The 10 Best Surf Vacations for the Complete Beginner
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From Andy Warhol’s surfboards to **Blake Lively’**s boarding adventures, there’s no doubt that surfing is having yet another moment. But for the beginner, the prospect of hanging ten can seem intimidating at best, death-defying at worst. What’s an amateur to do? Here’s what: Plan a surfing vacation centered around one of the most beginner-friendly surf schools on the planet. And on the off chance that the sport doesn’t turn out to be your cup of tea, make sure the setting is travel-worthy in and of itself. A few suggestions:
Photo: Courtesy of Helen O’Reilly / @helliz1/10Bundoran, Ireland
The Class: Surfworld Bundoran, a 25-year-old surf shop and school run by famed Irish big-wave surfer Richie Fitzgerald and his family.
The Beach: Tullan Strand, a nearly two-mile-long stretch where great waves are consistent (and friendly to beginners or the advanced) year-round.
The Hotel: Lough Eske Castle Hotel Spa, a five-star property located 30 minutes down the road from Bundoran on the beautiful small lake Lough Eske.
The Restaurant: Waves Surf Café for a pre-surf coffee or a post-surf sandwich.
Photo: Courtesy of Anna Legesse / @annalegesse2/10Newquay, England
The Class: Newquay Activity Centre, which offers family, group, and private surf lessons taught by British surf coaches Rob Barber and Johnny Fryer.
The Beach: Fistral Beach, a broad and wide beach known for great surfing.
The Hotel: The Headland hotel with four-star rooms and five-star cottages, many with beautiful sea views.
The Restaurant: The Fish House, a seasonally focused, Gordon Ramsay–endorsed seafood spot on the beach.
Photo: Courtesy of Sunshine Coast / @thehealthyphysio3/10Byron Bay, Australia
The Class: Black Dog Surf School, which has a one-to-seven instructor-to-student ratio and a friendly canine mascot, George, who surfs (backward!) on his own board.
The Beach: Clarkes Beach, a gentle beach where a sandy bottom and calm waves make conditions perfect for beginners.
The Hotel: The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, a breezy and beautiful suite hotel situated in a rainforest.
The Restaurant: St. Elmo Dining Room Bar for dinner; Naked Treaties for lunch.
Photo: Courtesy of Kuma Tofino / @kumatofino4/10Vancouver Island, Canada
The Class: Tofino Surf School, which stays open year-round (don’t worry, they provide five-millimeter wetsuits in the winter).
The Beach: Cox Bay, where you can walk out quite a ways before the water gets deep.
The Hotel: Pacific Sands Beach Resort Hotel, a homey hotel right on the water at Cox Bay.
The Meal: Fresh and casual Japanese comfort food at Kuma Tofino.
Photo: Courtesy of Daryn Boyers / @themeatmissile5/10San Sebastián, Spain
The Class: Pukas Surf Eskola, Spain’s longest-running surf school, which also offers stand-up paddleboarding.
The Beach: Zurriola Beach, known for its warm water and moderate waves.
The Hotel: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, a century-old four-star hotel on the beach.
The Meal: La Cuchara de San Telmo, known for some of the best pintxos in San Sebastián.