Post: #1

I've been looking a long time for a surf town in the world that ticks all the boxes for me.

It needs to provide a good mix of consistent world class waves (not beginner waves), inviting accommodations, friendly locals, fun nightlife ,women, and good food.

There are spots out there so I'll post my favourites and I'd love to hear some other ideas.

My top 2 are -

1. Byron Bay, Australia

I've been here maybe 15 times in my life. Close to being my favourite place in the world and definitely the top spot to be in Oz for people wanting the small surf town lifestlye.
Cute girls from all over the world, world class surf, and cheap by Australian standards.

2. Hossegor, France

World class surf with fun nightlife. Lots of Spanish and French girls on holiday combined with a perfect beachbreak.

I'll be exploring some Mexico spots this year so will post some data on any areas that tick all the boxes but in the meantime what are the best places out there for this lifestyle?

Post: #2

I was going to say Biarritz in summer.

I still need Kona to give us an update: /thread-13471.html

Hossegor has better waves than Biarritz, but Biarritz has way better nightlife and more girls.

Or at least that is how I remember it.

Kona! Break it down!

Other spots I have liked (keep in mind, "travel surfing" has not been a priority of mine since my 20's, but I may start going again):

San Sebastian
Santander
Manly Beach, OZ

I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

Post: #3

(03-13-2013 06:16 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I was going to say Biarritz in summer.

I still need Kona to give us an update: /thread-13471.html

Hossegor has better waves than Biarritz, but Biarritz has way better nightlife and more girls.

Or at least that is how I remember it.

Kona! Break it down!

Other spots I have liked (keep in mind, "travel surfing" has not been a priority of mine since my 20's, but I may start going again):

San Sebastian
Santander
Manly Beach, OZ

I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

yeah that supports my theory that most of the best spots are in Spain/France for this lifestyle.

Can you comment on the cost of living in places like Santander and San Sebastian?

Peru needs to be explored but some guys say the girls are terrible and some guys rave about the women so I can't get a good read on what to expect on this front.

I do like the idea of big city living with easy access to surf - which you can find around Lima.

Manly OZ is cool. I lived there for a few years. Easy access to the city, good nightlife, and surf all the way up the coast. If you go looking you can find spots away from the crowds during the week

We used to cruise all the way up to Palm beach at Barranjoey head during the week and would often find the left working with noone out. On a ENE swell it wraps around the cliffs perfectly.

Rockpools (South Bungan) and South Newport Reef (crosswaves) can also light up under the right conditions with limited crowds.

I spent some time living in Bondi also - but surfed mostly at bronte. Better wave, usually less crowds - but its an inner city beach so you'll still have to hustle to get waves and the cost of living in that area is very high.

Post: #4

(03-13-2013 06:16 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

G, from what other surfers told me there are better spots than Mancora, though for nightlife it may be a better bet than the places that do have good surf. The beach in Lima isn't nice (It's all large pebbles, no sand), though the waves are decent. You want to go down to Punta Hermosa though if you are in the Lima area. Lima is worth checking out, but I wouldn't call it a place for international playboys, as the talent just isn't their. I was surprised that going just one country over from Colombia, just how terribly inferior the quality of women are. I would guess San Sebastian has much better talent. Also the surf in Peru doesn't compare to SoCal from what I saw. The nightlife isn't the greatest either in Peru. It's ok, a little above average. I'd rate it a 6/10. If you want good waves, women, and nightlife, Brazil will give you much more bang for your buck.

Have you guys checked out Florianopolis? Personally it wasn't my favorite spot in Brazil (Though still a nice spot), but I would choose it any day over Peru.

Post: #5

Any places in Brazil that make the list?

