International Surfing Day: Your Guide to the World's Top Surfing Destinations

June 21, 2025 Wave people all over the world mark the date in their calendars as International Surfing Day. It is the worldwide party of the stoke, the sport, and the beautiful ocean that gives us never-ending waves. Each year on this day, it does not matter whether you are a full-blown professional surfer in search of legendary barrels or a guy who once wished to ride his first little ripple and you cherish your surfing and the need to take care of your beautiful coastline.

International Surfing Day was started in 2005 by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine and is not just a day to go ride waves, but a way to build awareness of the health of our oceans and beaches. It is a day to pull together, to celebrate the fun of surfing and to make a pledge to the environment.

Therefore, as International Surfing Day 2025 nears, are you set to get your feet wet, or even the whole board, in some of the top surfing destinations on this planet? So, here we go to surf the wave of your dream

For the Aspiring Wave Riders: Top Beginner Surfing Destinations in 2025

Surfing is a thrilling experience and a good location would make a lot of difference. On International Surfing Day 2025, why not choose from some of these most welcoming places where mild waves and proliferations of surf schools offer their services::

• Bali, Indonesia (Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak): Here, it offers relatively smooth waves most of the time, with its waving, at least in parts of the beach such as Kuta and Seminyak, acting as the ideal training ground. Canggu is a little bit more lively having plenty of surf schools and relaxed surfing waves at the beach. The water is warm implying that you can even stay in the ocean many hours without being put in a wetsuit.

  • Best Time to Visit: While good year-round, the dry season (April to October) offers cleaner, more consistent swells. June 2025 is exactly at the right time frame.

  • Average Wave Size: 1-3 feet on beginner breaks.

  • Activities: Yoga retreats, night life with a great atmosphere, culture tours and good food.

    
    

• Weligama, Sri Lanka: Weligama is a place where a newbie surfer could stay on the beautiful South Coast of Sri Lanka, often described as a birthplace of beginner surfing. This is a long sandy bay that has the sheltered, soft waves which are best to learn in. There are so many surf camps and amiable instructors along the beach that it is cheap to hire a board and take the first steps.

  • Best Time to Visit: November to April is the maximum tourist season at the south coast when the waves are favorable. Although the East Coast is usually at its best at the time in June, 2025, Weligama should provide relatively bearable conditions with its mornings being the best time. Never ignore the local predictions.

  • Average Wave Size: 1-2 feet whitewash, with small green waves on good days.

  • Activities: Whale watching, exploring local fishing villages, spice garden tours.

    
    

• Costa Rica (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa): Costa Rica is synonymous with Pura Vida, and its surf scene reflects that relaxed, natural vibe. Tamarindo boasts year-round warm water, sandy bottom breaks, and a lively surf town atmosphere with plenty of schools. Santa Teresa offers a more laid-back, bohemian feel with consistent, forgiving waves.

  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with June 2025 offering consistent south-west swells.

  • Average Wave Size: 2-4 feet, with gentler sections for learning.

  • Activities: Zip-lining, wildlife spotting, rainforest tours, volcano hikes.

    
    

• Portugal (Ericeira, Peniche, Lagos): Often dubbed Europe's surf capital, Portugal caters to all levels. While it boasts some monstrous waves, spots around Ericeira (the first European World Surfing Reserve), Peniche, and the Algarve region (Lagos) offer diverse, softer waves perfect for novices. There's a thriving surf camp culture, making it easy to find lessons and accommodation.

  • Best Time to Visit: For beginners, May to August offers smaller, warmer waves. June 2025 is an excellent time.

  • Average Wave Size: 1-3 feet, with many protected bays.

  • Activities: Exploring historic towns, delicious seafood, vibrant local culture.

    
    

• Byron Bay, Australia: With its iconic laid-back vibe and stunning beaches, Byron Bay is a fantastic spot to learn. Main Beach and Clarkes Beach offer gentle, rolling waves suitable for beginners. Be mindful of crowds, especially during peak seasons, but the overall atmosphere is welcoming.

  • Best Time to Visit: While surfable year-round, autumn and winter (March to August) offer consistent, cleaner swells. June 2025 is a good time.

  • Average Wave Size: 1-3 feet.

  • Activities: Lighthouse walks, exploring bohemian markets, whale watching.

    
    

For the Intermediate & Advanced: Chasing Thrills at World-Class Breaks

For those who crave the adrenaline rush of challenging waves, International Surfing Day 2025 is the perfect excuse to test your limits at these legendary surf spots:

• Hawaii (North Shore Oahu - Pipeline, Sunset Beach; Jaws in Maui): The spiritual home of surfing. The North Shore of Oahu, especially during winter (which can extend into late spring/early summer for some swells), is the ultimate proving ground. While June isn't the peak big-wave season, the power and precision of these breaks are undeniable. Jaws on Maui is reserved for true big-wave specialists.

  • Type of Wave: Powerful reef breaks, point breaks.

  • Local Tips: Show respect, understand local etiquette, and know your limits.

    
    

• Fiji (Cloudbreak, Restaurants): These iconic, powerful reef breaks are for experienced surfers only. Cloudbreak, a freight-train left, and Restaurants, a hollow, fast left, offer world-class barrels and challenging rides.

  • Type of Wave: World-class reef breaks.

  • Local Tips: Access to these waves is often via surf resorts. Be prepared for strong currents and sharp reefs.

    
    

• Jeffreys Bay, South Africa (J-Bay): Renowned as one of the best right-hand point breaks globally, J-Bay is a dream for many. Long, fast, and incredibly consistent, it offers endless carves and barrel sections.

  • Type of Wave: Fast, long right-hand point break.

  • Local Tips: Crowds can be intense. Master your forehand bottom turn!

