The dilemma. Is it better if your partner surfs or not? What do you think? Personally, especially because where I live, I can not image having a partner that does not surf. We have to travel to get to waves, it is not just a quick jump in the sea after work. There is lots of planning, driving, traveling, vacation time etc… So having a girlfriend that surfs is awesome! But I know this is not always possible. Surfers have that bit of mystery around them. At least I see it that way ha ha. Bronze skin, happy eyes, the attraction to those qualities goes way beyond the surf community. Ideally you would meet your partner while surfing, but these days in the time of social media and international dating sites most of contacts happen online I guess. So you get a girlfriend that does not surf, now what? Duh! Teach her how to surf!
Since you obviously want her to have fun choosing the right location for your joint surf trip can make or break the trip and the relationship for that matter :). Of course it all depends on the character but people just starting out and learning how to surf will really appreciate if you “love” surf trip location has the following:
- plenty of spots and waves that are good for beginners! no one wants a shallow reef break breaking 2x overhead on their first day…or year to be honest.
- nice weather, Iceland, Canada and Kamchatka might sound adventurous to the average pro that surfs every day, but someone that is just beginning wants nice weather, sun, and warm temperatures. This makes everything look way friendlier and easier.
- things to do when not surfing. Surprisingly, sitting on the beach, sleeping in a tent in the middle of nowhere is not many people favorite type of vacations. When you are learning how to surf you won’t spend 8h a day surfing and then only eat and fall down into your sleeping bag. No. There should be some life and civilization nearby. Places to go shopping, eat, drink a coffee, watch a movie…whatever.
- nice accommodation and good food and drink that you can afford. If you can stay in a nice place and eat good food, drink a cold beer in the evening and half the trip is already saved.
So here are some ideas for where to take your girlfriend that is just starting to learn how to surf.
Portugal
If you do not want to go to the tropics, then the south-western part of Europe can be a great option. There are plenty of waves along the entire coast. There is something for everyone from easy beginner waves to heavy slabs. Infrastructure is also there: surf schools that are ready to provide wetsuits and boards, comfortable small waves and the absence of fierce competition. It is fairly warm throughout the year although summer and autumn are warmest. It is also quite affordable, the food is excellent and it’s Europe, there is plenty to do and see around every corner. Talking about the disadvantages – the water is quite cold even in summer, so you will need a wetsuit. Bikinis are off the table.
Sri Lanka
Another great location! Warm water and excellent waves that arrive from many miles away loosing their size and making them perfect for learning. Tropical dry climate (in the right season) and the infinitely beautiful flora of the island make it inviting to surfers of any level. The beginners will like small waves, sandy bottom, and the absence of sharks. Infrastructure is poorly developed, so it is a bit of an adventure but places to sleep are cheap, food is really good and people are friendly. And there is always something going on.
Mexico
Mexico is washed by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Nature is very diverse and combines long beaches, nature reserves, hot springs and mountain peaks with a cool climate. Mexico has a very warm ocean and a lot of rare fish in it, 39% of all marine fauna in the world. There you can see dolphins and mantas. Season and conditions for surfing at any level are available 365 days a year. Beginners can surf even in big swells if you choose the right spot (big waves usually come in summer).
Dominican Republic
Surfing in the Dominican Republic is gaining momentum. This state is in the eastern part of the island of Haiti and is considered the birthplace of surfing in the Caribbean. The absence of crowds, snow-white surfing beaches, a relaxed rhythm of local life will help you fully plunge into the tropical life on this wonderful island and fully enjoy the waves. A promise of a vacation photo from a white sandy beach under the palm trees can do wonders:). Despite a poorly developed infrastructure, there are many surf schools, which provide classes for beginners all year round. You can surf there the whole year, but warm islands like these are the perfect winter escape.
Bali
No, I did not forget about Bali. Bali must really be the island of the gods since it combines so many advantages for surfers. It is one of the best surfing locations in the world. And it shows, it gets really crowded. But you can still get some waves for yourself and the rest of it more than makes up for it. The surf scene is strong. There is a high probability of meeting a worldwide surfing star just by visiting one of the spots, restaurants or juice bars. Warm water and waves for all levels from Uluwatu bowls, to Chicken peelers and mellow point of Medewi. The second part of the appeal starts when you get out of the water. Countless restaurants serving delicious food from around the world at cheap prices, massages, spas, lovely bungalows, swimming pools, juice bars, healthy eating, joga classes, film festivals, concerts, parties… you name it, it’s there:). If you are going to Bali make sure to read out Bali guide.