Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Surf's up, America: The best spots to ride the waves

I currently live in Florida, and while the sunshine state has more than enough coastlines where I can surf the whole summer away, I believe North America has a way longer stretch of surfing-friendly beaches.

http://www.luxetravel.com/destinations/united-states/florida/ 
Image Source: luxetravel.com

Three of the best surfing spots in the US and in nearby Canada come to mind, not only because of their long summers and beaches, but also for their solid cultures in which surfing is so well ingrained.

Santa Cruz, California almost always ranks first among the best surf towns in the US. It is said to be the birthplace of surfing in America, with the Kawananakoa brothers riding the first waves in 1885. Since then, the surfing fun has never stopped. Surges of waves both soft and massive are available every time and everywhere along its cove-like coast, thanks to its myriad beach breaks and rocky reefs that attract swells of waves from all directions. What adds charm to Santa Cruz is that despite its robust urban landscape, it has managed to keep a strong community of homegrown surfers and artists.

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/santa-cruz 
Image Source: destination360.com

Meanwhile, surfers who think of heading to the Pacific (and want to get their wave riding fix in the winter) will never go wrong with Hanalei Bay in Hawaii. More than the waves that range from beginner-friendly curls in the south shores to heavy and gigantic reef breaks, it's the unsullied beauty and rich sense of culture that make it worth the visit. Have friendly lifeguards and instructors teach you to hit the waves. Afterwards, discover more about the Polynesian ancestry that has remained intact long after Hawaii became the 50th state in the federation.

http://www.dailylife.com.au/life-and-love/dl-travel/a-beginners-guide-to-hawaii-20130723-2qfjr.html 
Image Source: dailylife.com.au

Last, but definitely not the least in terms of thrill and adventure, is a great surfing place that can be found in far-northern British Columbia. A lot more outdoorsy in vibe than any other surfing spots, Tofino boasts cool misty weather, diverse wildlife, and hectares of ocean for your wave-riding fix. While waves in some areas can be quite challenging even for daredevils, the tides are flat and mellow enough for beginners in others. National Geographic suggests Long Beach and South Chesterman Beach for the novice surfer.

I am Zachary Wood, a surfing fan from Orlando, Florida. I seek adventure by reading arresting mystery novels and doing watersports. Visit my blog for more about surfing facts and ideas.