    
    

• Teahupo'o, Tahiti: Infamous for being the "heaviest left," Teahupo'o is a shallow, powerful reef pass that produces perfect, terrifying barrels. This is strictly for expert surfers with significant big-wave experience.

  • Type of Wave: Hollow, powerful reef break (left).

  • Local Tips: Respect the wave's power and the local community. Not for the faint of heart.

    
    

• Nazaré, Portugal: While generally a winter big-wave phenomenon, Nazaré is home to some of the world's largest waves, ridden by tow-in specialists. Even outside of peak season, its raw power is evident and a sight to behold.

  • Type of Wave: Beach break known for monstrous waves (primarily tow-in).

  • Local Tips: Observe from a safe distance unless you are a certified big-wave pro.

    
    

• Indonesia (Uluwatu, Mentawais): Beyond Bali, Indonesia offers a lifetime of surf exploration. Uluwatu on Bali's Bukit Peninsula is a classic, powerful left-hand reef break. The Mentawai Islands, a remote archipelago, boast an incredible concentration of perfect, powerful waves for all advanced preferences.

  • Type of Wave: Diverse reef and point breaks.

  • Ideal Swell Conditions: South swells (dry season, April-October, excellent for June 2025).

  • Local Tips: Consider a boat trip for the Mentawais; be mindful of tides and currents at Uluwatu.

Eco-Conscious Surfing: Sustainable Destinations for International Surfing Day

International Surfing Day reminds us to be stewards of our planet. When planning your surfing holidays 2025, consider destinations and operators committed to environmental protection:

• Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a world leader in eco-tourism with conservation being its first priority. To reduce environmental impact numerous surf camps and resorts are built and in most cases the experience of surfing is combined with eco-friendly rainforest and wildlife tours. Seek green certifications in the holiday rooms.

• Maldives: The country of luxury, most resorts in Maldives have been taking an active part in preserving the sea life; such as rehabilitation of coral reefs and sustainable efforts at fishing. You can surf on the world-class waves and protect essential ecosystems by choosing such resorts.

• Samoa: Its pristine surfing breaks and high regard of the traditional culture are some of the things that make Samoa adopt sustainable tourism. Most accommodations are authentic beachfront huts by local communities and they are low impact and traditionally owned, giving a real experience to the visitor.

• Encourage Surfrider Foundation efforts: You might not always know where you are going to be on International Surfing Day but do not forget the cause. Take part in cleanups on the beaches, help the local conservation with funds, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Surfrider foundation remains an advocacy of ocean protection where it has established programs such as Blue Water Task Force and Rise Above Plastics program.

Planning Your 2025 Surf Adventure: Tips for a Memorable Trip

To maximize the use of your surf travel guide on International Surfing Day next year 2025, a certain planning is needed:

• Book Ahead: Definitely book ahead in time, and particularly to hot locations during higher season (which in most tropical regions is the month of June 2025), seats and lodgings are quickly reserved.

• Surf Camp vs. Independent Travel: Surf camps offer structured lessons, gear, and often accommodation/meals – great for beginners or solo travelers. Doing it on your own means surfers have flexibility, especially those who are experienced and have their equipment.

• Packing Essentials for a Surf Trip: Don't forget your reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, a good rash guard, board shorts/swimsuits, a hat, sunglasses, and a basic first-aid kit. In case you are bringing your board, a nice travel board bag is essential. Take into account a ding repair kit in case of going to distant locations.

• Travel Insurance: Surfing involves risks. Ensure your travel insurance covers surfing accidents and medical emergencies, especially when traveling internationally.

• Respect Local Surf Culture and the Environment: Always be mindful of local surfers, follow surf etiquette, and leave no trace. Support local businesses and communities.

Staying Connected with a Tascom eSIM

Traveling with a Tascom eSIM can significantly enhance your connectivity and ease of communication while abroad.

Benefits of Using Tascom eSIM

• Instant Activation: You can get and activate the eSIM before your arrival or upon arrival, so that you can be connected at once.

• Multiple Plans: The Tascom company provides customers with an opportunity to choose between numerous data plans depending on travel duration: from 7 days to 30 days.

• Cost-Effective: Connecting to the internet using an eSIM can sometimes be cheaper than using the international roaming charges offered by leading carriers and that too it will help you avoid nasty surprises on your phone bills.

• Device Compatibility: However, eSIM technology is now available for almost all of the presently manufactured smartphones and tablets, hence accessible for most travelers.

How to Activate Your Tascom eSIM 

• Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your device supports eSIM technology. You can verify compatibility through the Tascom website.

• Download the Tascom App: Install the app on your device, which will guide you through the purchasing and activation process.

• Select Your Plan: Choose the appropriate data package for Mexico based on your needs (data amount and duration).

• Purchase and Receive QR Code: After completing the purchase, you will receive a QR code via email. This code is essential for activating your eSIM.

Activate Your eSIM:

• Go to your device's settings.

• Navigate to "Network & Internet" > "Mobile Network" > "Add" > "Download a SIM instead".

• Scan the QR code received via email and follow the prompts to finalize the installation.

As we look forward to marking a special day on the surfing calendar International Surfing Day 2025 on June 21st, the enthusiasm to discover the best surfing destinations in the world should be coupled with the renewed pledge on caring about the oceans. There is no such ride we take that does not tie us to this amazing blue planet. These waves and coastlines will be there in the future; so they will be there in our parenthood.

Which is your favorite to surf or where are you wishing to ride on an international surfing day? Leave me a comment and explore becoming directly involved (if you are with classical courses) with a local beach clean-up or an ocean conservation charity, such as the Surfrider Foundation. Whether you are a surfer, a surfer looking, or surfer-hoping, we can all work together, to keep the stoke going and keep the oceans clean. Stay connected with Tascom!