3 Underrated Surfing Destinations

Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Photo by Zachary Shea on Unsplash

When you think of going surfing, what are the destinations that come to mind? For most of us, surfing is synonymous with iconic locations such as Hawaii, Australia, and Southeast Asia, places that boast big waves and tropical climates.

There are many countries, however, that sadly don’t get the love that they deserve for their excellent surf scenes. Here are three that you should keep in mind while planning your next surf trip.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a natural paradise that features coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, features some of the best spots for catching waves on the planet. Playa Tamarindo, where the Tamarindo River meets the Pacific Ocean, is one of the best spots for finding big squalls.

Peru

Heading down to South America, Peru is another country that is criminally underrated in terms of its surfing scene. The pleasant weather of the summer months also coincides with the biggest waves, when northerly swells bring warm water and big waves to the country’s coastline.

Japan

Japan isn’t only about ancient temples and delicious food. In fact, this Far East nation features some of the best year-round surfing conditions on the globe. From the more treacherous northern regions, where a wetsuit is a must, to the tropical southern islands, both beginners and experts alike will find a great place to surf in the Land of the Rising Sun.