Pack Your Bags: Where To Take A Surf Trip This September
September presents less crowded surf spots in the late-season and marks the beginning of Europe’s Fall swell train.
September presents less crowded surf spots in the late-season and marks the beginning of Europe’s Fall swell train.
Barbados
Overview: A little bit off the map for even well-traveled surfers, Barbados is worth the visit once storms start brewing in the Atlantic once summer ends. As with anywhere in the Caribbean, hurricane season can be a mixed bag...surfers rejoice when the waves hit but the storms that bring them can pose a threat. For what it's worth, Barbados sits far enough South that they miss the brunt of most storms and reap the waves.
Where to: South and East Coasts
Wave type: Variety of reefs and beachies
Swell Direction: South-Southeast, East, North-Northeast
Average Water Temperatures: 75F
Difficulty Level: All levels. There are easy waves to learn at, like Freight's Bay, that has crystal clear water, long peeling rights that are knee-to-waist high with a bonus of tons of sea turtles that call the Bay home. Then there is Soup Bowl, which can turn into quite beast when the swells get big and is known as one of Kelly Slater's favorite waves.
Marquee Wave(s): Soup Bowl
September Perks: The beginning of the season can start with a bang, locals even have an expression, "A September to remember."
—Chris, United States
2. Oaxaca
Overview: With more than 20 right-hand point breaks on tap between Huatulco and Salina Cruz, the Oaxacan coastline is a surfer's dream. While the waves pump steadily from April to October, we think September is one of the best months to visit.
Where to: Huatulco - Barra de La Cruz - Salina Cruz
Wave type: Hollow, sand-bottomed rights
Swell Direction: South-Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 29C (85F)
Difficulty Level: When the swells are small almost all the waves can cater to beginners, but once it hits overhead+, some are best left to advanced surfers. If the hollow spots get too big for you comfort level, there are plenty of mushier waves a short drive away.
Marquee Waves: Barra de La Cruz, Punta Conejo
September Perks: Consistent swells with less crowds this time of year and typically good winds.
—Tess, United States
3. El Salvador
Overview: For such a compact country, El Salvador sure was blessed with a ton of righthand pointbreaks. In September, we suggest the West side of El Sal getting all the leftover Southern Hemi summer swells.
Where to: Punta Roca, El Zonte, Sunzal, K-61
Wave type: Mostly, reef-bottomed righthand pointbreaks of all levels
Swell Direction: South-Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 28C (83F)
Difficulty Level: Some fun beginner waves around El Zonte when smaller, but right points like Punta Roca are for the intermediate to advanced
Marquee Wave: Punta Roca
September Perks: The summer vacation crowds are going back to work.
—Griffin, United States
4. Samoa
Overview: Equally as idyllic an island chain as Tahiti, Samoa’s gorgeous reef passes and quiet, beautiful culture are a pleasant surprise to any surfer searching for an epic South Pacific journey.
Where to: The southern coastlines of Upolu and Savaii islands
Wave type: Normally, shallow reef breaks, with a couple of odd beachbreaks
Swell Direction: South-Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 27C (81F)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced level for the bigger reefbreaks, but there’s a few easier reefs and beachbreaks that accommodate learners
Marquee Wave: Salani Right
September Perks: Possibly less winds in this late-season month
5. Oahu, Hawaii
Overview: Not nearly as heavy and terrifying as the North Shore, home to many an experienced surfer, Oahu’s South Shore has a break for every level of surfer literally every 5 minutes paddling. Plus, you can follow in the Duke’s footsteps and surf Waikiki (or canoe-surf it) just where Mr. Kahanamoku did 100 years prior. Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the most stunning places to enjoy all that the Pacific Ocean has to offer.
Where to: South Shore
Wave type: Rolling or hollow reef break rights and lefts
Swell Direction: South, Southwest, Southeast
Average Water Temperatures: 27C (81F)
Difficulty Level: Waves for every level, beginners to experienced surfers.. You could learn to surf in Waikiki any day of the week, get tubed at Ala Moana and waves like Diamond Head are great for intermediate levels. There is a surf spot for all.
Marquee Wave: Queens and Ala Moana Bowls
September Perks: Often, there’s more swell in September than even a peak-summer month like July. Cheaper airfare this month, too
—Scott, United States
6. Northern Spain
Overview: Just beyond (and in, really) one of the most fascinating cities in Europe — San Sebastian — there are some of the best surf spots in the world. Follow the coastal road west through the forests of the Basque Country and beaches, coves and points will reveal more amazing waves, awesome food, and lovely people. Welcome to Northern Spain.
Where to: San Sebastian, Zarautz, Mundaka
Wave type: Mundaka is a long, reeling 200 yard sand-bottomed left pointbreak
Swell Direction: Northwest
Average Water Temperatures: 18C (66F)
Difficulty Level: San Sebastian has fun learner peaks just outside the city for beginners, while Mundaka serves up world-class lefts for intermediate and experts
Marquee Wave: Mundaka
September Perks: The first Fall swells start filling into the area after a summer slumber
Working while you're surfing? Not a problem here.
*Extra tip! If you fancy driving south, Portugal also has some incredible waves at this time of year and is ripe for an adventure. A few must-stop locations are Ericeira and Peniche (home to the world-famous Supertubos beach break), and of course, the beautiful city of Lisbon. If time has no meaning, then continue the trek towards Morocco for an experience of waves and culture you’ll never forget.
