The Top Five Holiday Destinations for Learning to Surf

Do you want to hang ten with some of the world's best surfers? In many beach destinations, you can not only watch the masters at work, but learn directly from them. The following are five of the top holiday destinations in the world for those who want to master the art of surfing.

1. Kauai, Hawaii

The sport of surfing was once the pursuit of Hawaiian royalty, but fortunately for the rest of us it's spread to become a more democratic form of recreation. If you want to learn the sport in a lush location true to its origins, Hanalei Bay in Kauai is hard to beat. With a soft sandy bottom and comfortably warm waters, you won't mind falling off your board a few times as you learn the techniques. Go whale watching or get a massage in between hopping up on your board in this stretch of paradise. If you're interested in something different, try your hand at kite surfing or stand-up paddle boarding.

2. Santa Cruz, California

The whole West Coast is popular with surfers from around the world, but one of the top spots for surfers of all abilities is picturesque Santa Cruz. This hippie town is famous for Cowell's Point break, which is a slow-rolling right point break that breaks over a sandy bottom. This makes it ideal for those who are just getting the hang of the sport. The paddle out is not too strenuous; and there's no shortage of qualified instructors to help you get on your feet.

3. Noosa, Australia

Australia is at the top of every surfer's bucket list, with its wild waves and laid back atmosphere. Many aspiring surfers stay in houses for rent with Homesales and try their luck at classic breaks like Margaret River in Western Australia or Bells Beach in Victoria. However, one of the best regions for beginners is in Queensland's Noosa region. With white sandy beaches, gentle waves, and warm water, you'll feel at ease as you get your bearing in the water with one of the local surf schools. From there, you can move on to greater challenges up the Queensland coast.

4. Surfers Point, Barbados

You may not immediately associate Barbados with surfing, but the gentle, calm waves and friendly locals make it an ideal spot to put your toes in the water. Unlike other hotspots on this list, it won't be too crowded so you can build your skills without any pressure. When you're not busy with group lessons, try snorkelling to sneak a peek of the coral reefs and shipwrecks surrounding the island.

5. Bali, Indonesia

This centre of serenity is also jam-packed with serious surfers. Kuta Beach is particularly popular for seasoned veterans, but it also features one of Indonesia's top surfing schools. This school is led by Cheyne Horan, a former World Masters champion who can give you the skills and confidence you need to enjoy the legendary Bali waves. Get a beach massage after your lesson and lose yourself in the mesmerizing colours of the sunset.

The ideal spot for beginning surfers combines gentle waves, soft sand, and a bevy of instructors to help guide you as you learn how to master this ultimate water sport. You'll find that the spots mentioned above tick all the boxes, with attractions to spare.