The Best Bodyboarding Spots (Beaches for Bodyboarding in the US, the UK, Australia, and the Rest of the World)

The archipelago of Indonesia offers some of the most epic waves for bodyboarding. And we should not forget the 30-meter waves of Nazare in Portugal, although strictly speaking, this is a surfer’s wave. But we can always dream of riding it. Bodyboarding is truly a widespread global watersport.

Best Bodyboarding Spots in Maui

Maui has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to bodyboarding spots. You might want to plan your bodyboarding trip here if you’re going to surf all the beaches on this island. Below is a guide to all the great beaches on Maui. Depending on your preference, you may surf any or all of the beaches. Fun is guaranteed. And before I forget, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public for free!

• Big Beach: Aka Makena Beach aka Oneloa Beach. A must-visit if you are in Maui. A beautiful, long, wide beach that doesn’t seem to get packed even with all the people going there. You will have the most extreme boogie boarding experience when the surf is up on this beach. Be advised. This is a dangerous beach for the novice. Small children and inexperienced swimmers are strongly advised not to enter the water here. But this is a must-see beach just for the view alone.
• Little Beach or Pu’u Ola’i Beach: If there is a Big Beach, of course, there is a Little Beach. Hawaiian name: Pu’u Ola’i Beach. You can walk over a trail on a rocky outcrop of an old lava flow to get to Little Beach from Big Beach. Little Beach is basically an extension of Big Beach separated by the lava flow so that decent bodyboarding waves can be experienced on this beach. And by the way, this is a nudist beach, so be forewarned against bringing children here.
• Kaanapali Beach: This may be one of the best beaches in Maui. It has soft, white sand, clear azure water framed by local vegetation. The bodyboarding here is decent as well as other beach activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, and just splashing in the water.
• Hamoa Beach: A crescent-shaped beach with a dependable surf break. Hamoa Beach is exposed to the open ocean, so you must be mindful that powerful currents and surf are often present.
• Wailea Beach: This place is perfect for leisurely bodyboarding with its wide beach, small waves, and gentle slope during calm days. However, the surf can get big when the south swells arrive. This creates dangerous water conditions and rip currents. Swimmers and surfers alike are warned to watch out for these situations. Bathrooms and showers are available to the public for free as well as free parking. Make sure to show up early to get a good position as it gets crowded rather quickly.
• Kama’ole Beach Park: A set of 3 beaches locally known as Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. For boogie boarders, the place to be is Kam III, with its break that can get large during the south swells. Kam I and Kam II have their own charms, but Kam III is the more popular of the three, not only for bodyboarders but for the general populace.
• Oneuli Beach: Aka Black Sand Beach, aka Naupaka Beach, is unique with its black sand. The strong waves and currents here are great for bodyboarding and surfing. Though, you need to be aware that the waves may produce some riptides, so you have to be on the lookout for that. The beach doesn’t get too crowded, so it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day’s bodyboarding. It doesn’t hurt to have few turtles crawl up the beach to keep you company.
• Baldwin Beach: A long, wide, sandy beach park on the North Shore. Baldwin Beach becomes a bodyboarders’ paradise from December to February, at least for the experienced boogie-boarders as it can have large and regular shore breaks. Beginners are encouraged to learn bodyboarding somewhere else. However, swimming areas on both the east and west sides have pools for the smallest children. The beach is equipped with amenities, bathrooms, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. Baldwin Beach Park is the go-to beach destination for North Shore locals. But even on weekends and holidays, you can always find an excellent place for yourself if you have a penchant for solitude. (Not recommended if you are there for the bodyboarding).
• Honolua Bay Beach: In the summer months, this is a perfect destination for intermediate boogie boarders aside from the other water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, etc. It is during the winter months when the surf goes up that the experienced bodyboarder and surfers gather for its huge waves. The beach is a bit stony, but it doesn’t stop the surfers from enjoying the great waves there. This is a must-surf for those who come to Maui to ride the waves.
• T. Fleming Beach Park: A long, sandy beach with natural shade provided by ironwoods. Experienced bodyboarders will often find good surf during winter months with the North swells in this area. A word of caution though, conditions can become quite hazardous with powerful waves and strong rip currents during high surf. For trivia junkies, the beach is called after the man who introduced the pineapple to West Maui.
• Keawakapu Beach: A 1-kilometer-long sandy beach in a fully developed area. There is something here for everyone who loves to be in the water or out of it. Bodyboarders can do their thing, swimmers can swim, snorkeling enthusiasts have their place, and others who just want to stretch out in the sun can do so without getting in each other’s way. Storms occasionally pass through the area, but the public will have ample warning, so it’s not a big concern except for the chance damage it causes to anything that is too close to the beach.
• Olowalu Beach: This place has something for everybody, whether it’s bodyboarding, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, swimming, or just sunbathing. It is a premier snorkeling destination that draws in visitors from various locations parts of the world.
• Polo Beach: Understandably rebranded from its previous identity as Dead Horse Beach. The beach is a pair of beautiful sandy crescents facing the Polo Beach Club and the Fairmont Kea Lani. Bodyboarding during the south swells is decent. However, you have to be careful as its Hawaiian name translates to “The sand is not thick.” Rocks poke through the sand in most places. Dangerous rip currents also develop here during large swells, so you are advised to steer clear of it when it comes about. The beach’s gentle slope makes it a favorite not only for bodyboarding but also for swimming and just for having plain fun in the water.
• Waiʻānapanapa State Park Beach: Another stunning black sand beach with views to match. And as if that’s not enough reason to visit, you can also do bodyboarding, bodysurfing, diving off the cliff, swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content.
• White Rock Beach: Also known locally as Palauea Beach, is a lesser-known and uncrowded beach. Those who frequent this beach are mostly locals and their visiting friends and families. Bodyboarding is satisfactory when the south swells arrive. On calm days, even the children and newbies can join in the fun. The gentle slope and sandy bottom are perfect for swimming and splashing in the water. Snorkeling is also a big winner here. As with other beaches on the island, the sea can be perilous during Kona storms. Rip currents may form during large swells. You also got to be careful here as shark attacks have been reported in this area. So, keep those eyes peeled for those tell-tale fins before getting into the water.
• Slaughterhouse Beach: As the name suggests, Slaughterhouse Beach was named because of the Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse that was erected on the bluff’s edge above the ocean. It was razed in due course, but the beach’s name remained. No wonder the locals prefer its Hawaiian name Mokule’ia which means “district of abundance,” a better-sounding and more accurate description. During the winter months of December to February, you can anticipate large and well-formed waves that are perfect for advanced bodyboarders and surfers. However, the surf can become treacherous, so even the most skilled boogie boarders and surfers have always to be on guard against being too complacent. During the summer, the waves settle down and become suitable for beginners.
• Mokapu Beach: A half-kilometer stretch of sandy beach facing the Andaz Wailea Hotel in Maui. Strictly speaking, Mokapu was an isle just offshore which was used for military training exercises during WW II and was blown to pieces during those exercises. Today’s Mokapu Beach offers bodyboarding, swimming, and good snorkeling.
• Ulua Beach: Connects to Mokapu Beach and offers much of the same experience. Great bodyboarding, swimming, and snorkeling. Like Mokapu, it was used as a training site for the military during WW II. It was known as Little Tarawa on those days and renamed as Ulua after the war. Ulua is what probably is the most well-known game fish in Hawaii.
• Launiupoko Beach Park: Caters to both beginner and intermediate boogie boarders and surfers. The south side of the beach has small waves suitable for those learning to bodyboard and surf. Intermediates head to the north side, where the waves are bigger and more challenging. You might see the occasional stand-up paddle boarder in the same place. Families with small children can enjoy the enclosed shoreline pool and picnic facilities.
• Paipu Beach: Aka Po’olenalena Beach. It’s a beautiful, long sandy beach that offers a great bodyboarding experience during south swells. Beginners and children will find this a perfect place to learn bodyboarding when the seas are placid. The sandy bottom slopes gently and is perfect for swimming and playing. Snorkeling around the outcrops at the southern end is also wonderful. As per usual, you have to be careful here with the large swells as they produce unsafe rip tides.
• Oneloa Beach: A quarter-mile long sandy beach. The beach has a good break for advanced bodyboarders during north swells. Be advised though, that rip currents form here in big surf. It can swiftly become unsafe when the surf gets high. Swimmers are advised to sit out the surf and just enjoy the view when the surf gets too rough for comfort.
• Paia Bay: A long, lovely beach with a first-rate surf break and is a must destination if you are an avid bodyboarder. The bay is a favorite spot of bodyboarders and bodysurfers alike. The surf break is a bit offshore and a tad over your head, so swim fins will come in handy. The waves here can get large, so this is not a place to practice bodyboarding if you are a newbie. You have to be an experienced bodyboarder to enjoy it here. The surf gets bigger during the winter months, and riptides can form, presenting another threat.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches in Oahu

Much like Maui, Oahu has bodyboarding spots all over the island. So many beaches, so little time. Below are some of the more popular and exciting beaches to visit on your next bodyboarding trip to Hawaii.

• Makapu’u Beach: The foremost bodyboarding beach in Hawaii. The beach is almost a kilometer in length and has an enchanting view from every angle. The waves can get rough though, so be careful when the surf goes up. It can get quite dangerous for beginners but is great for the advanced boogie boarders.
• Kalama Beach Park: Located in Oahu’s coast and is part of Kailua Beach. Its picture-perfect white sand beach and azure water make it a popular destination for bodyboarders, windsurfers, and kite surfers, not to mention those there for swimming. The beach is packed on weekends, so if you have the time to come on weekdays, you can enjoy it more when there is less of a crowd.
• Kapiolani Beach Park: Part of the shore of what is usually referred to as Waikiki Beach. It is named after the Hawaiian Queen Kapiolani. The beach is popular with bodyboarders riding the waves along the middle of the beach. There is a surfing spot farther offshore known as the Publics. However, the beach is not for bodyboarding and surfing newbies. The current offshore may change unexpectedly, so you must remain alert to any sudden change. Beachgoers can enjoy the smaller waves near the shore.
• Waimanalo Beach and Bellows Beach: These places can be counted on to produce small and playful shore-breaking waves. Together, Waimanalo and Bellows stretch to an estimated 5 to 8 kilometers to form Hawaii’s longest beach. The beaches are perfect for the kids and bodyboarding beginners to cut their teeth on. Even when other areas do not have many waves, the waves are almost always up on these beaches. Still, the waves can sometimes get a bit rough, so be advised to keep an eye on the kids.
• La’ie Beach Park: Or Pounders Beach is well-named. It can be bouncy in the shore break near the rocky outcrop when the surf gets up. It can break in a few inches of water, and you get pounded in the sand. The inexperienced are advised not to get in the water when the weather acts up as they can easily get pulled into deeper water. On calmer days, everyone can enjoy all the beach has to offer.
• Makaha Beach: Located on the western part of Oahu, this place is an excellent place to go boogie boarding and surfing when the swell is up. This is a preferred site of many competitions throughout the year.
• Keawaula Beach: Also known as Yokohama Beach, is the westernmost of all the western beaches in Oahu. The beach has constant swells that make it a prime location for bodyboarding and surfing. The view is terrific, and the mountain background frames add a dramatic element to the scenery.
• Nanakuli Beach: Also known as Kalaniana’ole Beach Park, has a small but strong shore break where bodyboarders and surfers can ride the waves. The beach is about 150 meters long. It is possible to swim here during the summer as well. However, swimming is discouraged during the winter months since this gets large surf and strong currents.
• Hukilau Beach Park: Located in La’ie that has a sandy beach pleasant enough for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and other activities on calm days in the summer. However, the current gets pretty strong during the winter, so unless you are a more experienced bodyboarder or surfer, it is strongly suggested that you do not attempt to get on the water on those days.
• Papaoneone Beach: Or Turtle Beach is located on Oahu’s western shore. This is not to be confused with Laniakea Beach on the north shore, also known as Turtle Beach to the locals. This Turtle Beach is a vast, sloping beach with almost-white sand. Although the waves get pretty high here, the shore break allows for a great bodyboarding ride. The winter months have large, strong surf, and swimming gets too dangerous here. Even during the summer, strong currents can be experienced here. For those who prefer a more moderate experience, Ulua Cave, an underwater cave, is located offshore. It is a popular scuba diving location in the summer. Snorkeling can be fun during the summer when the ocean is calm.
• Magic Island Lagoon: Situated at the eastern end of the Ala Moana Beach Park. It is a man-made peninsula featuring large seawalls and a shallow lagoon. Children will enjoy splashing about in its calm waters. When the surf gets active, this is a good spot for bodyboarding and surfing.
• Ala Moana Beach Park: This beach is protected from the open sea by an outside reef where the best bodyboarding and surfing spots on this beach can be found. However, care must be taken as this spot is not for the newbie boogie boarder or surfer. If in doubt, better stay inside the protected area and enjoy jogging, picnicking, playing games, sunbathing, or just relaxing.
• Prince Kuhio Beach: Another very popular bodyboarding spot. However, boogie boarding on this beach is for advanced riders only. The concrete walls that provide a safe swimming site for children present a different challenge to the bodyboarders. This beach on the south shore offers magnificent snorkeling prospects as well. The beach is shielded from the waves by an offshore reef. Two back-to-back concrete walls stretch about 40 yards into the ocean, creating a perfect enclosure for kids to swim safely.
• Pua’ena Point: Has all types of waves for all levels of bodyboarders. Not at the same time, of course. When the waves are gentle, children and beginners will crowd the beach. When the waves get rowdy outside the reef, quality waves can be experienced inside the reef for intermediate and advanced riders. But Pua’ena comes alive when the northerly angled swells come crashing from the outer tip of the point towards the channel. It’s best to concede these waves only to the most experienced riders at this time.
• Banzai Pipeline: One of the most famous, if not the most famous, surfing beaches in Hawai’i. The waves are huge and, therefore, only for the most advanced bodyboarders. The pipeline is formed by three reef formations, creatively named as First Reef, Second Reef, and Third Reef. The reefs create the superb pipeline and present their most significant challenge. Be careful not to wipe out in the initial seconds after launching, as you could hit the reef during this time. But as soon as you clear the reef, you are in for a ride.
• Sunset Beach: Originally known as Paumalu Beach, Sunset Beach is home to the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championships until 1985. Sunset Beach offers perfect waves with swells coming from the North Pacific. The beach is absolutely beautiful but not for beginners. Its best waves come from the northwest and are between 2-3 meters high, perfect for bodyboarders and surfers alike.
• Sandy Beach: Located on Oahu’s south shore near the Koko Crater, Sandy Beach is one of Hawaii’s prime spots for bodyboarding and surfing. Its waves break very close to its shores, making it a very popular spot. It is one of the most tranquil beaches on the island, with very fine yellow sand. This is not for novice bodyboarders or surfers. A powerful riptide can occur very close to the shore, so you are advised to keep to the shore unless you are a powerful swimmer.
• Kewalos Beach: A popular spot for intermediate bodyboarders and surfers. Fast-breaking waves 1-2 meters high are typical. The beach can be a bit crowded on weekends and holidays.

