Hanalei Bay, Kaua'i

When people think of surfing Kaua'i, they think of Hanalei Bay. Known as one of the top surf destinations in all of Hawaii, surfers come here to find beautiful, long rights and glassy waves. It is a powerful reef break, sheltered by mountains on each side, and is known for being one of the most scenic surf spots in the world. The best season for surf is during the fall and winter months, where waves average from chest to double overhead. This spot is known to locals and tourists alike, located about 45 minutes from the Lihue Airport, and is on the north shore of Kaua'i. There are numerous campsites and few hotels in Hanalei Bay, making this surf spot a local gem. The locals are typically very nice and friendly, however, sharks have been known to infest these waters, so surfers beware. Surfing in Hanalei Bay, you will not only enjoy great waves, but also the beautiful view of the Na Pali Mountains.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is located in the southern coast of Oahu, Hawaii, miles away from the Honolulu Airport. It is a known tourist destination, as well as a local surf spot, making this a very crowded beach. The waves are packed with surfers year-round due to the sunny weather and waves for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders looking for a fun afternoon. It is a forgiving reef break, with some coral bottom; the water is always warm, with the best waves in the summer. The water is turquoise-blue and crystal-clear. Thousands of surf instructors and board rental shacks can be round up and down the coast of Waikiki, making it easy to rent or sign up for a lesson. However, some of the locals can be very territorial and can become testy, due to the large amount of constant tourists invading their area. But the view from the ocean to the beach is one of the most beautiful in the world, making Waikiki an excellent place to get hooked on the hobby of surfing. One can always come to Waikiki beach and see hundreds of surfers catching the waves.

Reef Road, Florida

Located between Singer Island Condos and the estates of Palm Beach, this once secret spot has become a surfing mecca for South Floridians to enjoy. In 1916, the area was dredged, which has now created a beautiful left and the most powerful wave in all of South Florida. In any given day, this break tends to be larger than the others in the area, and also more crowded. Reef Road is in Palm Beach, FL, which is an hour and a half drive from Miami; 15 minutes from the Palm Beach Airport. One of the difficulties with this break is it's location. It is right in front of a neighborhood, so parking is very difficult and scarce. The local surfers in the area are usually fairly pleasant, however, some of the original riders of this break are known to be territorial because of this once hidden gem. This is a beach break that typically only breaks left and sharks are very common in this area. The water temperature can be anywhere from 72-82 degrees F, depending on the time of year, with an outside temperature averaging at 77 degrees F. A wet suit is only required a few days out of the 365 day year!

Surf Sebastion

Located in Central-Eastern Florida, Sebastian Inlet is home to some of the greatest waves one can find in all of Florida. This destination is also the break where 7-time world champion, Kelly Slater, grew up surfing, and was also rated Discovery Channel's #1 destination for deadliest waters, (Discovery Channel, Shark Week, 2009), a.k.a., SHARK ATTACKS.

Getting to the Sebastian Inlet is close to a 2-hour drive from pretty much any major city in Florida, such as Orlando, Tampa, and Palm Beach, to name a few. One can easily reach this beach, seeing that all these major cities have airports, creating easy access for one in desire to surf travel. However, majority of the places to stay in the Sebastian Inlet are campgrounds. This can be considered a diamond in the rough, or a downfall about the destination. The Sebastian Inlet is a small town fishing community with a small population. The majority of the surfers at this break are from out of town; coming from all over Florida, so the local attitude is almost nonexistent, leaving one with friendly waters. Not only is the surf great because of the breaks, but also because of warm water temperatures. A three and a half millimeter wet suit will be the most one could ever need to surf at the Sebastian Inlet, and that time is only from December to February. During the other months, one would be more than fine without a wet suit at all.

The waves.......

There are two main breaks one can find in the Sebastian Inlet. There is South Side, which is just south of the inlet, and the North Side. The South Side has big wind chop and is great for tow-in surfing because of the deeper waters and strong currents that come off the inlet. The North Side, however, is home home to some of the cleanest waves one can come by in all of Florida. This is where the majority of surf competitions in Florida are held. It is a beach break where currents come from the north and the south, and one can usually see waves from two to six feet. During January, February, and September are the three best months for one to surf in the Sebastian Inlet; this is because of great waves and great temperatures.

So, if you're looking for great breaks in a well-known Florida surf spot, the Sebastian Inlet is the place for you.

Kyle Cameron

Surf Travels

My Favorite Surf Destinations

For many years now, I've seen the world through surfing. I've visited many places most would consider lucky...it all started in the states, seeing that I was born and raised in South Florida. I grew up surfing, and it continued to be a hobby, a passion, a way of life. I've been fortunate enough to travel to different countries on surf trips, experiencing new culture and new waves.

When traveling to new destinations, I've learned it is important to do some research ahead of time. This is especially true when headed out on a surf trip; one can greatly benefit from knowledge that comes from prior research; knowledge of the culture, the area, the beaches, the surf, the locals, etc...

By following this blog, one will be able to expand their knowledge about surfing. Follow where I've been, hear what I've done, and read helpful tips about what you can do in preparation for a future surf trip of your own.

Kyle

Surf Travels