If you are new to surfing, there are a lot of things you need to familiarize yourself with, from scouting the best entry-level board to buying the right rash guard to practicing pop up. But perhaps the most important element in one’s quest to ride the waves like Kelly Slater or Margo Oberg is picking the perfect beginner’s surf spot. Now, there is no shortage of suggestions as to where to start one’s surfing journey. Some suggest heading over to a quiet spot where a newbie can catch waves without jostling with veteran surfers. Others would encourage new surfers to ride it out with the pros and swim over to famous beaches where there are plenty of dedicated on-site instructors. Regardless, though, of the site one chooses to begin their surfing adventure, what is vital is that they have tons of fun learning.
That said, here are two of the famed beaches where beginners can start mastering the waves.
Byron Bay, Australia: People, both seasoned wave riders and beginners, flock to one of the world’s premier surfing spots year-round. And as surfers note, it is impossible not to learn to surf in this northern New South Wales destination. From its warm waters to its welcoming, hippy vibe, thousands of surfers from all over the world rode their first wave and survived their first wipe-out in Byron Bay.
Waikiki, Hawaii: Waikiki is synonymous to surfing. After all, it is long considered the birthplace of modern surfing. Its ties to the sport go way back to olden times, with Hawaii’s ancient kings riding the wave on wooden board before missionaries disapproved of surfing as a godless activity.
Many folks (non-surfers mostly), however, believe that learning to surf in Waikiki is not particularly a safe idea, probably because of the notorious Pipeline. But as seasoned surfers know, there are loads of beginner-friendly waves on the south of Oahu. Moreover, tons of board rentals and surf schools are scattered along the long stretch of the beach.
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Anouk Govil 