Best Bodyboarding Spots in Kauai

Kauai, just like all the other Hawai’ian islands, have beaches made for bodyboarding and surfing. Kauai has beaches for different levels of bodyboarding and surfing. There are beaches for beginners on the East side and huge waves for experienced bodyboarders and surfers on the North Shore.

Listed below are some of the best bodyboarding beaches you can visit. However, be sure to check the surf report before diving in. The conditions change quite abruptly, sometimes in a matter of minutes, so be alert to those sudden shifts.

• Shipwreck Beach: Situated on the South Shore, also known as Keoneloa Beach, is a sandy beach that has a shore break making it a very popular body boarding beach. Boogie boarders, surfers, body surfers, and windsurfers relish the challenge that this beach offers. The old wooden shipwreck for which it is named has been long gone. It’s also a good beach for the whole family. Others can hike along the cliffs and beach. However, swimming should only be for the strongest swimmers due to strong rip currents and huge surf.
• Brennecke Beach: Also on the South Shore, is another popular bodyboarding destination. The waves are suited for both beginners and advanced bodyboarders since the waves break both close and further away from the shore. A huge appeal of this beach for bodyboarders is that surfing is not allowed near the shore. Body boarders don’t have to vie for waves with surfers and can boogie board without worrying about being hit by a surfboard. You do have to watch out for fellow bodyboarders as it can get pretty crowded. You might even be lucky enough to share a wave with a turtle as they often hang out here. The waves can be impressive here, so you can say goodbye to your gear if it shakes loose from you.
• Kauapea Beach: Known as Secret Beach, or just Secrets to the locals, is a 1-kilometer beach on the North Shore. The beach can be accessed by an unmarked trail between Kalihiwai Bay and Kilauea Point. The water at Secrets is generally rough and is subject to strong currents. The waves are especially rough during the winter, and the lava rocks make it very challenging even to the advanced bodyboarders and surfers. Only the strongest swimmers can handle the waves, even during the summer. Also, be aware that further down the beach is the unofficial clothing-optional section of Secrets.
• Donkey Beach: Known as Paliku Beach in Hawai’ian, on the Eastern Shore, is a good bodyboarding and surfing location when the conditions are right. It’s also a great beach for sunbathing, although not so much for swimming due to its choppy water. It used to be a clothing-optional beach, but the locals had the anti-nudity laws enforced due to its increased popularity.
• Salt Pond Beach: As the name suggests, Salt Pond Beach in the West Shore is a traditional salt making spot for the Hawai’ians, which continues until this day. This salt-making activity runs throughout the summer. The beach faces a lagoon which is protected by a ridge between two rocky points. This creates a safe swimming area for the children except during high surf when rip currents form in the channels between the ridge and the rocky points. When the surf is up on this beach, then it turns into a bodyboarding, surfing, and windsurfing beach.
• Haena Beach: Located in the North Shore is a favored bodyboarding and surfing spot when the swell is running for the experienced. However, since the beach is exposed to the open ocean, newbies and inexperienced bodyboarders and surfers are dissuaded from surfing here. Recreational swimmers are likewise discouraged from swimming here due to the beach’s sudden drop-off and thumping shore break. The beach is of beautiful golden sand, but visitors are advised to use maximum care when swimming here.
• Prince Kuhios Beach: Situated in the South Shore is a surfer’s and bodyboarder’s favorite. Although not much of a beach for other beach-type activities, this is a good spot for bodyboarding and surfing. Snorkeling during the winter can be quite nice when the water is calm. The shore is small, and some times of the year, the beach is nearly all underwater.
• Kahili Beach: In the North Shore is also known as Rock Quarry Beach near the Kilauea River. This beach is a popular surfing and body boarding location when the surf is up. There is a good snorkeling spot across a sizable area which is perfect for swimming. However, when the water turns murky, that means there could be riptides and/or maybe some sharks, so it’s best to avoid it at the moment. Some people also go fishing near the mouth of the river.
• Polihale Beach and State Park: In West Kauai and is the longest beach in Hawai’i, 17 miles of glistening white sand and sand dunes. Surfing and bodyboarding here are the most experienced due to their extremely strong currents and dangerous shore break. The dunes have endless opportunities for shelling and beach walking. Basic amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and showers are available. There are no lifeguards, and you have to get a permit to go camping here.
• Kalihiwai Beach: On the North Shore is located at the mouth of the freshwater Kalihiwai Stream. The water is generally calm during the summer months. In the winter, the beach comes alive with waves great for surfing and body boarding for experts. Be advised that the waves here can get dangerous and should be respected. The shore break can be hazardous in the winter, so stay away from the river mouth where strong rip currents can form. The waves here rise very slowly and break in a long, even crest making for a smooth body boarding ride. The waves can be large and powerful here during the winter. In the summer, when the conditions are right, this is a good children’s beach for swimming, floating, and fishing. The Kalihiwai Stream is also great for paddle boarding, swimming, and playing in the water. Truly a great beach with a wealth of options for the whole family to enjoy.
• Poipu Beach: Located at the southern tip of Kauai and is a favorite for outings for being a calm, safe, and family-friendly beach. This beach is an easy favorite for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water is shallow here and is perfect for children. The Hawai’ian word Poipu translates to “crashing waves.” Bodyboarding and surfing can be carried out near the western break. Shallow and gentle waters for beginners are accessible near the shore. It pays to watch for crashing waves. After all, the beach is named for it.
• Kealia Beach: A white sandy beach about half a mile long located in the town of Kealia on the East Shore. This beach is popular among local surfing and body boarding buffs along its northern end. Swimming is also good here when the conditions are right.  Be mindful of the strong currents that are present throughout the year. Do not attempt to surf or try any water activities at this beach at high surf.
• Pakala Beach: A 500-meter beach on the West Shore, is nicknamed the Infinities because the waves give the impression of riding “forever.” However, bodyboarding and surfing on this beach are only for the experts and locals familiar with the surf. The best surf break is on the east side of the rocky outcrop. The beach itself is muddy and not suitable for swimming (unless you prefer it that way). The reddish compact fine sand makes it great for running, yoga, and other beach activities reflect Kauai’s famous red dirt on the west side.
• Kiahuna Beach: The waves at this beach at the South Shore are generally rough. Strong swimmers and snorkelers will do just fine here. The water is calm inside the reef, calm enough for beginners and snorkeling. However, one has to be on the alert for rogue waves that sneak up and can crash with amazing force. The breaks outside the reef are great for experienced body boarders and surfers. An experts’ surf break here called First Break is known to be exceptionally challenging. Another expert spot can be found near the Marriott Waihoai Beach Club, with large swells with the right conditions.
• Lawai Beach: Faces the Lawai Beach Resort and Restaurant in the South Shore. This is a popular surfing and body boarding spot for the experienced outside the reef.  Snorkeling can also be good here. A small pool near the rock wall has a good snorkeling spot as well when the ocean is calm. If you’re lucky, you may be swimming with turtles and seals here.
• Pine Trees Beach: Part of the Waioli Beach Park in Hanalei Bay. This is where the best surf conditions are at Waioli Bay. The waves here are bigger in the eastern part of the beach. Annual surfing contests are held here. The waves are usually good for bodyboarding and surfing year-round, but it’s better to leave it to the more experienced surfers during the winter. Beginners may try to surf closer to Hanalei Pier, where the waves are gentler.
• Anahola Beach Park: In the East Shore has something for everybody, swimming for kids in the white sand shore, bodyboarding near the Anahola River with a surf break, surfing in the North side, diving, and snorkeling for beginners. Locals also go pole fishing near the Anahola River mouth. It can get pretty crowded during the summer months due to the various activities one can enjoy on this idyllic beach.
• Wailua Beach: Also in the East Shore has some good conditions for bodyboarding if you are experienced. Wailua Beach usually has strong surf and strong rip currents.  It is also a popular surfing and kiteboarding location. However, this beach is not ideal for swimming.
• Black Pot Beach Park: Located in Hanalei Bay, North Shore, got its name from having a large black pot that was used to cook fish during celebrations. This beach is usually filled with locals on holidays and weekends, being a favorite spot for picnics. The waves are perfect for bodyboarding, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Small children love splashing on this beach while the parents prepare the food.

Where Can You Bodyboard in San Diego?

San Diego, California, has more than 110 kilometers of coastline where you can bodyboard and surf. Whether you’re an experienced bodyboarder or just learning the ropes, you can find some place that will be to your liking. You’ll find a diversity of different waves and environments along this coastline.

San Diego is an ideal place to learn if you’re a beginner. If you’re an expert, you can participate in one or more of the many competitions and events held in various places along the San Diego coastline. If you’re not in the mood to bodyboard, you can just take in the sights and sounds of San Diego’s beaches at your pleasure.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches in San Diego

Some of the beaches recommended for surfing in San Diego are listed below.

• Del Mar: One of the most dependable spots in San Diego for bodyboarding. This beach is exposed to all swell directions and has a good mix of sandy bottom beach breaks and reefs. The summer crowd spreads out from the river-mouth up to Torrey Pines State Beach, and you can always find a wave to suit your skill level and style.
• Oceanside: The World Bodyboarding Championships are held at Oceanside. Unsurprisingly, it is also one of the most well-known surfing destinations along the San Diego coast. Oceanside has a beach break, causing the sandbars sometimes to move around. Another positive feature of this spot if you’re a bodyboarding newbie is the chance of getting injured is slim due to the beach break.
• Trestles: Located at the border of Orange County and San Diego, Trestles is a famous river-mouth point break. You have a long walk from the parking lot to the beach aside from waiting your turn at the waves, but it will be worth it. This beach is full of experts and pros, so give them a wide berth if you are not on that level. When the south to southwest swell is on, a bodyboarding episode here can be incredible. If it’s not your style, a beach further along the coast, so-called Old Man’s, provides gentle and easy waves spot-on for learners and leisurely bodyboarding and surfing.
• Sunset Cliffs: Comprised of a succession of point breaks that has differing levels of conditions. The wave quality will substantially vary under diverse degrees of swell height and direction. True to its name, you have to scramble up and down the bluffs and paddle in and out from the rocks to be able to get into the waves.
• Cardiff: A short pebbly beach with reefs at either end. Great beginner waves that are gentle and perfect for bodyboarding come from the southern side, while waves from Cardiff Reef to the north are fun waves. Some notable surfing pros refined their skills here.
• La Jolla Shores: One of San Diego’s most popular beaches. Protected from the dominant southwest wind relatively year-round, it’s a placid location to learn and practice bodyboarding. The facilities are good on this beach, and lifeguards are on-site year-round. A lot of bodyboarding and surfing schools conduct their lessons here. Locals would learn their basics here before moving on to bigger and better breaks.