Post: #6

(03-13-2013 07:20 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

(03-13-2013 06:16 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

G, from what other surfers told me there are better spots than Mancora, though for nightlife it may be a better bet than the places that do have good surf. The beach in Lima isn't nice (It's all large pebbles, no sand), though the waves are decent. You want to go down to Punta Hermosa though if you are in the Lima area. Lima is worth checking out, but I wouldn't call it a place for international playboys, as the talent just isn't their. I was surprised that going just one country over from Colombia, just how terribly inferior the quality of women are. I would guess San Sebastian has much better talent. Also the surf in Peru doesn't compare to SoCal from what I saw. The nightlife isn't the greatest either in Peru. It's ok, a little above average. I'd rate it a 6/10. If you want good waves, women, and nightlife, Brazil will give you much more bang for your buck.

Have you guys checked out Florianopolis? Personally it wasn't my favorite spot in Brazil (Though still a nice spot), but I would choose it any day over Peru.

I've spent some time in Florianopolis back in '05. Logistics in the town made it annoying at times but its definitely a cool spot.

I was there in Jan/Feb which is the worst time of year for surf so I cant comment on the quality of the waves.

I imagine to make the most out of the area (both surf and nightlife) you'd need a car since everything is so spread out.

Post: #7

(03-13-2013 07:10 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  

(03-13-2013 06:16 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I was going to say Biarritz in summer.

I still need Kona to give us an update: /thread-13471.html

Hossegor has better waves than Biarritz, but Biarritz has way better nightlife and more girls.

Or at least that is how I remember it.

Kona! Break it down!

Other spots I have liked (keep in mind, "travel surfing" has not been a priority of mine since my 20's, but I may start going again):

San Sebastian
Santander
Manly Beach, OZ

I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

yeah that supports my theory that most of the best spots are in Spain/France for this lifestyle.

Can you comment on the cost of living in places like Santander and San Sebastian?

Hard for me to say, because I rarely pay attention to things like that. I am pretty bad with money in that respect.

Santander and San Sebastian are for sure more expensive than Alicante. (I was in Alicante and Santander two summers ago and Santander was def more $$$$).

The waves in Spain to my knowledge are a little fickle in summer.

France is where it is at for summertime. That is just my opinion. Keep in mind I haven't lived in those places year round or anything, so I am hardly an expert.

Another option is Norte Baja. Now that place I know well.

You could live in a small beachtown, and have endless access to sick pointbreaks. Pretty cheap.

You could party in Roso, Ensenada or TJ. Or San Diego even.

Lots of driving and problems, so it isn't ideal. Cold water too.

Post: #8

(03-13-2013 07:45 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  

(03-13-2013 07:20 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

(03-13-2013 06:16 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  I also am interested in Mancora, Lima and the Canary Islands.

G, from what other surfers told me there are better spots than Mancora, though for nightlife it may be a better bet than the places that do have good surf. The beach in Lima isn't nice (It's all large pebbles, no sand), though the waves are decent. You want to go down to Punta Hermosa though if you are in the Lima area. Lima is worth checking out, but I wouldn't call it a place for international playboys, as the talent just isn't their. I was surprised that going just one country over from Colombia, just how terribly inferior the quality of women are. I would guess San Sebastian has much better talent. Also the surf in Peru doesn't compare to SoCal from what I saw. The nightlife isn't the greatest either in Peru. It's ok, a little above average. I'd rate it a 6/10. If you want good waves, women, and nightlife, Brazil will give you much more bang for your buck.

Have you guys checked out Florianopolis? Personally it wasn't my favorite spot in Brazil (Though still a nice spot), but I would choose it any day over Peru.

I've spent some time in Florianopolis back in '05. Logistics in the town made it annoying at times but its definitely a cool spot.

I was there in Jan/Feb which is the worst time of year for surf so I cant comment on the quality of the waves.

I imagine to make the most out of the area (both surf and nightlife) you'd need a car since everything is so spread out.

You're right, the logistics do suck in Floripa. Most the nightlife is on the opposite side of the island than the surfing, minus lagoa. There is a big hitch hiking culture on the island, but I suppose it would be a pain in the ass to hitch with a board. It's not as expensive as people make it out to be though if you know the right places to go. There are a bunch of spots on the island with $5 all you can eat. I was also there in a shitty time for surf (Jan), and when I tried, it was super choppy. My boy who lives there is a big surfer and says it's a good spot. Another spot about an hour from there that is supposed to be really good, I believe the triple crown or some big surf competition was held there. It's called Praia Do Rosa. I'm not sure about the nightlife there, I only spent an afternoon there.

