Best place to learn to surf - be a surf bum for a season.?

Question

I am looking for the best place to learn to surf for an entire winter season (Nov - May). I can already stand up and 'catch' a wave - due to limited times out have not yet mastered the bottom turn. I am pretty comfortable in the water/athletic. I am willing to move anywhere - looking for a change from being a snowboard bum. I work seasonally - getting a job is not an issue, nor desired. Here are my only requirements.

1) can get by speaking english
3) warm water, wouldn't even think of breaking out any type of wetsuit
2) fun waves to learn on
3) relatively big enough/consistent waves to not be bored 4 months later after surfing as much as possible
4) not the most crowded spot
5) friendly locals

I am looking for the best place to learn to surf for an entire winter season (Nov - May). I can already stand up and 'catch' a wave - due to limited times out have not yet mastered the bottom turn. I am pretty comfortable in the water/athletic. I am willing to move anywhere - looking for a change from being a snowboard bum. I work seasonally - getting a job is not an issue, nor desired. Here are my only requirements.

1) can get by speaking english
3) warm water, wouldn't even think of breaking out any type of wetsuit
2) fun waves to learn on
3) relatively big enough/consistent waves to not be bored 4 months later after surfing as much as possible
4) not the most crowded spot
5) friendly locals

also I would appreciate detailed advice -for example, if the answer is Hawaii then I would like to know which island and what breaks in particular. - What town to live in. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you really want to BUM, then Hawaii is out: too expensive, but it does meet most of your other qualifications.

I disagree on pacific coast of Costa Rica: it favors SW swells, which you won't have that time of year. NW swells are less consistent and typically much smaller (though you do get consistent offshore winds). If you do decide CR is the place (it's awesome), then head up Nicoya to the Tamarindo area. The Caribbean side gets a ton of well in winter, but I haven't many good things about hanging out on that side of CR.

Personally, I'd go to Australia. Nice, gregarious people. Not much language barrier. More surf than you could hope to try in a lifetime. It's summertime down there. Slightly less-expensive cost of living. Opportunity for some very, very fun adventures.

Answer 2

Surf Bum

Answer 3

Warm water alone requires you to go somewhere tropical or south of the equator. I would suggest Waikiki. Not very original but it's got some of beginner friendly waves in the world. The waves will be small but very consistent. It's a bit crowded with lots of tourists learning to surf so you'll have alot of company. And there will be no locals for a few miles. A nice side trip (for inspiration only) will be a visit to the North Shore to watch some of the best surfers in the world. Don't get in the water unless you get good fast....

Answer 4

RE:
Best place to learn to surf - be a surf bum for a season.?
I am looking for the best place to learn to surf for an entire winter season (Nov - May). I can already stand up and 'catch' a wave - due to limited times out have not yet mastered the bottom turn. I am pretty comfortable in the water/athletic. I am willing to move anywhere - looking for...

Answer 5

Ecuador. Ecuador is cheap, has good surf, and uses the US dollar. Meals on the coast rarely exceed 5 dollars and you can get breakfast for less than 2 bucks. I actually lived for a month for 11 dollars a day. The native language is Spanish but most of the breaks cater to tourists and proprietors speak English.
Canoa Manabi is the best place to start. You can surf, take spanish lessons, and find a good guide there. From there you can go to San Mateo, Mompiche, San Lorenzo.... I would not suggest Montanita. It is the only consistently crowded spot and it breaks over an oyster bed.

Answer 6

You should go to Costa Rica , the pacific side. Specifically on th nicoya pennisula. Flights are cheap and once our there its easy going no worries no problems. Good surf and cheap really good food.

The best time to learn to surf in Costa is Oct to january although it gets very busy in december around christams and flights are more expensive.

The country is set up for tourism and every town with waves has several surf shops to buy rent or get lessons.

have fun and chesk out malpaissurfcamp dot com.

Pura Vida

Answer 7

Hawaii in Honolulu. Theres a beach that I know of that is called the pipeline. I've been there and the waves are nice but get big later in the day. it's a 20 min. drive from town but it IS worth it. there is not many people there but let me warn you they hold the surfing contest for a week in oct. but if you want to be on good learning waves go to Kauai in Hawaii to a beach called polihie (poll-E-hol-E) the waves are very contest. there may be 2 or 3 people there. but to get to this beach you NEED to rent a VAN not a car. you must go through a shuger Cain Field that is a mile long. but trust me the waves are great!!!!

Answer 8

Go with Hawaii...Waikiki is a good place to hone your skills with a lot of more challenging breaks close by (especially in winter). Stay almost anywhere on Oahu (it's generally cheaper away from Waikiki/Honolulu) but will need transportation...maybe try Kaneohe or Kailua - close to Waikiki and the North Shore...

Answer 9

Either Hawaii or Austrailia is your best bet. California and Florida TOO crowded. I heard in some parts of Africa is nice... but you have to be a hardcore surfer to go all the way there to surf.

Answer 10

Aloha...head to my area Oahu...there are all kinda places.. you can surf south shore where its not too big during winter..and as you improve head to windward side to No. shore where I live..you wouldn't sure there if there is surf advisory..MOST locals are great..just treat them respect..getting job..no problem!