• La Jolla Cove: This place comes alive at least twice each winter. Strong north swells turn it into a bodyboarder’s and surfer’s paradise on those days. On other days, it is a placid deep water snorkeling beach.

• Windansea: Probably San Diego’s most consistently surfable break for both bodyboarders and surfers. That means it’s also one of the most crowded beaches in the area. Marine Street Beach is an infamous shorebreak ideal for bodyboarding.
• Imperial Beach: A gently sloping beach break with fun waves to bodyboard and surf. However, there is no need to even attempt riding the waves at the mouth of the Tijuana River due to the offshore sandbars in the location.
• Mission Bay: Its beaches are three-kilometer long, sandy shore composed of Pacific, Mission, and Ocean beaches. The surf is really not that good but immensely popular because of its easy access and proximity to most of San Diego’s bodyboarding and surfing population. The bodyboarder and surfer make do with whatever the waves give them and manage to get the most out of it.
• Swami’s Beach: This place can be crowded when conditions are good, especially when the great winter swells come. However, bodyboarding can be quite limited here due to the intense competition for the waves with the surfers. During the off-season, you may encounter only a few surfers, so bodyboarding can be fun here.
• Black’s Beach: This beach is good for bodyboarding and surfing year-round. The waves come in long and organized lines, which makes this spot one of the best in San Diego. Black’s Beach is known among the bodyboarders and surfers for its big winter waves. However, its claim to fame lies in being better-known as San Diego’s nude beach.

Best Bodyboarding Spots in the Bay Area

Most of the Bay Area bodyboarding and surfing spots are for advanced riders. The surf and waves are significantly challenging in most places. However, there are a few beaches sprinkled around the area suited for beginners. So, whether you’re a newbie, an advanced rider, or an expert, there is something for you in this region. Below are some of the beaches to put on your must-visit list.

• Mavericks Beach: Located at Half Moon Bay is a site famous for its big-wave competition for professional surfers. Even the most experienced bodyboarders would find this a very challenging beach. The waves can reach up to 5 meters or more. If you dare to ride the waves here, it is recommended that you always have somebody with you as a backup just in case. FYI, the surf competition has been suspended at the moment. This gives you an idea of how rough things could be on this beach.

• Princeton Jetty: This area’s waves are suited for beginners and more experienced bodyboarders and surfers alike. As a bonus, riders are not bunched together as in other beaches due to a side strip of rideable waves. At the southern end of the beach, the shallow waters make easy-riding perfect for learners. But when the bigger waves show up, it becomes more challenging—the more experienced gather in the beach’s northern end, where the waves give more demanding rides.
• Bolinas Beach: Another spot where beginners can start to learn bodyboarding and surfing. It is famous among bodyboarders and surfers for its gentle surf. Some may even find it too placid if they are looking for thrills. Beginners find it perfect for starting out on their goal of riding the waves.
• Stinson Beach: Lies around the Bolinas Lagoon, one of the most popular surf spots near San Francisco. Though close-outs are incredibly common here, there are also sandbars that form legendary swells in certain sections. The largest waves can be found near the lifeguard stand on the public beach, giving more advanced surfers something to work with. Meanwhile, less experienced surfers can stick to the plethora of smaller waves found in the other areas.
• Fort Cronkhite: Not for novices but perfect for intermediate and advanced bodyboarders and surfers. Waves coming in from the south works best whether it’s high or mid-tide. However, the wind and bumpy conditions make the rides short and fast.
• Fort Point: Besides being eminently suitable for bodyboarding and surfing, Fort Point’s draw is one of the Bay Area’s iconic attractions, the Golden Gate Bridge. You can bodyboard or surf right underneath the bridge. However, this is only for experienced and advanced riders. Swells typically reach 2 meters, but the current reaches speeds of up to 7 knots in the winter, making it dangerous.
• Ocean Beach: Located in San Francisco has an eight-kilometer coast famous for its rip current. However, that doesn’t stop the more experienced riders from riding the waves here. Wearing a wetsuit in this surf is strongly suggested. The inexperienced are cautioned against trying to bodyboard or surf here.
• Rockaway Beach: A perfect spot for intermediate bodyboarders and surfers. You won’t get bored in this spot. It has consistent one-meter waves and reef breaks in addition to the cold and mist. Be mindful of the riptides, which can sweep you out to deeper waters and sharp rocks.
• Pacifica State Beach: Also known as Linda Mar Beach, presents first-rate surf. This place is ideal for beginners since the swells here consistently remain at less than one-and-a-half meters tall. This is a very popular public beach, so expect a crowd when the conditions are right for bodyboarding and surfing.
• RCA Beach: Situated in Bolinas attracts bodyboarders and surfers, but only the more experienced ones can ride the waves here. The waves here break at the beach. Waves come from both directions, and the riders get to enjoy all that the beach can deliver. And oh, the beach is clothing-optional.
• Montara State Beach: This place breaks in a hollow sandbar. This beach is okay for beginners and learners when the waves don’t get too high. However, this spot is especially popular among the experienced crowd. Rip currents are present here, so you have to be careful if you are not a very strong swimmer.

Where Can You Bodyboard in the UK?

Bodyboarding and surfing in the UK are as good as it gets. There’s always a beach within a few hours’ drive from wherever you are in the UK. And always with lovely accommodations nearby to boot. It can be a hotel, a rustic B&B, a cabin, or a cottage; there is always something to your taste and budget.

Invest in a good wetsuit. The British waters are cold even during the summer months. You wouldn’t want to stop the fun when it starts getting chilly. Some of the places you can indulge in your passion can be found in Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Northern Ireland, The Channel Islands, Yorkshire, and Bristol, to name a few.

Can You Bodyboard in the Isle of Wight?

Yes, you can bodyboard in the Isle of Wight. Just don’t expect too much. One or two beaches might have some surf suitable for the more adventurous, but most of them will be for beginners and improvers.

There are surf and bodyboarding schools offering lessons if you are new to the sport. However, the beaches here will make it worth your while when you take a break from bodyboarding.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in the Isle of Wight

The beaches in IOW provide different bodyboarding experiences. Below are some of the more well-known beaches for bodyboarding.

• Compton Bay: The first beach that comes to mind when you ask about bodyboarding in the Isle of Wight. It may be the best bodyboarding beach in IOW, with swells ranging from half a meter to 2 meters, with the smaller swells on fair-weather days. The best waves come when the weather is a bit rough. This makes the beach good for all bodyboarder skill levels. The best times would be during low to mid tides. The bottom is soft and sandy.
• Sandown Beach: Perfect for beginners on calm days. However, when the surf’s up, it’s more suited to the more advanced riders.
• Dunroamin Beach: One of IOW’s most reliable surf spots. Again, don’t expect huge massive swells. It’s a beach where you learn the basics of bodyboarding. But there could be times when the waves cooperate and provide some exciting rides.
• Shanklin Beach: Also a good bodyboarding spot. When Compton is not firing, Shanklin may save your day yet. Also good for surfing, SUP, kayaking, and windsurfing.
• Whitecliff Bay: Best for bodyboarding and surfing. It has a sandy beach break with clean and forceful surf under the right conditions.
• Ventnor Beach: Good for bodyboarding as well as other sports such as windsurfing, Kayaking, SUP, and surfing. It has a Mediterranean-like climate making it a top-rated destination.

Can You Bodyboard in Devon?

Yes, you definitely can bodyboard in Devon. In fact, Devon is one of the bodyboarding hotspots in the UK. Devon offers superb beaches and surf, whether you’re new to bodyboarding or an experienced surfer. The west-facing beaches face the Atlantic, which means you can expect very high-quality waves on these beaches. Croyde and Saunton Sands come to mind in particular. Although that stretch of beach is only about 16 kilometers, that just bunches the waves in these parts.

The beaches facing north and south have their season too, especially during the winter. Don’t expect too much from these beaches in the summer. They do not get too crowded then but expect them to be at Croyde. Autumn is the ideal time to surf in Devon. The water’s still warm, but the summer crowd has already gone.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in Devon

A couple of places where you can bodyboard in Devon:

• Putsborough: A 5 kilometer beach extending Woolacombe in the north to Baggy Point in the south. Putsborough has the best of both worlds when it comes to bodyboarding and surfing. When the waves are small, the water is excellent for beginners. When the bigger swells roll in, it is the experienced riders’ turn to enjoy the waves. A strong rip current near the south end of the beach bears paying attention to. Be careful when bodyboarding and surfing in this area.
• Croyde: Most likely the most popular surfing spot in the Southwest. Croyde has one of the best beach breaks in the UK when the conditions are spot-on, whether at low tide or when the bigger swells come. This lets both beginners and experienced riders enjoy Croyde. All those bodyboarders and surfers keep Croyde’s beach busy, especially during the summer. The more experienced bodyboarders, though, get the most out of Croyde rather than the newbies. The swells coming in from the west are continuous from September to March. You need to watch out for riptides when on this beach.
• Saunton Sands Beach: This wide beach is a favorite among bodyboarders and surfers coming to Devon. It may get crowded on weekends and holidays, but there’s enough space for everybody. During the spring and summer months, this is one of the best breaks in the area for learners and beginners. However, waves here can reach up to 3 meters, so more advanced riders can have their rides too. A rip current near the cliffs bears watching.
• Speke’s Mill Mouth Beach: Not for inexperienced bodyboarders and surfers. The coast faces high cliffs and pointed rocks protruding into the Atlantic Ocean. Powerful waves breaking over the reefs attracts avid bodyboarders and surfers. However, only the most experienced can even attempt to ride the waves here. However, for those who can only dream of bodyboarding here, the view is magnificent. There is also the Speke’s Mill waterfall that drops 20 meters down a sheer cliff to marvel at.
• Westward Ho! Beach: A beginner-friendly beach with beginner-friendly waves for bodyboarders and surfers. This 3-kilometer beach has its surfing areas clearly marked. Although not perfect, everyone will definitely have fun. There is enough space for everyone. But watch out when the tide is coming in as it comes in quite rapidly. This is when the waves start to break onto the pebble ridge or the sea wall when the tide is at its highest. Beginners are advised to take a break at this time. When the tide goes out after a few hours, the beach emerges, and the fun for beginners can restart.
• Lynmouth: With the right conditions, Lynmouth is one of the best bodyboarding and surfing spots in Devon. It is considered to be one of the UK’s finest pointbreaks. Widely known as one of the few sheltered spots in Devon, it draws huge crowds when the surf is up. The beach is around 500 meters wide, with the mouth of the River Lyn in the middle. The bodyboarding and surfing season on this beach is during the winter, which is best in December. The waves, most of the time, are too small for surfing but good enough for bodyboarders. The surf is nice enough at all phases of the tide.
• Seaton Beach: This spot in East Devon has a sheltered beach break that does not work very often. Winter is the best season, and February is the best month of the year for bodyboarding and surfing on this beach. The waves are often too small for surfing but perfect for kids and beginners. It is ideal for bodyboarders of all skill levels.
• Thurlestone Beach: A “secret” alternative to Bantham when it gets too crowded during the peak season. However, this beach is not for newbies when the surf is up, which is about 10% of the time. That time is for seasoned bodyboarders and surfers only. Its shifting sand bars produce some fast waves which rank among the best when the elements are just right. The peak season for bodyboarding and surfing this beach is during the winter, best during the month of February. About a third of the time, the waves are too small for surfers, making it perfect for bodyboarding. Beginning bodyboarders and kids will enjoy their time on the beach at this time.

Can You Bodyboard at Slapton Sands?

Slapton Sands is a well-kept secret among the local bodyboarding and surfing enthusiasts. Its Mediterranean-like climate makes the sea safe, calm, and clean. Bodyboarding and surfing are popular on this beach, but you have to bring your own stuff.

The temperature here rarely exceeds 10 degrees Celsius, so be prepared and have your wetsuit with you. Lifeguards are present during the peak summer months. This is a great beach to bring the whole family. Sailing, canoeing, and kite surfing are also very popular waters sports here.

Is Woolacombe Beach Good for Bodyboarding?

Yes, and it gets really crowded in Woolacombe Beach. This is one of North Devon‘s most fabulous beaches, with nice regular waves for all levels of bodyboarders, beginners, intermediates, and experts. Outside of the rocky point of Combesgate, there are even better waves, at least for the experts with the rocks and a strong rip current. This spot is best-ridden around mid-tide.

The waves at Woolacombe Beach may reach up to 3.5 meters in some instances. But good rides can still be had even when the waves aren’t that big. This just makes the beach more beginner-friendly. The place may be busy, but it always has a nice, relaxed vibe to it.