I was just reading up though and the site I was checking out said that Peru has some of the longest breaks in the world. Maybe I just wasn't there at the right time, but I wasn't very impressed. But then again I'm used to seeing the waves at Tressels and SoCal, so I guess that's pretty hard to compare to. I just know that between Peru and Brazil, I would take Brazil any day, even if the waves were considerably better in Peru.

Post: #9

1. Kuta-Bukit stretch, Bali, Indonesia.
2. Byron, as mentioned. Also perhaps my favorite place on the planet. Are Captain Bill, Czech George, and Binky still in residence at the Pass parking lot?

The surf in Peru definitely compares to Southern California.

That said,

3. San Diego in fall. Maybe not as world-class wave-wise, but there are some jewels... and tons of hot trim running around.

Post: #10

(03-13-2013 08:41 PM)lurker Wrote:  The surf in Peru definitely compares to Southern California.

Yeah I was just reading that April-October is the season in Peru. I was there in Feb, so I guess I didn't see the best of it. How does Southern Cali compare surf wise to Spain or France? I was always under the impression that Southern Cali had some of the best surf around after hawaii and the pacific islands. I hear Oz and South Africa are pretty epic as well.

Post: #11

(03-13-2013 08:41 PM)lurker Wrote:  1. Kuta-Bukit stretch, Bali, Indonesia.
2. Byron, as mentioned. Also perhaps my favorite place on the planet. Are Captain Bill, Czech George, and Binky still in residence at the Pass parking lot?

The surf in Peru definitely compares to Southern California.

That said,

3. San Diego in fall. Maybe not as world-class wave-wise, but there are some jewels... and tons of hot trim running around.

I was almost going to put Bali/Indo down but I think the place fails miserably with its nightlife.

Having said that I've never really gone there with that in mind so I didn't explore it too much and usually just hung around on the bukit peninsula.

Caught some of the best waves of my life out at desert point, and scar reef on a boat trip through lombok and sumbawa.

The last thing I wanted to do after that experience was to hit a bunch of bali clubs and be surrounded by annoying aussie girls on holiday.

Maybe it could work if you stayed around seminyak and partied there and surfed canggu etc but I always got the impression that the quality of women was low in bali.

Post: #12

Yeah, it got so bad after a while that I bailed for a shack on Lembongan and then a Sumatra islands jaunt. However, there were a ton of attractive girls running around Bali when I was there, and the Seminyak scene is completely different, with a more chill atmosphere.

By the way, if you've been to Indo the power of Peruvian waves will disappoint you, with the exception of Lobitos and maybe La Herradura. I say maybe to the latter because, admittedly, I didn't get to surf it - I went down to Lima on the right swell and got violently ill. Big regret of mine. It looks like a great wave.

Post: #13

If you are in NY for the summer, Montauk has some decent swells (for the east coast). I learned to surf here in the 90's and still go back whenever i get the chance.

This might be one of the most under the radar places to find women. Incredibly easy, I was hooking up in my teens with absolutely no game knowledge, just had to show up and smile. Now it is shooting fish in a barrel. Seriously. Fucking. Easy. Hot. Women.

Post: #14

(03-13-2013 08:56 PM)InternationPlayboy Wrote:  

(03-13-2013 08:41 PM)lurker Wrote:  The surf in Peru definitely compares to Southern California.

Yeah I was just reading that April-October is the season in Peru. I was there in Feb, so I guess I didn't see the best of it. How does Southern Cali compare surf wise to Spain or France? I was always under the impression that Southern Cali had some of the best surf around after hawaii and the pacific islands. I hear Oz and South Africa are pretty epic as well.

I've only surfed france (hossegor) .... was better surf than southern cali from my experience but Im a big fan of heavy barreling beach breaks...e.g. hossegor, pascuales (mx), puerto escondido (mx)....thats not everyones style. most find it too intense.

