Despite living in a country that borders the sea, the real surfers the tanned and fit ones with sun burned hair and a board gliding inside a giant wave tube are mostly seen in movies.
But if you have even a small desire to get on a proper surfboard and control the waves, it is best to do it in places that were made for surfing.
All you need to do is answer for yourself the question of what kind of surfer you are and get on a plane to the right destination.
The bad news is that if you are a true surfing enthusiast and want to be surrounded by others like you, you will need to prepare your passport and some money.
So where do you surf First of all the following list.
For beginners at heart
Anyone who wants to learn to surf on the waves of the Pacific Ocean among tanned surfers who live on waves from morning to night should head to a beach in California near San Diego about 130 kilometers south of Los Angeles.
The warm area which also hosts a large industrial facility nearby is home to every sunny sport you can imagine biking kayaking fishing swimming and of course surfing.
There is an excellent surf school and the locals are welcoming and make everyone feel comfortable even if you spend more time in the water than on the board.
The waves are gentle and breaking and it is recommended to arrive during the summer.
For those who like a bit of everything
A beach in Mexico is a long stretch filled with reefs river mouths and standard beaches inviting surfers of all kinds to enjoy the waves.
There are fast and wild waves in one area excellent conditions for longboards in another and the highest waves reach about five meters. There is plenty of open beach with little crowd even during peak season in May and June. It is recommended to rent a car to enjoy all options.
For those who like to take their time
Costa Rica is a paradise for anyone who sees themselves as a water lover but surfers get special treatment here.
At the southern tip near a well known surf town is one of the longest left point breaks in the world.
With a stable southern swell the waves can be ridden for up to three full minutes from start to finish.
It is not easy to stay on the wave for its entire length and the crowd can be heavy but there are enough breaks for everyone to join.
For those who feel close yet far
Australia has some of the best waves but the greatness of a certain remote point is that it is isolated yet close to a major surf town.
You can almost always catch a reliable left wave that will make you happy. If that feels too intense nearby river mouths offer calmer conditions where you can surf without worry.
For those who prefer a Brazilian vibe
At first glance a coastal town in Brazil looks like a typical fishing village.
But with a different perspective you can count more than twenty surf beaches that will satisfy every desire.
On most beaches longboards and shortboards thrive all year long with peak months between December and February.
One specific beach is a paradise for windsurfing year round thanks to consistent winds.
For those who love Hawaii
Not only famous waves await in a bay in Hawaii but also mist covered cliffs and waterfalls flowing from dramatic mountains.
The glassy powerful waves hit the point at heights of four meters and reach the pier at much smaller heights.
This allows surfers to train control before heading to the peak.
For those who like tapas
An island in the Canary Islands is picturesque and offers magical waves. The swell is moderate the water is warm and resorts and tourists draw more surfers to the area.
Even beginners can learn here and it is best to arrive between November and February.
For those who live on the edge
A legendary pipeline beach in Hawaii needs no introduction.
Waves and a shallow reef combine to create massive water tubes surfed only by the most experienced.
The waves are violent and powerful and can easily injure surfers. If this feels too much it is better to sit on the beach and watch.
The sight is unforgettable even from the outside.
For those who wonder
In Tahiti there is a beach with waves over six meters postcard like shores and crystal clear water.
To reach the biggest breaks you need a boat and it is best to arrive between November and April.
It is recommended to come well trained.
For those who believe
A famous bay in South Africa is considered one of the best right hand point breaks in the world.
Nearby are impressive sites including giant walls that form powerful tubes mainly between June and August.
Beginners should probably not try it but it is worth knowing what to aim for.