Can You Bodyboard at Exmouth?

Exmouth is an ideal location for many forms of watersports, such as body boarding, surfing, power boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing. The beach is approximately two miles long, but it gets really busy during the summer months. Exmouth boasts an excellent sandy beach, although it is rocky when the tide is low.

Where Can I Bodyboard in South Devon?

• Bantham Beach: This area in South Devon has waves between a half-meter to three and a half meters making it attractive to both beginners and advanced bodyboarders under the right conditions. Families enjoy this beach during the summer holidays and consider this to be the best beach in South Devon.
• Teignmouth: This place has probably the best break on the South Devon coast. Too bad it works suitably only about a week in winter, which is the best time to go bodyboarding here. It’s a sheltered beach break that unfortunately relies on wind swells. But when the conditions are right, you are in for some nice rides.

Where Can You Bodyboard in Norfolk?

Norfolk has always been a go-to place since the ’70s for the hardcore bodyboarders and surfers. Its deep swells, huge, excellent waves, and ice-cold seas are drawing more and more people in. The waves may be less than regular but more than makes up for it when they come.

Another feature of bodyboarding in Norfolk is it is a round-the-clock, year-round activity here. The water is typically warm(ish) until November, but it then gets chillier. So, wetsuits are de rigueur by that time. Make sure you have the right gear when bodyboarding on Norfolk beaches. Below are some of the beaches where you can bodyboard in Norfolk.

• Gorleston Beach: Gorleston is a 3-kilometer beach break with clean golden sand that works at mid-high tide. It’s at its best when the northerly swell comes to produce long lefts and the occasional right. It’s sheltered at the north and is actually better than it looks. It is a great destination for a family outing as well as for bodyboarders, surfers, and kite flying enthusiasts.
• Scratby Beach: Has good bodyboarding and surfing conditions during the winter months and with the wind blowing in a westerly direction. It is a good-sized stretch of sand and shingle beach. It is popular for fishing and swimming as well. It gets a bit of a crowd when the bodyboarding and surfing conditions are decent.
• Sea Palling: A popular beach break that works on almost all types of tides and is suited for all levels of bodyboarders. It produces both rights and lefts on a perfect day and often yields a heavy shore dump. Waves break in the two most northerly bays.
• Mundesley Beach: Has a good beach break that picks up most swells. This beach works best on mid-tides. Under the right conditions, it produces heavy barreling waves. During the summer, the waves are perfect for leisurely bodyboarding. Surfers can also enjoy the waves here on occasion.
• Cromer Beach: A popular bodyboarding and surfing beach among the locals, which produces a good consistent beach break with fun waves breaking near the pier area. The defined sandbars created by the chalk reefs account for the consistent beach break. This is a great beach for bodyboard beginners and learners. The break works best during mid to high tide. Just watch out for the riptide when you get into the water here.
• East Runton Beach: Due to its consistent beach break, East Runton Beach is one of Norfolk’s most popular bodyboard and surf spots. This beach works best on mid to low tide. At high tide, the waves break on the rocks, which could hurt. However, it is still often crowded, although the wave quality is often poor. The best conditions here would be autumn to early spring. But beware of the strong rips, or else you could find yourself halfway down the coast before you know it. East Runton will pick up any swell and is typically the first point of call for the locals. The waves range from half-meter to one meter, making it an easy wave but alert for the riptide and some rocks.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in Cornwall

Cornwall is deservedly known as UK’s surfing and bodyboarding capital. It has an international prestige as a surfing mecca. Cornwall’s north and south coasts are separated only by a few kilometers, so you can take your pick whenever one or the other is not to your liking.

As a bonus, the temperature of the water here is among the mildest in the UK, August being the warmest month. Autumn is still a good time for bodyboarding. You can ride the waves even through the winter with your trusty wetsuit. Although you can bodyboard almost all Cornish beaches due to their location, projecting out into the Atlantic, listed below are some of Cornwall’s more consistent and family-friendly beaches.

• Fistral Beach: The best known and most prominent bodyboarding and surfing destination in the UK. It is commonly labeled as the home of British surfing. Its assortment of waves ranges from gentle days to the most exhilarating days when the Cribbar (aka Widow Maker), Cornwall’s most famous wave that may reach up to 10 meters, is eagerly anticipated by hardcore surfers. All these make Fistral also the most crowded beach in the summer.
• Widemouth Bay: This spot in Bude is a popular, family-friendly beach suitable for bodyboarding beginners and intermediates. The waves at Widemouth often break gently due to its west-facing shoreline. This gives the beach some shelter from the swells that come from the south, making the waves smaller and less powerful. Sand banks also contribute to forming these gently-breaking waves. The best time to ride the waves here is during mid-tide.
• Mawgan Porth Beach: In Mawgan Porth, near Newquay, is a large golden sandy beach manifesting itself during low tide. It has great waves for bodyboarding even on the smallest days as it faces the same way as famous Fistral Beach. It is at its best when the tide is mid to low and when the swell is small. However, when it gets rough, the waves are very powerful, and the riptides become dangerous. So, be careful when it gets rowdy out there.
• Gwithian Towans Beach: A 6-kilometer-long beach with varied waves along its length. The beach slopes gently into the water. The Gulf Stream makes the water relatively warm, so you can practically bodyboard year-round in this spot. Its length gives plenty of space for all types of water sports enthusiasts, and its variety of waves makes it ideal for bodyboarders and surfers while the windsurfers get their share of the beach too.
• Perranporth Beach: This place is so vast that there is always something going on for some wave rider here. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers and bodyboarders. There is sufficient space along the famous 5-kilometer beach for the crowds, although it can still get a bit crowded in some places. The Penhale end has some of the best waves, but locals prefer the corner.
• Porthmeor Beach: Located in St Ives is a year-round destination for bodyboarding and surfing, although the preferred months to bodyboard and surf here is from September to February, with December being the best month. The small wave heights and friendly break make it suitable for beginners and intermediates. Occasionally, it has robust hollow waves, which the experts and pros gladly ride.
• Porthtowan Beach: Near St Agnes is one of the best and most popular bodyboarding and surfing spots on the coast. The waves here are fast and hollow when the conditions are right. The surf is consistent, although riptides can be present. Bodyboarding here is best suited for intermediates and expert riders. The beach is sheltered by cliffs which makes it suitable for family outings as well.
• Praa Sands Beach: Situated in Helston is the south coast’s most well-known bodyboarding and surfing destination. It is so well-known that everybody heads out to this spot when the surf’s up in the south. It’s a big beach so there’s enough space for all who go there for a good time. Surf is quite frequent, and it’s good for all degrees of experience and expertise. Still, you have to watch out for a strong rip current at the west end of the beach.
• Sennen Cove: Near Land’s End is the western-most beach in Cornwall (and England) and, therefore, one of the most exposed to the swells of the Atlantic Ocean. You can almost always surf here at any time, except when the weather turns nasty, and it gets too dangerous. Serious bodyboarders and surfers can find waves to their liking, reaching up to 2 meters at the north end of the beach. Beginners can find waves less than a meter high at the southern end due to the breakwater.
• Portreath Beach: Near Redruth is a popular bodyboarding and surfing beach for families. The swells are relatively consistent, so you can almost always find a ride here. Low tide works best for beginners. At high tide, the waves become more challenging.
• Polzeath Beach: This spot in Padstow is an easily accessible, award-winning beach. It is ideal for bodyboarding and surfing beginners due to its long slow-breaking consistent waves. More advanced bodyboarders and surfers also find the beach enjoyable due to its consistent waves. The gentle slope and sheltered location of the beach make it a family-friendly beach as well.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in Somerset

Although there are loads of beautiful beaches in Somerset, only two beaches are worth bodyboarding and surfing. The other beaches like Blue Anchor Bay, Dunster, Selworthy, Lynmouth, and the like are all popular in their own right as family-friendly beaches for swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and angling. However, only the two beaches listed below are suitable for bodyboarding.

• Porlock Weir Beach: A long pebble and rock beach which is one of the best bodyboarding beaches in the area. The peak time for bodyboarding here is during the winter. Summers are for bathing, swimming, and fishing.
• Minehead Beach: One of Somerset’s busiest holiday destinations. Bodyboarding and surfing are popular activities here, although the swells and waves come here intermittently.  Whenever they do come, the locals take advantage when it occurs. The beach is good for swimming, kite-surfing, and windsurfing, with easy access to the promenade, amusement arcades, and the terminus of the West Somerset Railway.

Where Can I Bodyboard in Wales?

Wales’ bodyboarding and surfing beaches are so popular that it is often crowded during weekends and holidays. Or any sunny day for that matter. Tourists and holiday goers will always find good facilities on these beaches. There is something here for the newest wannabe bodyboarder, and the more experienced ones will find a beach to challenge them.

Wales is incredible for bodyboarding and surfing despite its cold water. Bristol Channel has some of the best surf in Britain. Beaches such as Langland, Oxwich, Rhossili and Caswell, and    Llangennith are made for bodyboarding and surfing. They are best experienced in autumn and winter. Cardigan Bay also has a number of point and reef breaks that unfortunately work only on very big swells. Having said that, a little reconnoitering and investigating will turn up a beach that works for you.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches in Wales

• Whitesands Beach: Located in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, works to all bodyboarding levels and skills so you can visit this beach with your friends with differing bodyboarding abilities and everyone still enjoys it. It has been designated as one of the best bodyboarding and surfing beaches in Wales. However, when the surf gets bigger, beginners are suggested to sit it out. A riptide on the north end creates a sideways current dangerous to newbies, especially if they are not particularly strong swimmers. However, the stronger waves would be perfect for the intermediate and advanced. Another thing, you can bodyboard this beach on all tides. With the swell south to west and the east wind blowing, you get the ideal conditions on this beach.
• Newgale Beach: Probably the most popular beach in Pembrokeshire and luckily has plenty of space to accommodate bodyboarders and surfers for all skill levels who throng here. The typically reliable waves in this beach make this the benchmark in Pembrokeshire for greenies and learners. This 3-kilometer golden sand beach has a road running right above, making it very accessible and thus contributes to its draw. It’s best to avoid high tide, though, as the waves break on the pebbly line at the top of the beach. The best time would be mid-tide, south to west swell, and the wind blowing northeast.
• Freshwater West Beach: Wales’ top surfing and bodyboarding attraction with its strong waves and currents. The Welsh National Surfing Championships are held here on a regular basis each May. Intermediate and advanced bodyboarders and surfers find this beach’s fast and powerful waves challenging enough to keep coming back here. This is not a beginner’s beach. The best time to ride the waves here is during low to mid-tide, although the experts can do it during high tide.
• Manorbier Bay: Located in Pembrokeshire has waves breaking over a rocky reef and then onto the sandy bottom. The surf here works best just after high tide, although occasionally, a good swell comes when you can ride through the tide. It can sometimes get a bit crowded when the out-of-towners come to ride the waves in Manorbier. But the hassle is worth it with the great surf you get here.
• Porthcawl’s Coney Beach: In this beach, you either get a good surf or not at all, but the surf here can be nice and clean when compared to other beaches. High tide would be the best time to bodyboard here. This beach is great for beginners due to its sheltered state, which produces nice, clean waves. Spring and early autumn have decent waves, while winter provides bigger ones. During summer, the waves in Coney Beach are smaller, which is not enough for the advanced bodyboarder but will work just fine for beginners.
• Porthcawl: This place has three other bodyboarding and surfing breaks worth mentioning. Black Rock, a point break that produces a long, fast right-hander when it’s working well. The second is The Esp (short for Esplanade), a fast left-hander that breaks on shallow rocks that skilled locals frequent. The third is Rest Bay; a famous beach break great for beginners and intermediates alike. This sandy beach boasts a consistent break that has waves up to 2 meters on a good day. What’s more, it works at almost all phases of the tide. This is the best place for those interested in learning to bodyboard since the waves break pretty slowly. You can also count on having instructors present on this beach most of the time.
• Adventure Parc Snowdonia: Located in North Wales has man-made waves in the first inland surf lagoon in the UK. It has the technology to provide different wave sizes to match one’s ability, be it a beginner or even a professional bodyboarder. You get guaranteed waves if you come to this place. But you have to pay for the experience of bodyboarding guaranteed and consistent waves.
• Aberdaron Beach: Also located in North Wales has small waves that are just right for bodyboarding beginners to get their start on. However, when the swell gets bigger and does not get blown out, the waves are okay for all skill levels.
• Poppit Sands: This beach in Cardigan has consistent small waves for those who are just starting to learn bodyboarding. However, there will be days when the waves can get a bit energetic.  Remember to stay away from the river mouth, which has strong currents and riptides. Families will enjoy this beautiful beach just to laze on and hang out.
• Porth Neigwl: Aka Hell’s Mouth, located in the Llyn Peninsula is a 6-kilometer-long bay with peaks all throughout its length on a perfect day. This is the most popular bodyboarding and surfing point in North Wales. This is a bustling spot, but there’s sufficient space for all.  The beach also works from low tide to high tide, so this contributes to its appeal. You just have to move with the tides to get the best waves. The best spot for beginners is in the middle of the bay. However, Hell’s Mouth waves can get lively on its good days and attract riders from the neighboring area.
• Porth Oer: In the Llyn Peninsula, Porth Oer (aka Whistling Sands) has an exposed beach break with unpredictable surf. But the waves can be good with the right wind combining with a good-sized swell. Bodyboarding and surfing here are best during high tide. It gets busy during the winter and spring; those are the best times of year to bodyboard here. Be careful at the end of the beach, which has strong rips.
• Traeth Penllech: Aka Porth Colmon, also in Llyn Peninsula is another beach break with unreliable surf but good for bodyboarding beginners. The beach break has both left- and right-hand waves. The best time to bodyboard here would be just after high peak tide.
• Porth Ceiriad: Also in Llyn Peninsula, is a bodyboarding and surfing beach for experienced riders. This sandy beach is impressive with its huge barrels in the winter. During the calmer months of summer, the beach is great for swimming and snorkeling.
• Llantwit Major: Located in Glamorgan near Cardiff, has great waves that are best suited to more skilled bodyboarders and surfers as it has a reef break. There’s both a good right- and left-hand point that good shape. The waves work at all tides, best with south-west swell and north-east wind.
• Caswell Bay: This spot in Swansea is a user-friendly, level stretch of beach that’s perfect for beginners on their first try at bodyboarding. The typically small waves make learning fun. There are always instructors available on most days in this sheltered bay to make learning easier for the newbies.
• Cwm Colhugh Beach: Also known as Llantwit Major Beach, on the other hand, is for experienced bodyboarders and surfers. The waves can reach 2 meters or more, which attracts the more experienced riders. It has a right-hand breakpoint along the east side of the bay. The beach is quite shallow and rocky, not good for beginners and improvers.
• Borth: Bodyboarding on this beach in Ceredigion, will have you wishing for a bit of harsh weather. The best waves on this beach form on a stormier day. The best time to get on your board here is during high tide. Watch out for the timber groynes along the beach!
• Llangennith: This beach in Swansea has forceful peaks that make it appealing to bodyboarders and surfers alike. This superb stretch of beach has a diversity of bodyboarding breaks suitable for all skill levels. You can always find waves here to your liking and something that matches your ability. Best of all, the beach is expansive enough that you can go to it right away without sharing your space with other fanatics. The flat and level beach also makes it ideal for power kiting and buggy sailing as well.
• Llanddulas Breakwater: This place in Conwy is best visited during the winter and spring months, with January being the best month. You either get perfect waves and have some incredible rides, or you get nothing at all. The waves are unpredictable, and so are the riptides here. Most of the time, the waves are adequate for bodyboarding but not for serious surfing.
• Llandudno Beach: Located in Conwy, this spot is known for being either incredible or definitely run-of-the-mill. The best swells are in the spring and summer. That’s when the beach starts to get busy. However, it’s also known for being inconsistent and unreliable at this time. The waves in December, for the most part, are adequate for bodyboarding beginners. But when the big barrels roll in, it’s best left to the more experienced riders as rocks can be present in most places on the beach.

