Bruce Brown's 1966 film turned an entire generation of surfers on to the seemingly limitless possibilities of wave hunting. Filmed in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii and California, Endless Summer opened up a whole new universe of swells. Since then, surfers have laid claim to beaches from Bali to Ghana.
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Your destination depends on what type of waves, backdrop culture and comfort level you1re looking for. If you're new to the sport, pick a destination with mellow beach breaks and soft rolling waves. Once you've mastered those, try reeling point breaks. Surfers with plenty of experience opt for the challenge of barreling reef breaks or pounding beach breaks.
The mellow peeling waves of San Onofre beach in southern California are a great destination for beginning surfers and soul longboarders alike. Intermediate and advanced surfers should explore the powerful beach breaks and cranking points of places like Panama and Baja, Mexico. Expert surfers will be happiest challenging themselves in a dredging reef break somewhere like Tahiti or Samoa. And, of course, every surf traveler needs to make the pilgrimage to Oahu, Hawaii. Surfing was born on Oahu's North Shore and today the massive waves at Waimea and Sunset Beach are legendary in the surf world.
Head to a place like Costa Rica and you'll have your hands full with a variety of classic waves and the option to choose between going frugal in a little bungalow or dropping some serious cash at a luxury resort. Take off on an exploration deep in Baja, Mexico, and you1ll be in for some killer surf—but be prepared to rough it, camping on the beach most of the time.
The nature of surfing lends itself well to solo trips, but surfers who are wallet-rich and time-poor should consider a surf camp (see Adventure Index, page 72) or any organized surf boat trip. These all-inclusive trips are popping up in some of the most popular as well as the more unknown surf destinations. Most camps house you, feed you and provide guides who know all the breaks and their nuances—the kind of information that takes years of riding to acquire. Many camps also offer instruction.
Whether you choose to go with a camp or solo, the goal remains the same: nonstop surfing. Tide permitting, a typical day starts at 6am with a two- to three-hour dawn-patrol session when the winds are offshore and the surf clean. Then you crawl ashore, inhale breakfast and take a nap. If the winds and tides allow, you'll have another session before the sun goes down. After that, it's eat, drink, sleep. The next day, you get up and do it again.
Remember that you're visiting a surf spot that is probably someone's home break. So be considerate of local surfers. Don't drop in on anyone, ever.
"Spend a little time studying the hierarchy of the surfers. Dip your toe in the water and try to work your way into the lineup," suggests Scott Hulet, editor of The Surfer's Journal. If you find yourself getting vibed or feeling uncomfortable, find another spot. It's not worth ruining your vacation over a little localism.
Let us not forget surf travel's biggest risk: You could travel halfway around the globe to get skunked. Even the best surf spots in the world are flat from time to time. If you research a destination's peak swell seasons, you'll likely get what you want; but remember, traveling in the peak season can also mean higher rates and crowded surf. If you're willing to gamble a little and travel in the off-season, you might score waves without the crowds.
"There's a lot to be said for going to these places in the off-season, when the rates are lower and the spots are almost empty," says Hulet. "For instance, go to Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, in December or January and you could be surfing two- to three-foot perfect waves without a crowd."
There's no question that the best way to get conditioned for surfing is to surf. But if you don't have the time or access to waves, try to hit the pool and swim laps several times a week to get in paddling shape. If that's not possible, a workout routine that combines cardio work like jogging with strengthening exercises such as push-ups is something everyone can do. It's a good idea to build the shoulder muscles you use when you pop up to your feet on the board. Practicing yoga will not only increase your strength and flexibility, but also your balance and coordination.
No matter what the destination, when it comes to packing, there's good news for surfers: A board, wax and bathing suit are really all you'll need.
"Most pro surfers I've traveled with use those big coffin-style board bags," says Hulet. "They pack two or three boards and stuff it with everything they own plus some T-shirts to trade with the locals."
There's a simple freedom to rolling water just the wave, the board and you (wearing nothing but swimsuit and sunscreen). But to really be free and comfortable, bring a couple of other things along, like books for downtime, mosquito repellent, playing cards and a bottle of ibuprofen.
On any surf trip, plan to live in your trunks or swimsuit you won't want a pair that chafes. If you haven't given them a good workout and don't know what to expect in terms of fiber integrity also known as blow-out—bring a couple of pairs along. Billabong makes performance surf trunks (949-753-7222, www.billabong.com, $46-plus) and the Global Pack ($46) to keep your gear close at hand. Water Girl, Patagonia's sister company, makes durable, high-quality surfwear for women that stays on in the water (760-436-2408, http://www.patagonia.com/).
Whether it's cloudy or bright, the rays reflecting off the water will burn you. Bring Headhunter sunscreen (www.fogdog.com, SPF 30, 3 ounces $9.99). It's completely waterproof and also lets you know when it's wearing off with its unique, off-color skin tone.
In warm water, O'Neill's Thermo X rash guard (www.oneill.com, $55-$70 for short-sleeve or long-sleeve with hood) is a necessity. It will protect your skin from the effects of coral and sun. Surf Diva makes excellent fitting rash guards for women (858-454-8273, www.surfdiva.com, $28).
If you're surfing cold water but still want maximum mobility, slip into O'Neill's super-thermo Firewall-insulated Heat 3/2 ($299.95) to stay warm without sacrificing flexibility. O'Neill's Freaksock with toe ($40.95) and Heat Boot ($39.95) are also some of the best booties to have on for all rugged, rocky, cold conditions.
Keep yourself in one piece with Adventure Medical Kits' Savvy Traveler (800-324-3517, www.adventuremedicalkits.com, $59), a complete kit with everything from sealable waste bags and tweezers to butterfly closure strips and bandage materials for those rough days out.
Now the big question: are you going to bring a board and if so, which board? No matter what size waves you expect, The New Blue by shaper Al Merrick/Channel Island Surfboards (http://www.cisurfboards.com/ , $470-plus) is a very versatile hybrid shaped board that performs well for a wide range of abilities and conditions. For good performance in the widest range of conditions, get at least a 6- to 7-foot or longer tri-fin ($430-$460), or maybe a longboard ($600-plus) for that classic style and old school ride. Patagonia also makes a great all-condition board for men and women in the Arc II (800-638-6464, www.patagonia.com, $495). It1s made of high durability foam that doesn1t absorb water and has removable fins making this board ideal for surf travel. Surf Diva (858-454-8273, www.surfdiva.com) tests and designs boards specifically for women. When in doubt, ask a local shop to help you size the board to your ability level and waves that you'll be surfing.
You'll want to keep your board safe and sound in a durable, high-quality bag that's been travel/battle tested. Stick all your surf gear in a heavy duty, padded Prolite board bag (949-631-1991, www.swell.com, $355), along with a couple six-packs of all-temperature Sticky Bumps wax (www.stickybumps.com, $7) and some X Trak leashes ($20-plus) to maintain your craft connection. Bring along some extra leashes, as well as some extra fins ($35-$50 from either longboard-specific http://www.surfgoddess.com/ , or all-around fins from Pro Teck at www.surfcohawaii.com).