7. Tahiti
Overview: The heart of Polynesia is everything you've imagined and much, much more. Picture perfect vistas in every direction set against the clear azure waters of the lagoons make it hard to believe that this is in fact real life. While Teahupo'o is the crown jewel and now even more famous thanks to the Olympics, there are plenty of waves all throughout this incredible island chain. Go with a guide and you'll have no regrets.
Where to: Fly into Papeete and then choose your adventure.
Wave type: Hollow and heavy reefbreaks but with some mellow options sprinkled in too.
Swell Direction: Predominantly known for the S-SW swells but these islands pick up everything.
Average Water Temperatures: 78-80
Difficulty Level: Best for advanced surfers but beginners can also find their perfect waves.
Marquee Wave: Teahupo'o
September Perks: The end of the S swell season can usually be relied on for steady surf and optimal winds.
—Ryan, United States
8. Fiji
Overview: Deep in the South Pacific — copping any south swell in the season that comes its way — lovely Fiji isn’t only the daunting Cloudbreak wave-world-wonder. Sure, there’s that…but other waves in the area are within striking distance, making this surf trip a fairly dynamic, unforgettable tropical mission. The nicest people in the world there is the cherry on top (it’s not always just about the best waves!).
Where to: Tavarua or Namotu islands
Wave type: Hollow reefbreaks (world-class waves are on offer here)
Swell Direction: Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 29C (85F)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced level for the bigger reefbreaks like Cloudbreak and Restaurants, but there’s a few easier reefs and beachbreaks that accommodate learners. No matter your level, there are surf breaks for you.
Marquee Wave: Cloudbreak
September Perks: Still very consistent swell, yet cheaper to stay (and fly out) in September
9. Maldives
Overview: Whether by boat trip or land lodge, the vast string of atolls in the Indian Ocean called the Maldives are a solid alternative to Indonesia (and Bali) with similar (but not as large) surf. With the same surf season as Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the Maldives serve up extremely fun and perfect quality waves for all levels – not to mention some of the best beaches in the world.
Where to: South (Outer) Atolls
Wave type: Perfect, peeling reefbreaks
Swell Direction: South
Average Water Temperatures: 29C (85F)
Difficulty Level: All kinds. Smaller, softer reefbreaks for beginners, up to more hollow, barreling waves like Beacons for advanced surfers
Marquee Wave: Beacons
September Perks: End of swell season deals (with still a lot of swell)
10. Southwest France
Overview: Indeed, there are tons of bays and beaches with waves like Biarritz for beginners the world-over — however none framed in the same magnificent portrait as Biarritz. With tons of surf schools and surf camps/hostels in the area to mingle or lay your head at night, a session at Côtes des Basques, for example, cruising down turquoise lines beneath a small palace perched in the cliffs behind you is simply unforgettable. Then further north a little in Hossegor — miles and miles of thumping beachbreaks. It’s a beautiful time of the year to be in Europe, and France is no exception!
Where to: Biarritz, Capbreton and Hossegor
Wave type: Fun sand-bottomed beach breaks
Swell Direction: West-Northwest
Average Water Temperatures: 18C (66F) - still on the chillier side, you might want to grab a wetsuit!
Difficulty Level: Fun, softer beginner waves around Biarritz, with thumping, tubing beachbreak barrels up and down the coast in Hossegor
Marquee Wave: La Graviere, Estanots, Le Piste
September Perks: The first Fall swells start filling into the area after a summer slumber, the perfect time for a surf trip
11. Telo Islands, Indonesia
Overview: The Mentawai Island’s equally as beautiful, slightly smaller sibling, the Telo Islands are perfect alternative trip to the Ments for those looking for less crowded, not so heavy surf. Everywhere you look, you’ll see perfect waves, reeling left-handers and perfect right-hander waves. There’s almost no surf holiday like it.
Where to: Northern Telo Islands
Wave type: Perfect, hollow reefbreaks
Swell Direction: South-Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 30C (86F)
Difficulty Level: All levels. Softer reef breaks for beginners, with more advanced, tubing reefbreaks for intermediate and experts.
Marquee Wave(s): The Bubble, Le Ba, G.T.s
September Perks: Still in the Indonesian swell season, with less of the peak-season crowds
12. Southern Mexico
Overview: Chock full of authentic Mexican culture and traditions (plus a world-class beach break called Puerto Escondido), Southern Mainland Mexico has a little something for everyone. Beach breaks not your bag? No worries because rifling right points abound below Huatulco. Grab your surfboard, boardshorts, and bikinis and you’re ready to go. Vamos a la playa!
Where to: Puerto Escondido
Wave type: Heavy beach breaks and long right pointbreaks
Swell Direction: South-Southwest
Average Water Temperatures: 28C (83F)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to experts will love Far Bar and Carmelita’s which are heaving tubes. La Punta — left point at the far end of the beach — is a great wave for beginners when small, and also good for intermediate with more swell
Marquee Wave: Carmelita’s
September: If you’re over a beach break like Puerto Escondido, not too far of a drive away is Barra de la Cruz, an incredible righthand pointbreak that loves the month of September