Can You Bodyboard on Anglesey?

Anglesey has beaches for all sorts of bodyboarders, whether newbies, intermediates, experts, and everything in between. Broad Beach, for example, provides great conditions for bodyboarding and surfing. Rhosneigr, which claims the title as the adrenalin capital of the Island, boasts two beaches.

Anglesey is a hot spot for other watersports like windsurfing and kite surfing as well. Coasteering is also fast becoming a mainstay sport in Anglesey’s beaches due to its great coastline that seemingly is custom-made for this sport. Below are some of the best beaches for bodyboarding and surfing in the area.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding on Anglesey

• Rhosneigr: Has Traeth Llydan Beach to the south of the town and Traeth Crigyll to the north. Both of them face south-west and work best on a south-westerly or westerly swell. The beaches are pretty safe for beginners at low tide when the swells are small. Actually, if it’s your first time on this beach, it’s best to start bodyboarding at low tide so you can mark where the rocks are before the water covers them at high tide and you crash into them. This is a consistent bodyboarding spot, but the riptides, especially at the southern end, can be a problem for beginners during high tide. The middle of both beaches offers some good peaks.
• Porth Trecastell: Aka Cable Bay is a little sandy beach with some good-sized waves during big swells. When the surf is up, it can get pretty busy with bodyboarders and surfers. It is a popular spot being an ideal family beach as well. Out-of-towners frequent this beach as often as the locals, especially during the summer. The ideal swell direction comes from the southwest.
• Traeth Lligwy: Located in Anglesey is a wide, sandy beach backed by low sand dunes.  During low tide, the beach turns into a large expanse of firm sand. However, the beach only works every so often. The best times to go bodyboarding here would be in the winter and spring. Most of the time, surfers find the waves here too small, which suits the bodyboarders just fine, so they have waves almost all to themselves.
• Porth Tywyn Mawr: Aka Sandy Beach, is a one-kilometer-long beautiful golden sand beach backed by dunes. A popular spot for all kinds of watersports, there is plenty of space for all who visit either for bodyboarding, surfing, sailing, or jet-skiing.
• Benllech Beach: This spot in Anglesey is one of the most popular beaches on the island, even with its inconsistent surf. Its fine golden sand and clear water are perfect for bringing the family over for a swim and a picnic. For bodyboarders, the best time of the year to visit would be during winter and spring. January would be perfect for bodyboarders, but the waves are too small for surfers.
• Trearddur Bay: One of Anglesey’s best beaches with its huge expanse of level sand. The long curving sand slopes gradually into the sea and can provide some serviceable waves. Facing southwest, a big southwest swell can push into the bay to deliver the waves. The best time to go bodyboarding would be during the mid-to-high tide.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches in Gower

• Llangennith Beach: This spot in Gower is a bodyboarding beach for all ages and levels. This is usually the first beach mentioned when you hear talks of bodyboarding and surfing in Gower. Llangennith is a top-rated destination throughout the year. Its four-and-a-half-kilometer length gets filled up with bodyboarders and surfers when word of the surf going up spreads. The fact that it’s suitable for beginners to the more advanced ones adds to its reputation. Any swell reaching the southern shores of Wales will provide Llangennith some decent breaking waves. The breaks change rapidly with the tide. The best bodyboarding conditions would be at mid-tide, preferably with an offshore wind blowing. However, when the conditions are just right, this turns into a beach where all skill levels can be accommodated. The best time to get a ride on this beach will be during high tide during the summer.
• Threecliff Bay: Also located in Gower, this place is a sandy bay that gets its name not surprisingly from an outcrop with three peaks at the bay’s eastern side. It connects with Oxwich Bay at low tide to form a five-kilometer stretch of sandy beach perfect for beginners. It works even at low tide through the best time would be during high tide.
• Pete’s Reef: A famous reef break that picks up all swells coming along. A word of caution, this is not just for anybody. Newbies will most probably find this to be above their skill level and therefore warned to stay away. Experienced riders will find the waves here to be not lacking in thrills and challenges with both its left- and right-hand breaks. The breaks work best at low tide.
• Langland Bay: Gower’s premier bodyboarding and surfing spot. Depending on the tide, there is always something going on here. The Shorey Beach works best during high tide, and then Rotherslade and The Reef starts working when the tide begins to fall. The Sandbar, Shit Pipe, and Middle of the Bay get in on low tide action. Crab Island reef only works occasionally, but it’s remarkable when it does, a swift lift-off then an easy and long ride. The best conditions for bodyboarding are when you have a southwest or west swell with a north wind—no wonder all types of water sports buffs flock to this beach at all times.

Best Bodyboarding Spots in Portugal

Portugal is a must-visit destination for all types of bodyboarders, beginner, intermediate, expert, or anything in between. If any country is specially made for bodyboarding, it’s Portugal. Consider; gorgeous mild weather, 1,800 kilometers of shoreline, almost year-round never-ending swell from all directions, waves ranging from the slightest wave to a world-record height of 30 meters, providing a profusion of waves to choose from, picture-perfect landscape, and amazing food all at a very affordable cost.

Bodyboarding and surfing are viable all year round in Portugal. The perfect time to visit northern Portugal for bodyboarding is between the end of summer and the end of spring. The months of September to April have big waves with average swell sizes of around 2 meters. They would frequently reach heights of 3 to 5 meters. During summer, the waves would typically be about 1 to 1.5 meters. Some of the best beaches for bodyboarding are listed below in no specific order.

• Mindelo: One of the most popular bodyboarding spots in the north of Portugal. Strategically situated only 25 kilometers from Porto, some of Portugal’s foremost bodyboarders have polished their skills here. The waves here can be unpredictable, changing rapidly with imperceptible changes in wind, tide, and swell direction. Mindelo has mighty barrels and vertical ramps for those who crave the air. At mid- to high-tide, this beach break produces waves that break near the shore.
• Praia da Arda: This place has hosted many a world and European championship. With its wave power, consistent swells, and multiple peaks, that honor is well deserved. The swell arrives here with more reliability than on other beaches due to its location. However, when the swell develops, the waves increase their customary power, and strong currents form.
• Espinho: Has been the site of many international surfing and longboarding competitions. It has bodyboarding spots several notches above your normal beach. The star of the show in Espinho is the long and hollow right-handers breaking close to the quays. Praia Azul is one of many unspoiled shore breaks for the purists. This beach is compelling and hazardous, so it’s best to get out there when the waves are not too big and not too small. When its sand bottom is perfectly aligned, the waves break perfectly, and you get the idyllic conditions for bodyboarders. But the fun starts when the bottom is steady, the wind blowing offshore, and the swell is driving in the right direction. Then you get what you’re here for in Espinho.
• Praia de Ofir: When the North Atlantic swells hit Portugal’s coast with all its muscle, Praia de Ofir comes alive with bodyboarders. With the sandbanks in perfect alignment, you can choose between two different peaks. The most consistent point break will offer you long rights on low tide. You can even perform more than a few maneuvers in the same wave. At mid-tide and high tide, the peak transforms into a cool shore break where you can do a or two every time. There is another spot in front of the three towers driving some left-handers straight to the shore. Multiple peaks also appear along the beach that you can always take advantage of. That’s a nice bodyboarder’s problem to have, choosing which wave to ride.
• Leca de Palmeira: Located in Matosinhos, this area has loads of beaches and bodyboarding spots for all skill and experience levels. This is one of the most challenging shore breaks in all of Portugal. Thumping surf is formed by the Atlantic northwest swells to which Leça is directly subjected. It’s so gnarly that the only ones out there when it gets massive are bodyboarders. You will often find competitive bodyboarders practicing here when the surf’s up on this beach.
• Paramos: A beach break that moves depending on the position of the sandbars. The peak is known as “A Capela,” which is right in the middle of two different bodyboarding sites. The north side has a long left-hander that breaks toward the jetty. On the other side, near the south jetty, you might be blessed with a left that sporadically breaks in the shore. Conditions may be different from the previous week as the sand is constantly shifting and changing its alignment over the course of the season.
• Esmoriz, Cortegaça, and Maceda: Further south, Esmoriz, Cortegaça, and Maceda are perfect and alternative bodyboarding spots along this area. These beaches have consistent waves during small-to-medium swells. They are popular bodyboarding alternatives when the northern coast is smooth.
• Costa de Prata: Also called Silver Coast, this place in Aveiro has a long coastline with several quality surf breaks. Although each spot is different in what it offers to bodyboarders, they all break over a consistent sand bottom. One of them is Costa Nova, a popular bodyboarding, surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding place.  Then there is Praia da Barra, where the best conditions arise during low tide. It has powerful waves, tubes, and ramps when the wind blows offshore.
• Praia Grande Beach: Hosts the longest-running bodyboarding tournament in the world. The beach has a reliable selection of peaks. At low tide, when the waves reach 1.5 meters, they can be quite powerful. When the waves are about at half-meter heights, you can enjoy some fun rides. The beach works at low, mid, and high tides, although you have to shift locations to take advantage of the tides at different spots. Even the feel of the beach is it’s made for bodyboarding, and bodyboarders of all ages and skills agree by crowding onto it whenever a hint of a wave shows up.
• Guincho Beach: Has a left wedge at the southern end of the beach and lefts and rights along a one-and-a-half-kilometer stretch of the beach. A great beach to hang out on!
• Carcavelos Beach: Has fast-running, barreling peaks. The waves bend off the foot of a cliff, and these deflections create fun wedge peaks.  Even with the small waves that this beach produces, you can definitely have some fun on those. The beaches along the road offer varied breaks, waves, and setup.
• Praia Das Macas: On a good day, it has good quality waves you can ride. At mid- to high-tide, you can enjoy the peak in the middle of the beach and the one in the southern corner of the bay. At low tide, the waves get hollow, and barrels would be out. A magnificent beach to be bodyboarding on.
• Supertubos, Peniche: this is where the WSL (World Surfing League) has been holding their competition yearly. This is one of the best beach breaks in the world and is regarded as one of the favorite stops on tour. Supertubos delivers up to 2.5-meter barrels about 3-4 days a week from October to May. Competitive riders come here to practice and enhance their skills on their left- and right-hand barrels. Truly a super beach for those serious in their bodyboarding endeavors.
• Praia d’Adraga: Located in Sintra, this place has been named as one of the top 20 best European beaches. It has an unpredictable left-hand wedge, but what a wedge when it’s on. It offers at least half-a-meter waves even when other beaches are flat, being a swell magnet. The breaks are so close to shore that there is almost no paddle out, so you get more time riding the waves than just hunting for them. An excellent place to be if you can get it.
• Praia Pequena: Sintra translates “small beach” being dwarfed by its adjacent big and more famous sister Praia Grande or “Big Beach.” This will work in your favor when you get to bodyboard here. No cafes, no shops, and best of all, no crowds, just left- and right-hand peaks working best on one-meter-high waves on a good day. What more could you ask for?
• Paco d’Arcos Beach: Situated in Lisbon, this have waves that have been said that seems to be designed by the bodyboarders themselves. It has a left-hand wedge that rebounds evenly off a harbor wall into a perfect white sandy beach. You will surely get some air time here. It’s a very popular Lisbon spot for bodyboarding since the waves break so close to shore.
• Costa da Caparica: Also in Lisbon, has 8 kilometers of golden sandy beaches located just over the river from Lisbon. A succession of rocky groynes dot the beaches and gives the beaches its varied waves. This, in turn, makes the beaches suitable for all levels of bodyboarders. Since the sandbars shift every so often, you may find the waves presenting a different challenge on the same beach the next time.
• Praia da Rocha: Near Portimao in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is a large, beautiful beach conveniently located a short distance away from hotels, resorts, and cafes. The water is shallow enough that it’s safe for children, but at the same time, it has waves sufficient for some amazing bodyboarding. Its beach is composed of golden sand with more than enough space for the thousands of visitors that gather here during the summer.
• Praia da Arrifana: In the town of Aljezur in the Algarve region is a beach for all types of water activities. This is a Blue Flag beach almost a kilometer in length with a hint of a north swell. This provides the waves for bodyboarding and surfing on this beach. There are shops where you can rent boards and wetsuits if you forgot to bring your own, as unlikely as that might be.
• Nazare: For surfers and bodyboarders, the mention of this town conjures an image of towering waves as tall as a 10-storey building crashing down. This is where the world’s biggest waves were surfed and recorded. The gigantic waves hit the coasts from October to February, the peak surfing season, in Praia do Norte. Since these waves can only be surfed by less than a hundred humans courageous (or foolish) enough, mere mortals have to be satisfied with bodyboarding on Praia da Nazare, the beach at the center of town. It is nothing to sneeze at either as it is also a known world-class bodyboarding and surfing spot.