Pacific Islands is amazing....surfed Samoa and PNG a few years ago. No Crowds and really cheap....was just me and my buddies most of the time. No nightlife though as you can imagine.

Was in Samoa for 2 weeks staying at a spot called aganoa beach....only 1 flat day and the rest of the days looked like this or bigger (up to 15ft - back of the wave/not faces)

http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Agan...hotos/5164

really scary at 15ft with that reef looking up at you.

Post: #15

Women and waves are my two favorite things in life, so this is a question I've thought about a lot too. Part of the problem is that really any place that has truly world class waves and access to lots of hot girls is also going to be so crowded to make the waves (in my opinion) barely worth the hassle (e.g. Malibu/Rincon, Superbank etc). The places with uncrowded, world-class waves are going to be in the middle of nowhere with no girls to speak of. Overall though I think Southern California and Gold Coast beach towns probably are some of the best options for guys trying to balance chasing waves and tail.

But there's plenty of options out there too. Like you said there's the Mexico surf towns like Puerto Escondido that get a lot of Euro/backpacker types and you can make a niche out of those girls if they are to your taste. Or as guys have mentioned there's the Spanish/French coasts (hell, I even saw guys getting surprisingly decent rides on the beach in Barcelona, that's right I said Barcelona, when I was there in early spring). If you're a regular-foot, like Latinas, and don't mind a little danger factor then the El Salvador coast (with quick trips to the capital for more girl options) might be worth looking into.

Right now I'm tied down to my current (and not very surf friendly) city but in a quick couple years I'll have the freedom to live basically anywhere I want. I'm thinking that for me the best solution will be to live in a major city with the girls I like and decent, but not necessarily great waves nearby, but then I should still have the freedom and coin to go chase swells to get the "world class" wave fix on a regular basis. In the end I think mobility is the key for this lifestyle.

Post: #16

(03-13-2013 10:01 PM)Chevalier De Seingalt Wrote:  Women and waves are my two favorite things in life, so this is a question I've thought about a lot too. Part of the problem is that really any place that has truly world class waves and access to lots of hot girls is also going to be so crowded to make the waves (in my opinion) barely worth the hassle (e.g. Malibu/Rincon, Superbank etc). The places with uncrowded, world-class waves are going to be in the middle of nowhere with no girls to speak of. Overall though I think Southern California and Gold Coast beach towns probably are some of the best options for guys trying to balance chasing waves and tail.

But there's plenty of options out there too. Like you said there's the Mexico surf towns like Puerto Escondido that get a lot of Euro/backpacker types and you can make a niche out of those girls if they are to your taste. Or as guys have mentioned there's the Spanish/French coasts (hell, I even saw guys getting surprisingly decent rides on the beach in Barcelona, that's right I said Barcelona, when I was there in early spring). If you're a regular-foot, like Latinas, and don't mind a little danger factor then the El Salvador coast (with quick trips to the capital for more girl options) might be worth looking into.

Right now I'm tied down to my current (and not very surf friendly) city but in a quick couple years I'll have the freedom to live basically anywhere I want. I'm thinking that for me the best solution will be to live in a major city with the girls I like and decent, but not necessarily great waves nearby, but then I should still have the freedom and coin to go chase swells to get the "world class" wave fix on a regular basis. In the end I think mobility is the key for this lifestyle.

yeah spot on.

Salvador has been on my radar for a while but more so for a trip rather than setting up a base there.

Is there only decent nightlife to speak of in the capital?

I realise that the coast is not too far out of the city but the logistics of travelling 40 minutes + when going out on town would make things challenging.

I like the option though and finding world class surf with minimal crowds is possible in salvador from what i've heard.

Post: #17

This thread need pictures:

Biarritz


Hossegor

Post: #18

For a somewhat out of the way suggestion try Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay) in South Africa.

