Surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing abroad: what is it, why do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is surfing abroad?

• Surfing involves moving across the water on a surfboard
• There are several sub-disciplines within surfing:
  • wave surfing: in wave surfing, you balance on your surfboard while moving across a wave. Wave surfing is done at sea.
  • Windsurfing: in windsurfing, a sail is mounted on the board, which the windsurfer controls while standing on the board. Windsurfing does not necessarily require waves (but it does require wind), so it can be done both at sea and on larger lakes.
  • Kitesurfing: In kitesurfing, you stand on a surfboard but are pulled along by a kite that you try to keep in the air yourself.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding: Standing on a paddleboard, you paddle across the water, usually at a relaxed pace.

What are the dangers of surfing abroad?

• Many of the dangers of surfing are similar to those of other water sports at sea: drowning, exhaustion, and hypothermia are always a risk, especially if you are poorly prepared.
• Take the time to ‘read’ the sea. Where do the waves break, where does the water flow back (rip currents!), how do other beachgoers and surfers behave?
• Don't go out into the sea alone; make sure there are people around you who can help you or call for help if you get into trouble.

What are the dangers of wave surfing while traveling?

• Although waves can often look quite fierce from the beach, experiencing a breaking wave while you are in the middle of it is an experience in itself.
• The brute force of a breaking wave can slam you against the bottom and push you underwater for quite some time while you become disoriented by the swirling water.
• The sharper the surface, the greater the risks in the event of a fall. Protective clothing and surf shoes can prevent some of the damage. Even a fall onto solid sand can be hard.
• If you take on waves that exceed your surfing skills, you can get into serious trouble.
• Occasionally, a surfer is mistaken for a tasty snack by a shark, for example. Usually, surfers get away with a scare in these situations, but occasionally serious and fatal injuries occur.
• Although the surfing community is often seen as ‘chill’, it is important to take into account unwritten rules about who can catch which wave and when. There are also surf spots where local surfers try to keep visitors away or chase them away.

What are the dangers of windsurfing and kitesurfing abroad?

• Especially for beginners, it can be quite difficult to estimate how far you can surf and still return safely. Exhaustion and hypothermia can strike while you are trying to surf back to shore in unfavorable winds.
• Strong winds make it increasingly difficult to maintain control, which can result in collisions with other water sports enthusiasts. When kitesurfing, it is also possible to be blown against the coast.
• Personal experience: there is a serious risk of damage to one's ego if it turns out that combining kite flying with surfing is not one of your talents.

Where are the best places to go if you want to surf and have an unforgettable experience?

• Portugal: Not far from Lisbon, there are several surf spots for beginners and advanced surfers, such as Costa da Caparica, Peniche, and Baleal.
• Spain: For example, Oyambre and Zarautz on the north coast.
• Ecuador: Combine surfing in pleasantly warm water with lively parties in Montañtia.
• Sri Lanka: Take a look at Midigama or Unawatuna.
• Costa Rica: Practice your Spanish lessons from a surfboard in Puerto Viejo.
• Morocco: In and around Taghazout, you can spend the winter surfing between September and May. In Dakhla kitesurfing/windsurfing is great.
• South Africa: Ideal conditions can always be found somewhere, but don't forget to check whether the local waves suit your level.
• Brazil: Jericoacoara is a former hippie village with good conditions for kite surfing and wind surfing
• Dominican Republic: Carribean vibe and all kinds of surf options around the island