Best Bodyboarding Spots in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura, an island of the Spanish archipelago in the Canaries, is one of the most popular bodyboarding and surfing spots in Spain and Europe. Its beaches dotted around the island is suitable for beginners and professionals alike. The pros arrive in earnest from October to April, which is the peak season for bodyboarding and surfing. The beginners have their beaches all year round, although it may settle down a bit in September.

That is just the surf taking a much-needed breather before starting up again seriously the next month. The water temperature ranges from 19°C to 25°C throughout the year, with February being the coldest month. Still, it’s nothing that can be taken care of by the appropriate wetsuit. Listed below are some of the finest bodyboarding and surfing beaches you can find in this area.

• El Hierro Beach: Fuerteventura’s world-famous surf spot with everything you could ask for, a reef break with two peaks, A-frames, and barrels. El Hierro is the most famous surfing beach here due to the dependability of its waves. Be warned that this is only for intermediate and advanced riders. The reef break makes it dangerous for beginners. The left peak is more powerful than the right one and can therefore offer more for tricks. The best time to come here is during spring, summer, and autumn.
• El Cotillo Beach: An intense beach break located on the north side of the island. It is a perfect bodyboarding site for beginners during the summer months. However, bodyboarding in winter is for intermediates or higher. The sandy bottom gets washed out at this time, and powerful waves are produced. It can become unpredictable and dangerous for beginners.
• Punta Elena Beach: Another training and improving beach for beginners and intermediates. Rocky Point is the beach for beginners. The other beaches cater to intermediate or higher levels. It has both left and right breaks.
• Cyclop Beach: This beach is for advanced bodyboarders and surfers. This reef break has lefts and rights that you can choose from.
• Flag Beach: A 6.5kilometer-long white sand beach interspersed with pebbles that’s a treat for bodyboarders and surfers. This place is perfect for beginners and intermediate-level surfers almost year-round. Booties are advised here because of the rocks in the water. This is best surfed on a mid-to-high tide.
• El Tubudero: Has a reef break and a sandy bottom in some places. There will be some A-frame waves and, if you’re lucky, a good swell that brings the barrels to life. A great beach for both intermediate and beginner bodyboarders.
• El Burro: Aka Glass Beach, is an excellent spot for beginners with a bit of bodyboarding experience under their belt (or wetsuit). Best at mid-to-low tide during the summer.  Just be careful of the reef if the waves get too big.
• La Caleta Beach: A beginners’ beach. The autumn and winter months are the seasons to pay this beach a visit.
• Punta Blanca: A favorite spot of local surf schools where they start teaching their bodyboarding and surfing students. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediates, as well as the waves aren’t that strong. It has a reef break and a long right-hand wave ideal for intermediate and beginner surfers. The best time to ride the waves here is in spring and autumn. It may be the most scenic beach, but it serves up perfect waves for beginners.
• Bristol Beach: A bit of a hassle if you want to ride here, but it will be worth it. The locals can be territorial and don’t take kindly to strangers sharing their waves. Be respectful of their space, and you’ll get along well. This beach has left, and right reef breaks great for intermediate and advanced riders. The winter can see some good-sized swells and waves.
• Bubble Beach: Has one of the strongest reef breaks in Fuerteventura. The reef break can be very dangerous occasionally, so only advanced surfers and professionals may surf this beach. There is a very short distance between the lineup and the cliffs that make this very risky. This works best in wintertime.
• Majanicho Beach: A site for both intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners are advised to keep away from this beach due to its strong currents. A reef break with right and left waves works best in the summer, autumn, and winter.
• La Derecha de Alemania; A reef break with a strong current due to huge, steep waves ideal for intermediate surfers. It works best in autumn and wintertime.
• Los Lobos Beach: Has the longest waves in the Canary Islands. It has fast right-hand waves that break over a shallow reef, making it a challenge for intermediates and advanced surfers. It has consistent waves and provides opportunities for all advanced levels. This is definitely not for beginners. It works best in autumn and winter.
• La Generosa: A sloping beach with easy waves for intermediate and advanced riders in autumn and winter. This is a left and right-hand reef break.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in Sydney

Australia has always been a pioneer in watersports such as surfing. So, it’s not surprising that bodyboarding will catch on in this place with an abundance of beaches meant for bodyboarding. One of the hotbeds of watersports is Sydney, with more than 70 beaches along its coastline. With this number of beaches of differing features, you can always find a break to your liking

Beaches in Sydney range from beginners’ beaches with gentle waves to beaches with more challenging breaks. Following is a list of beaches in or around Sydney that may suit your skill and style. Good luck and be safe!

• Bondi Beach: Always a good place to start. It’s world-famous, has an expansive white sand beach, impressive waves, crowded and expensive! Putting all that aside, the beach has waves for all bodyboarding levels. The northern end of the beach is where you’ll find the bodyboarders. The surfers have the southern end to themselves. A family-friendly beach, this is a safe beach to bring your kids to for the weekend if you don’t mind the crowds. The beach is less than an hour away from Sydney by bus.

• Freshwater Beach: The birthplace of Australian surfing and, indirectly, of bodyboarding. Affectionately known as “Freshie” to the Aussies, this beach is family-friendly with its shallow waters and offers a perfect intro to bodyboarding. This is the beach where the Hawaiian “Duke” Kahanamoku, the godfather of Aussie surfing, showed the locals how surfing is done in January 1915. His statue stands today on the northern headland to memorialize that day.
• Long Reef: Located in the Northern Beaches is a perfect beautiful white sand beach that has reliable waves. The artificial reefs were formed by deliberately sinking vessels in the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. The offshore Long Reef Bombora in the north breaks at one meter. A big swell from the south produces waves as high as five meters. This beach is excellent for bodyboarding beginners and intermediates. Bonus points for this beach are that you may have the chance to have a wave all to yourself on a slow weekday.

• Maroubra Beach: Although a little further south than Bondi, Maroubra Beach is worth the extra time you travel to get there. It’s a one-kilometer-long beach for surfers, swimmers, and families. This beach is a lot less crowded than Bondi, which is excellent for beginners and learners. The northern side has the bigger and is for more advanced riders, while the southern side of the beach has gentler waves. If you’re serious about bodyboarding (you are if you’ve read this far), go when there are not too many people to enjoy the waves properly. That means weekdays and “off-peak” hours to compete with the tourists and locals for the waves.
• Cronulla beaches: Actually four beaches grouped in one area, Wanda, Elouera, North Cronulla, and Cronulla. The local surfing and bodyboarding community here is quite active. Cronulla is the longest beach in Sydney, with enough space for all to enjoy. The northern end has waves on the smallish side that are just right for beginners.

