Teahupoo

Teahupoo is located of the coast of tahiti, and is known for being the worlds heaviest wave. Surfers travel from all over the world to tackle this amazing feat, however if a rider doesn't have the necessary skills, he probable wont be returning from this one of a kind break.

Teahupoo is a 15 minute paddle from land, and has claimed the lives of many. It is a hallow reef break that is constantly closing out, making this the most difficult wave to ride as well as the most perfect barrel anyone has ever seen. This wave can range anywhere from double overhead to quadruple overhead. Typically only the best of the best have surfed this wave, but there are still a number of locals that are crazy enough to charge it.

In its area of tahiti, teahupoo is completely undeveloped, which means no sky-risers or fast food restaurants here. The locals have fought to keep this spot natural and beautiful, and this spot will continue to be a hidden mystery for many years to come.

Jaws

Jaws is located off the coast of Maui, Hawaii and is 4 miles east of Kahuli Airport, Maui. The wave is one of the scariest in the world, only being surfed by the few daring enough to dabble with death. The waves can range anywhere from triple-overhead to ten-times overhead, tending to be best in the fall and winter months. This wave is known for its strong currents, harsh rip-tides, and hazardous rocks. Jaws should definitely only be surfed by big-wave, experienced riders.

The wave is a right-hand reef break, and it is necessary for the rider to use toe-in boards or rhino guns that range from 10-12 feet. Typically this surf spot can be impossible to paddle into, so toe-in surfing tends to be necessary and considered a norm at Jaws.

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

When thinking of east coast surfing, a few places come to mind, one of them being Cape Hatteras, of the Outer Banks North Carolina. With its huge beaches and laid back fishing towns, it can be considered one of the most fun and relaxing surf destinations in the country. There are tons of activities to do, miles of beaches to surf, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Cape Hatteras is a beach break that can produces both lefts and rights, chop and swell, and ankle high to triple overhead sized waves. This area of NC is not very populated, nor is it a huge travel destination for surfers. One can catch perfect waves here, all to themselves. The best time to catch this break is during the winter months, which bring in freezing water but beautiful barrels. Another great time for this break is hurricane season, running from the end of June to the beginning of October. This brings in some of the biggest wind chops the east coast ever sees. Also in Cape Hatteras, the water temperature can be as unpredictable as the surf. Waters can run anywhere from the high 70s to the low 30s; one may definitely want to check the surf report before traveling.

Cape Hatteras is also known for its beachside camping. Although there are numerous hotels in the area, camping here is the way to go. Another special thing about this break is you can park your car right on the sand, making it nice, seeing that it's easier to load tents, coolers, chairs, etc.

If driving to Cape Hatteras, make sure you know the ferry schedule, Not timing out the right ferry can make your trip longer than anticipated. If flying, you can right onto Roanoke Island, which is only a short drive and a ferry ride away from the Cape. If you're into history, fishing, surfing, and outdoor beach activities, this is the right beach for you!

Pavones, Costa Rica

Pavones could be considered the ultimate wave for all surfers. It is known as the world's longest left that can run up to 3/4 of a mile, and rides can be up to 3 minutes long. This break can be surfed by intermediate to expert surfers, and is a point break with several sections. These sections allow various barrels, speed, and carving.

Pavones is known as a hidden gem. The waves are not always breaking, making it more special when they do. Pavones is one of the most remote areas in all of Costa Rica, making it somewhat hard to find, but well worth the search. This spot is located in one of the most southern points in Costa Rica, and is a 6-8 hour drive from the San Jose International Airport. The quickest route is to take a small plane from San Jose to Golfito for $100 each way. However, the airplane will not transport any surf boards over 7 feet.

Another drawback to this one-of-a-kind surf spot is the locals. These native Costa Ricans tend to be less than accepting to outsiders because of its remote location. However, one can go further down the beach and be completely secluded, still catching a ride over 1/4 of a mile.

Pavones has very few hotels in the area, making it somewhat difficult to find accommodations during your stay, however there are a few campgrounds in the area. One is better off pitching a tent than going through the hassle of finding less than adequate accommodation. One will not find many restaurants or bars either, if any. If you're looking to come to Pavones, you're coming to surf, not to live the "high life of luxury."

Although Pavones is very remote, it is one of the top surf destinations, so don't look over this gem because there aren't hotels or a popular nightlife scene. The water is warm year round, and you can catch the ride of your life. When you travel here, be ready for the long waves; get yourself excited about the memorable rides. However, make sure you do your planning and make sure to check the local surf report; it can be a long ride to a very remote destination. If there are no waves, you'll be left with nature and that's about it.

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