-VERY good waves in town and also nearby. Unfortunately the very best waves are in Winter.
-Locals very friendly. It's a reasonable size, but not a huge town. Has a large mall and shops to buy anything you'd need.
-Girls OK.
- Food good if you're into seafood. Calamari a specialty since the area home to a big squid industry.
-Not sure about formal nightlife. My guess would be lot's of sausage parties since most travelling surfers are men. Lots of house parties in nearby "upmarket" St Francis Bay though were ratios are OK.
-Fair number of international surfers stay for 6 months to a year.
-Looks like Jeffreys Bay itself would be reasonably economical place to rent a house for 6 months if you were with a couple of other people.

Supertubes Break (I think):

Post: #19

^^^GMan

Biaritz looks good. Do they get good waves in Summer? Easy to find accommodation in the area?

Post: #20

(03-14-2013 01:19 PM)Bad Hussar Wrote:  ^^^GMan

Biaritz looks good. Do they get good waves in Summer? Easy to find accommodation in the area?

Hit or miss.

Can be good but also can be cold and rainy for a week. Especially in June. June is good though because the crowds aren't full on.

Again, it has been a while since I have gone, which is why I want to get an update from Kona.

Quote:Easy to find accommodation in the area?

I was looking on airbnb and there seemed to be a bunch of spots.

Plenty of hotels although I am sure they can get booked in summer.

Post: #21

I was in the area last June. San Sebastien and Biarritz.

Some data here for SB.

Hossegor was too big for my skills when I was there.

Post: #22

(03-14-2013 01:38 PM)Laner Wrote:  I was in the area last June. San Sebastien and Biarritz.

Some data here for SB.

Hossegor was too big for my skills when I was there.

Just saw your post.

Can you share some more thoughts on Biarritz last June?

Post: #23

(03-14-2013 01:38 PM)Laner Wrote:  I was in the area last June. San Sebastien and Biarritz.

Some data here for SB.

Hossegor was too big for my skills when I was there.

The Biaritz/San Sebastian area seems ideal for someone learning both Spanish and French. I'm guessing most people in the area can speak both languages.

Post: #24

(03-14-2013 01:13 PM)Bad Hussar Wrote:  For a somewhat out of the way suggestion try Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay) in South Africa.

-VERY good waves in town and also nearby. Unfortunately the very best waves are in Winter.
-Locals very friendly. It's a reasonable size, but not a huge town. Has a large mall and shops to buy anything you'd need.
-Girls OK.
- Food good if you're into seafood. Calamari a specialty since the area home to a big squid industry.
-Not sure about formal nightlife. My guess would be lot's of sausage parties since most travelling surfers are men. Lots of house parties in nearby "upmarket" St Francis Bay though were ratios are OK.
-Fair number of international surfers stay for 6 months to a year.
-Looks like Jeffreys Bay itself would be reasonably economical place to rent a house for 6 months if you were with a couple of other people.

Supertubes Break (I think):

yeah south africa is a good idea.

Do you know anything about Umhlanga Rocks?
heard its a good option and close to Durban

Post: #25

(03-14-2013 01:13 PM)Bad Hussar Wrote:  For a somewhat out of the way suggestion try Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay) in South Africa.

-VERY good waves in town and also nearby. Unfortunately the very best waves are in Winter.
-Locals very friendly. It's a reasonable size, but not a huge town. Has a large mall and shops to buy anything you'd need.
-Girls OK.
- Food good if you're into seafood. Calamari a specialty since the area home to a big squid industry.
-Not sure about formal nightlife. My guess would be lot's of sausage parties since most travelling surfers are men. Lots of house parties in nearby "upmarket" St Francis Bay though were ratios are OK.
-Fair number of international surfers stay for 6 months to a year.
-Looks like Jeffreys Bay itself would be reasonably economical place to rent a house for 6 months if you were with a couple of other people.

The South Africans remind me a lot of Brazilians. Very friendly people. Sure, the girls aren't quit as nice, but I would definitely like to check out Cape Town. I was invited to a friends wedding in J-berg, but I didn't want to spend all that money for 2 weeks max and spend my time in J-Berg. I hear it's not a very nice place.