• Manly Beach: Has a reputation for being a do-it-all beach is well deserved making it very popular. This stretch of golden sand extends for one and a half kilometers, providing plenty of space for the throng of water sports enthusiasts who come here. The beginners get their instructions on the southern end of the beach. A southerly wind makes the ideal condition for the gentle waves for beginners. A submerged reef at Queenscliff at the other end generates the waves coveted by advanced bodyboarders. It also has the bragging rights for hosting the first-ever world surfing competition held in 1964, which is still held every February.
• Palm Beach: Provides first-rate waves at its northern end for those who come here to surf. The southern end is for family outings, swimming, and just for plain relaxing. This may be a bit of a ride from the city, but “Palmy” is worth visiting for its safe, gentle waves and being family-friendly.
• Coogee Beach: A great beach for bodyboarding with its calm surf and is family-friendly to boot.
• Curl Curl Beach: Derives its name from the original name the Aborigines have for this area if you are wondering about the two “Curls.” It is roughly 1.2 km long, and the waves here are in the 1.6-meter range on average. North Curl Curl has the waves for bodyboarding as well the right conditions for swimming. This area is perfect for families with small children as the water is relatively shallow here. South Curl Curl is also popular with its kid-friendly ocean swimming pool. Riptides may be present so keep an eye out if you swim here.
• Dee Why: Why is Dee Why named Dee Why? No one knows. And it seems it will remain that way for the foreseeable future. Name aside; this is a great spot for beginners. Its southern headland protects it from southerly winds and gives shape to swells coming from the south. Locals will congregate here when the point break is working.
• Avalon Beach: Has a large community of passionate surfers and riders. The skills on display here are varied, which is okay since this beach has waves for all types and levels. South Avalon is more oriented to beginners with its gentle waves created by a sandbank near an ocean rock pool. Little Avalon near the south cliff has fast-barreling waves for the hard-charging riders. North Avalon breaks along the length of the north headland. A sandbank close by gets a lot of attention from all kinds and is always busy.
• Narrabeen Beach: One of the instantly recognizable beaches in Australia. That is no mean feat considering the multitude of beaches here. It stretches more than three kilometers from its southern end at Long Reef to its northern entrance in Narrabeen Lagoon. Narrabeen’s claim to fame is the world-famous North Narrabeen break where some of the world’s champions were produced. It also hosts various local, national, and international events. The Narrabeen bombora is a tow-in site when the big south swells come. Beach breaks are plentiful along the beach but so do riptides. Not to worry though, lifeguards and patrols are also spread along the beach just in case. The central Gardens area is the most popular site here. The beginners and inexperienced have the modest waves at Collaroy all to themselves to practice on.
• Fairy Bower: This place is an improver’s beach. Meaning it has waves that a beginner can surf so they can progress. The point break at Bower has three distinct waves, “Winki” and “Suck Up” should be avoided by beginners. The third one, named “Race Course,” is where beginners should try and challenge themselves so they can improve their skills.
• Bronte Reef Beach: Known as Bunnies to the locals, located south of Bondi Beach, is a reef break that everyone can enjoy. It breaks up into different sections so it will present different waves. From time to time, it may even create barrels for the more adventurous. But even without the barrels, the anticipation of getting one is part of the fun when bodyboarding here.
• Mona Vale: Actually two distinct beaches, Cooks Terrace Beach and The Basin. A wide ocean rock platform separates one from the other. Waves coming from the southern end of the platform usually break well but powerfully. The underwater chasm that creates these waves also creates the riptides that can be problematic to those trying to swim here. Cooks Terrace on the southern side has a string of beach breaks with wide-open spaces for avid bodyboarders. The Basin, on the north side, has a modest right-hand break. For family-oriented trips, there is a pool suited to children and for just lying in the water.
• Shark Island or Cronulla: A reef break only for experienced bodyboarders and pros. It breaks onto sharp rocks, and you’ll be hurting if you wipe out since it’s a bit shallow as well. So, you can understand if you are a beginner and get shooed away from here. Good, experienced bodyboarders will enjoy this one.
• Thirroul Beach: Along the Illawarra coast is a one-kilometer-long ribbon of golden sand. This is an excellent beach for beginners when the swell is slight, and the wind comes from the south. But when the big swells and surf come, it’s time for the pros to play here and let the beginners watch in envy.
• Newport Beach: A 1.3 kilometer-long beach with reddish-golden sands and sweeps from the rocks at Newport Head. Any swell coming from any direction will stir up waves on this beach. A group of rocks known as The Peak located about 200 meters or so from the northern headland forms two distinct breaks that appeal to accomplished bodyboarding and surfing locals. Swimming, windsurfing, and fishing are also popular watersports at this beach.
• Stanwell Park Beach: This place is always up to something. Even if you’re just one lesson removed from being a beginner, Stanny will have something for you. It’s a totally exposed beach break, so some type of surf is always up on this beach. The best conditions have a southeast swell combining with a northwest offshore wind, but waves of sufficient heights will still be available most of the time.
• Voodoo Beach in Cronulla: Aptly named, it’s a scary spot if you’re not experienced. For starters, the paddle out is in the neighborhood of 500 meters. The waves are heavy, and the bottom is pure rock. But if you’re seriously into bodyboarding or surfing, you don’t want to miss out on Voodoo, especially from December to March when the switch is turned on for the swells.
• Corrimal Beach: The northern end of Corrimal Beach is perfect for beginners learning the ropes due to its small and consistent surf. Bellambi Point shelters it. A surfing school here runs a three-day camp for people interested in learning bodyboarding and surfing.
• Cronulla Beach: A placefor learners, it has gentle waves conducive to learning bodyboarding coupled with a beach wide enough to accommodate other beach bums as well. The best time to come here would be with the wind blowing northeast at mid tide.
• Tamarama Beach: This place gets its rep as “Glamorama” Beach due to the preponderance of the so-called beautiful people hanging out here. Whether they are bodyboarding or surfing or not is an entirely different conversation.  It is 80 meters of shoreline bordered by two prominent headlands on the Bondi to Coogee Walk. It has terrific surfing conditions although disposed to powerful currents. Beginners and intermediates would find it amazing.
• Umina Beach: Located in the Central Coast is another beach as if intended for bodyboarding beginners. Its long sloping sea bed provides a very long ride before breaking on the beach. Its protected location along the northeast of Broken Bay shelters it from the ocean’s continuous pounding.
• North Steyne: A beach break that has an offshore bombora guiding the swell. The best bodyboarding condition is when the swell is coming from the east. Everyone is welcome but defer to the locals as they consider this “their” waves.
• Deadmans Beach: You’re a dead man if you are not ready to ride the waves here. This beach serves up huge waves during a mega swell. Last July 15, 2020, an intrepid group of surfers rode waves here as high as 10 meters. And to quote one of them, “it was the best wave I ever surfed in Sydney.” Riding the huge waves has only two possible outcomes, wipe out, and you are considered a goner until you surface (alive, I might say) or ride it successfully be considered a legend—your call.
• Cape Solander: This place delivers huge demanding waves. A 3-meter wave is not out of the ordinary on this beach. Not for nothing; the break is called Cape Fear. You better be prepared if you decide to surf here when the big swell hits. Cape Fear is littered with rocks that can hurt you if you wipe out. This may turn out to be the least of your problems as sharks could also be lurking nearby.

Best Beaches for Bodyboarding in Perth

As they say on the Australian West Coast, there are two kinds of aquatic creatures that lurk in the sea along its coast, the first is the shark, and the second is the surfer. Western Australia has more than 12,000km of coastline. Not surprisingly, WA is home to numerous prime surf breaks. The following list details the best ones in no particular order.

• Trigg Beach: One of the spots with the most consistent surf break, particularly during the summer. This is an enjoyable beach break with multiple peaks. However, it does need a good swell to get some nice waves. It also works in all kinds of tides, especially with an east wind pushing it. The swell generates passable right-handers.
• Derrs Beach: This spot can get active on a slight southwest swell and can have waves up to almost 2 meters. The reef break causes it to break both left and right. The sandy bottom mixed with some rocks makes it a good beach for beginners. There are also no hazards worth mentioning on this beach. It’s a little less crowded due to its location, but it still attracts a fair number of bodyboarders and surfers when surf news gets around.
• Cottesloe Beach: This can lay a claim to being Perth’s most beautiful beach with its white sand and clear water. Cottesloe is also popular with the improvers and the less skilled with its moderate waves. A surf school is on-site for those who are trying the sport for the first time.
• Scarborough Beach: A long stretch of golden sand great for all types of watersports such as bodyboarding, windsurfing, kite surfing and surfing, and just for lazing around. This beach is suitable for beginners due to the waves breaking close to the shore and its sandy bottom minimizing injuries should you wipe out. The ever-changing sandbars provide short and fast waves perfect for beginners practicing their rides. At times, when the weather and tide conditions align, it can offer waves to intermediate bodyboarders. Unfortunately, most of the time, it doesn’t quite deliver. The best times to visit “Scarbs” is early morning or late afternoon.
• Leighton Beach: A quiet little beach break south of Cottesloe Beach. It has several banks which may or may not provide the 1-meter waves it can produce. When the swell reaches it and produces those waves, lefts and rights are available. However, it closes out a lot of times.
• Mullaloo Beach: Has some lively waves washing over shallow sandbars so you can walk out to the waves. It has good waves throughout the year though the spring and autumn swell bring out the bigger stuff. The ideal condition to bodyboard here is with the tide rising when the waves can get quite big. Most of the time, the waves are average but still great fun during the winter.
• Geraldton Mahomet’s: Also known as Back Beach to the locals is a perfect spot for beginners. It has gentle waves in pretty much all settings. Its long sandy coast is spacious enough for all who come here.
• Boogerbox Beach: A place perfect for bodyboarders. The waves are too small for surfers but just right for bodyboarders, a small price to pay to bodyboard in peace. A 2-meter swell is needed to break, and a half-meter or lower is best. Eschew going out on low tide to avoid the dry reef. The best time would be mid to high tide. This is best for intermediates as the rocky bottom may present a hazard to beginners. This beach can get busy.
• Margaret River: This location plays host to the World Surf League annually. That means the waves are world-class. It also pulls plenty of serious amateurs to spots like Surfers Point, Main Break, and the Box. The more adventurous types flock to Cowaramup Bombora (aka Cow Bombie), a big wave break two kilometers offshore.
• Smith’s Beach: A very popular bodyboarding spot in the warm months. So, it can attract quite a number of people bodyboarding and surfing. It has a beautiful sandy bottom and safe conditions.
• Mettams Beach: A reef break suitable for beginners. It has right and left breaks. The sandy bottom does not present any hazard to beginners. Also, there is no crowd, so you can learn bodyboarding in peace and, more importantly, not embarrass yourself when you wipe out.
• While Swanbourne: May be more popular to those who prefer to go swimming in their birthday suits, being the only clothes-optional beach in Perth, it offers an adequate break for bodyboarders and surfers. The mid-year months provide the most dependable swells, but the best waves are available in the winter.
• Burn Beach: Has a reef break, with lefts and rights good for beginners. There’s not much of a crowd or hazard. Waves range from good to extraordinary with the occasional surging barrel thrown in.
• Ocean Beach: A popular surfing spot with beach breaks all throughout the beach, so you can clearly have your own slice of the wave. Crystal clear water and a sandy bottom make this ideal for beginners. This also works in almost all types of swells.
• Yallingup Beach: Its first claim to fame is the hometown of champion professional surfer Taj Burrow. The second is its world-famous waves. The waves are quite hefty and break onto the coastline. That makes it an excellent beach for surfing and bodyboarding. But you have to be careful of the riptides here if you are not a particularly strong swimmer.
• Tom’s Beach: Bodyboard or surf here if you dare. Aside from the boulder bottom, rocks, crowds, and sharks, the worst hazard may be the very territorial locals about this beach. This is for intermediates, with left and right breaks, small but fun waves. The best time to surf here is during the autumn and winter months when the swells get to 2-3 meters high. The ideal time is during high tide.
• Cathedralls Beach: Has a reef break, lefts, and rights, with a rocky bottom. This makes it a bit problematic for beginners. Intermediates will find this a bit of a challenge. Crowds are average, and there is no known hazard.
• Back Beach: Tiny town, big waves—that best describes Back Beach in Lancelin. This beach has waves for all skill levels of bodyboarders. Outside the town, the more experienced riders can find even bigger waves. The bay has protected areas for swimming and SUPs. The more daring can explore the shipwrecks that litter the coast by scuba diving.
• Spiders Beach: HHas a reef break, rights and lefts, and no known hazards. Even then, this beach is for intermediates or higher level only. First of all, you need a boat to take you out to the break, so you better know how to reach the beach when you launch your board. The waves are good, so this won’t be much of an issue. Hopefully, the swells are in your favor since this needs a good strong swell to work. The crowd is not too bad here.
• Strickland Bay: Has a reef break, rights and lefts, with a coral bottom. It gets swells consistently due to its south-facing location. The waves here work even when other breaks are not working elsewhere in Rottnest Island. This is perfect for beginners. Just be on the lookout for sharks and rocks. This is easily the most famous break on the island, and it can get busy in a hurry when the swells come in.
• Hunchie’s Beach: This place gets busy from spring to autumn. It has a reef break, rights and lefts, and a sandy bottom. Intermediates will enjoy the 1.5-meter waves here on a good day. A sizable crowd can gather here when the waves are on. The best time to surf here is during the early morning.
• Secret Harbour: Not a secret anymore to the bodyboarding and surfing circles. This is a famous beach for beginners for its beach break and sandy bottom. The waves are middling, but the consistent swell makes this very popular.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast of Australia has a well-deserved reputation for quality waves. However, it’s not only the waves that stick out here but the whole surf vibes that the place exudes. It has also produced world-class surfing champions among its ranks. The preponderance of beaches in the area certainly contributes to that culture. Listed here are beaches suggested for your next bodyboarding vacation on the Sunny Coast.

• Noosa Heads: Actually five separate point breaks, each with its own character. The only common thing about them is when one is flat, and all are flat. But when it’s on, be prepared to get on real rides. First, there is Granite Bay, the least remarkable therefore the least crowded of the lot. Second, Tea-Tree Bay has shifting sandbars that produce some good barrels. The best time here will be mid-to-low tides. The third one, National Park’s take-off zone, is known as Boiling Pot, from where a ride of at least 200 meters. If your luck holds out, this run can reach 450 meters, in which case you are riding through the fourth one, Johnson’s Bay. The last is First Point which has easy surfing waves.

