzal offers soft, rolling waves with a sandy takeoff zone that’s great for learning. The town itself is compact, lively, and full of colorful murals, smoothie bars, and affordable hostels. It’s a perfect mix of surf, nightlife, and laid-back tropical vibes. Plus, with improvements in local infrastructure and safety, El Tunco is more accessible than ever in 2025.
10. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Best time for beginners to go: May to September
Arugam Bay is best known for its advanced point break, but just around the corner is Baby Point—a mellow, sand-bottomed wave that’s perfect for beginners. The bay is warm, the vibe is ultra-relaxed, and you’ll find plenty of surf instructors who know how to make newcomers feel comfortable. The surrounding area is full of coconut trees, wildlife, and reggae beach bars, making it a great destination for a low-key surf holiday. Surf in the morning, explore nature in the afternoon, and enjoy a beach bonfire at night.