• Mooloolaba: A beach break that is appropriate for body-boarders of all levels, so it typically draws crowds. It has all the right elements for bodyboarding. Swells hold up to 3 meters, and it starts breaking at about half a meter. You can ride the waves here at all tide conditions if you need extra motivation to come here. Hazards include rips and jellyfish from December to April, which is unfortunate since this is when the best waves occur. Temperatures range from 20°C in the winter and up to 28°C during the summer. Wetsuits are up to you.
• Alexandra Bay: A beach break with right and lefts. The bottom is sand mixed with rocks. Not too crowded as this is not a beginners’ beach but for intermediates and higher. Beware of riptides and be on the lookout for sharks. Nudists may catch you by surprise in this clothing-optional beach, so be warned. This beach always has a wave when you can’t catch it anywhere else, so it’s good to keep this in mind.
• The Rock: A bodyboarder’s beach, although the odd surfer will persist in surfing the waves here. This is a reef break with waves turning right. The bottom is a bit rocky. This gets busy with advanced riders. The perils of surfing here include sharks, rocks, and the possessive locals.
• Wurtulla Beach: A top-rated beach with dependable surf, which can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Swell sizes can be anywhere between 1-2.5 meters at all tide stages. This is an exposed beach break with an ideal swell direction coming from the east southeast. Be wary of sharks and locals.  The best time of year for bodyboarding on this beach is during winter and the month of July. It is blown out about half of the time, but the remaining half is perfect for bodyboarders, although the waves may be too small for a surfer to the (secret) joy of bodyboarders.
• Moffat Point: A nice gentle right-breaking wave over rocks. The bottom is comprised of boulders. This is a busy beach for intermediates. Be aware that there are rocks, sea urchins, and jellyfish. The best tide for bodyboarding is during low tide, but there will be some exposed rocks you need to avoid. The wave starts to break at about one meter high, but it can reach a height of three meters. The best months are January to July
• Old Woman Island: Aka Mudjimba Island, occasionally gives you some fabulous days throughout the year. Although it happens not too often, when it does, the conditions will be perfect. The waves break right and left. The bottom is primarily boulders, so you better know what you’re doing. The paddle out is a good 15 minutes, so you have to be a strong swimmer as well. This is best for intermediates and higher. This works best during the mid-to-high tide, autumn to winter the best season. You have to watch out for rocks when you ride the waves and for sharks during the paddle out.

Best Bodyboarding Beaches in NSW

New South Wales is home to some of the most iconic bodyboarding beaches in Australia. It hosts international championships that attract the most accomplished bodyboarder from all over the world. Listed below are some of the best breaks in this part of Oz.

• Breakwall Beach: Located in Port Macquarie, the self-proclaimed bodyboarding capital of Australia. It’s the birthplace of many a national and international champion. It delivers one of the most emblematic bodyboarding waves in Australia. As such, it is a perfect training ground (beach?) for world-class bodyboarders. It breaks just south of the Hastings River mouth. Rebounding at a perfect angle from the rock wall, the swell drives an exhilarating roller coaster. Other breaks appear to be specifically designed for bodyboarders’ preference.

• Black Rock, South Coast Pipe, Pipeline, Aussie Pipe, Summercloud Bay, Wreck Bay: In New South Wales are just different names for the same thing, one of the best left-hand breaks in the whole of Australia. It’s a short but powerful wave that breaks over a sharp reef. It’s best for intermediates and advanced riders. It gets crowded on the small takeoff spot, but it is well worth it to wait your turn.
• Duranbah Beach: In NSW has a reliable beach break. One of the most consistent breaks in Oz, D’Bah Beach provides fast right and lefts. It has more than 300 meters of coastline, so the crowd gets dispersed a bit. It also has multiple peaks you can choose from if it’s available.
• Shark Island: Located in Cronulla, New South Wales, is one of Australia’s best and most dangerous bodyboarding waves and the world. It delivers a fast and deep surging wave. The waves break over a shallow rocky bottom to make things even scarier. If you are not confident, you can make it, vicariously experience the thrill by watching the daredevils do their thing. The wave starts as a 1.5-meter bowl but rapidly morphs into a 3-meter wedge.

Best Bodyboarding Spots on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast has over 70 kilometers of beautiful beaches and impressive point breaks. Four beaches dubbed the “Superbank” are deemed to be among the best surfing locations. And these are just for starters. There are a few more breaks that warrant mentioning here. Let’s go through a few of them.

• Snapper Rocks: The first of the Superbanks is Snapper Rocks. The Snapper Rocks wave is a right-hand point break suitable only for experts. Barrels are pretty common here, and it sometimes delivers hollow barrels to boot.
• Rainbow Bay: The second beach of the Superbank is Rainbow Bay. This is more suited to beginners and intermediate riders.
• Greenmount: The third beach of the Superbank. It is a sheltered beach and point break that has dependable surf. The best time to surf here will be in the autumn and winter months. It works at all tide and therefore gets crowded. Be aware that there are riptides on this beach. The best month for bodyboarders is August when the waves get too small for the surfers. It then becomes perfect for bodyboarders most of the time, 95% of the time, in fact.
• Kirra Beach: The 4^th beach of the Superbank, is a point break. If the stars align (or the swell, waves, and winds), you might be able to take off from Snapper Rocks and get off your board at Kirra, a ride almost 2 kilometers long. A bodyboarding dream come true. If only we could all get so lucky! Or you may choose to stay at Kirra and surf from its point break. The bottom is sandy mixed with rocks which makes this beach beginner-unfriendly. The beach is packed with people and locals calling dibs on the waves.

• Burleigh Head: A popular bodyboarding destination due to its well-deserved rep and a favorite place for weekend barbecues and picnics due to its view of the ocean. This offers one of the best swimming and surfing beaches on the Gold Coast.
• Currumbin Alley: An excellent place for bodyboarders, surfers, and other water sports fans. It gets the bodyboarders’ and surfers’ interest as its surf break can be ridden in almost all conditions. So, it gets pretty crowded with all types of riders, from beginners to advanced. Bonus point, it’s also a lovely family beach with a netted-off swimming area keeping out sharks. Parks close by the beach has spaces for barbies, as the Aussies call them.
• Kirra Point: Not to be confused with Kirra Beach of Superbank fame is a small rocky headland that separates Kirra Beach from the main Coolangatta Beach. It is considered to be one of the world’s premier surf breaks, with pro and amateur competitions held there to prove it. It has some of the best and most varied wave formations along with the GC. Beginners can ride their boards closer to shore as they can find smaller waves here. The more advanced types can ride theirs further away from where they have more challenging breaks. Just the same, both breaks can get crowded, which is proof of their reputation.
• Nobby Beach: Has three types of visitors throughout the year. Bodyboarders and surfers can ride the shore break during high tide and get a great smooth ride. Fishermen can get their lines out here and always expect a good catch. Those with kids can always count on a great time with their family, either swimming or just walking along the beach. Take your pick.
• Palm Beach: Voted as the cleanest beach in Queensland – twice. No wonder why this beach is so well-liked by bodyboarders, families, and by those just going for a relaxing time on the beach. It’s uncrowded, so you will enjoy any recreation you prefer, bodyboarding, just walking along the beach, or having a barbecue on sections provided for such activity.

Where to Find the Best Bodyboarding Waves in Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 54,700 kilometers of coastline and is known as Asia’s surfing capital. With more than 17,500 islands, Indonesia has diverse bodyboarding conditions to suit all skill levels and budget. It has huge waves, hollow breaks, reef, and beach breaks for all types of bodyboarders.

The more popular destinations are Java, Bali, and Sumatra, but the other islands offer just as good waves, although the amenities may be a bit more rough and ready. Below are the beaches with the most info on bodyboarding. As a caveat, there may be even better beaches that may not make this list as nobody has ridden their boards there yet!

• Bali: The name conjures images of a paradise, waving palm trees, pristine beaches, warm summer nights, the works. And it amazingly lives up to all those expectations. Bali has beaches made for bodyboarding and more. The best time to visit Bali for a bodyboarding vacation is between May and September, the dry season. During the wet season from November to March, there are good waves to be had but not as consistent as during the dry season. Wave heights vary from a half meter high to 4 meters. Below are the beaches in Bali with a short description of each.
  • Balangan: Fun-sized waves of this left-hand reef break are suitable for intermediates. Not too crowded. Booties may be a good option due to their coral reef bottom.
  • Bingin: Has consistent waves that work on all tides. It is surfed best at high tide. Mid tide brings a left-hand barrel that breaks over the reef. During low tide, it’s fit only for advanced surfers as it becomes hollow and shallow.
  • Canggu: An excellent spot for all skill levels, best for intermediates. Great left and right reef break. Beware of rocks and riptides. And crowds!
  • Dreamland: A beach break that has fun rides for beginners learning how to get barreled. It breaks on all tide conditions, so it gets quite busy. No hazards to speak of except the boulder bottom. Truly a dream beach.
  • Impossibles: A left-hand reef break with multiple take-offs points, so it does not get too crowded. High-quality waves with great barrels for advanced surfers.
  • Kuta Beach: One of the major surf areas worldwide, Kuta is a beginners’ beach with several main beach breaks to learn bodyboarding. It has great nightlife, scrumptious food, and top-notch surf schools. It has consistent swells, which hold up to 1.5 meters. Crowded and a bit polluted.
  • Medewi: Works equally well during the dry and wet season. Suitable for all levels and does not get too crowded.
  • Padang Padang: It’s one of the best left-hand reef breaks known as the Balinese pipeline. It is long, hollow, and gives a great ride to advanced surfers. For beginners, there is a mild right-hand wave that breaks on the beach—a busy beach, to say the least.
  • Playgrounds: A great beach for beginners and intermediate surfers during the wet season.
  • Uluwatu: An outstanding left-hand reef break, it is one of the best quality waves in Bali. It rarely goes flat with its consistent waves and may even break up to 3m. As you can imagine, its top-notch quality draws huge crowds to its beaches.
• Java: This area gets swells all year round, thanks to the Southern Indian Ocean. The best and most consistent surf in this area will be available during the dry season, starting in April and ending in November. It can get as high as 3.5 meters in those months while it will get surf half a meter to 2 meters high during the rest of the year. The beaches in Java get jam-packed because of the high-quality waves here. Some of the best beaches for bodyboarding are discussed below.
  • One Palm Point: So named because of the solitary palm tree that overlooks the beach. It is home to the legendary left-hand barrel and one of the longest in the world. This is a wave for experienced riders only. The best time to ride here is during mid-tide.
  • Apocalypse: A right-hand reef break for the more experienced surfers. It delivers barreling waves.
  • Napalms: A shallow hollow left-hand wave breaking over a dangerous reef. Beginners are not allowed here.
  • Ombah Tujuh: This break delivers some of the biggest waves in Indonesia.
  • Grajagan Bay: G-land for short, has one of the best left-hand waves in the world. This barreling wave breaks in four sections known as Kongs, Money Trees, Launch Pads, Speedies, or 20/20’s. All are for the experienced only. From March to November, the swells rarely flattens, and the waves come in a predictable fashion. Crowds are manageable here. It takes a half-day’s drive to get here, but the truly hardcore riders gladly make the trek here.
  • Bombies: A great beach for beginners from January to April during the rainy season. The beginners get to ride during high tide and the advanced ones during low tide when it barrels. The swell gets as high as 2.5 meters. Best of all, there’s no crowd to speak of.
  • Parangtritis Beach: A beach break surfable almost year-round. With an average height of 2 meters and a high of 5 meters, this delivers all sorts of fun waves. Perfect for beginners with its sandy bottom and non-existent crowd.
• Sumatra: Has swelled from 2-4 meters during peak surfing season between the months of March to November. Off-peak season (which is the rest of the year) swells are “only” 1-2 meters high. There are rights, lefts, beach, and reef break aplenty. Let us explore some of them here.
  • Mainland Sumatra has Drews Right, Gusung Merpas, Purus, Karnang Nyimbor, Pasir Putih, Krui Lampung Barat, Parkit, Krui Left , Krui Right, Pantai Panjan Bangkulu, Lampuuk, Mandiri and Pantai Air Manis to name a few. They cover almost all range of waves, rights and lefts, beach breaks and reef breaks, busy beaches or deserted ones between them. But all of them delivers waves to suit all type of bodyboarders.
  • North Sumatra has Lagundri Bay which delivers right-handers, Asu Beach with its left-had break, Bawa Beach with its huge right-hand barrels, and Dylan’s Right has its right-handers.
  • Mentawai Island, just off the coast of Sumatra, has surf spots for all levels, beginners, intermediates, and advanced. It’s mostly reef breaks with either coral reef or rocky/boulder bottoms. The waves are quite challenging during peak season and gentle enough for beginners during the rest of the year.
• Occy’s Left: The island of Sumba has Occy’s Left, a left-hander great for advanced surfers only. You have to stay at the Nihiwatu Resort to ride this wave. Unfair, but that’s the reality. On the other hand (pun not intended), Miller’s Right on its east coast is also a world-class right-hand point break for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Lombok: Another great spot, Lombok, has several notable beaches suited for all skill levels. This place is a bit underdeveloped at the moment and therefore has no crowds yet. But the surf here is just as remarkable as elsewhere in Indo. The best time to ride the waves here would be between November and March during the wet season. It may be rainy, but it’s offset by the fact that there will be minimal competition for the incredible waves you’ll get then.
• Sumbawa: An island with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and top-notch surf. This island hosts primarily tourists who are there for the surf in several beaches, namely; Lakey Peak has an A-frame reef break suited for all levels, Yo-Yo’s Beach is for beginners, Super Suck is a left-hand reef break great for all riders, and Scar Reef is a left-hand reef break for experienced riders who swear this has one of the best waves in Sumbawa.