30 Best SUP Surf Locations and Waves Around the World
Discover some of the best SUP surf waves on planet Earth.
If you SUP surf, the best waves around the world are waiting for you to discover them. There are so many wonderful sup surf locations just waiting to explored. But we've narrowed it down to our top 30.
SUP surfing has grown into a close relative of longboarding and often the best waves for each activity are located in the same spots.
Longboarders are often more accepting of SUP surfers as opposed to their cousins, the shortboarders. Whenever you head to a new location, it is always a good idea to talk to a local to find out where SUP surfing is accepted and where you won’t run into any problems inside and outside the water.
Nothing beats paddling into a small one to two foot wave, a simple kick back into a SUP surfing position, with a gentle glide along the coastline.
Longboarders might have been the pioneers of surfing, but SUP surfing allows you to catch twice as many waves and have twice as much fun.
Check out a quick video of the best SUP Surf locations featured in this article:
The Benefits of Owning a SUP Surfboard
Having a SUP surf board in your quiver to catch surf on smaller days will eliminate the frustration that can come when trying to catch them on a longboard and especially a short board. And they’re equally as fun to surf in larger conditions!
Additionally, you can sit out farther in the lineup, see the waves on the horizon quicker, and can adjust to the waves easier. All of which will allow you to up your wave count while on the water.
Whether you aim to have a loose time on some small waves or carve up the face of bigger ones, these surf spots around the world will satisfy your craving to have fun in the ocean.
New to SUP Surfing? Then before you proceed, check out our Comprehensive Guide: Intro to SUP Surfing where you will learn everything there is to know about the activity - from board size, shape, waves types, common lingo, how to read a surf chart, and a link to a gear guide as well!
And hang around to the end of the article to find a list of helpful resources to get you in SUP surfing shape with workouts and tips!
SUP Surf Waves at First Point in Malibu, California
Famous for its perfection.
The right point break is the perfect SUP surf wave, and Malibu has become one of many famous ones in this world with three separate areas to take-off from. It works on all tides delivering a perfectly shaped wave that will make your day when you're looking for some fun waves!
Though being in LA, sometimes there can be crowds. And with some instances of bacterial pollution, it can give surfers respiratory illnesses as well as ear and eye infections. Even with this new problem, Malibu is still an iconic place to SUP surf.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Malibu Surf Coach
Hana Paddle Boards
Poseidon Paddle and Surf
Cardiff, California
Cardiff might be one of the best SUP surf waves on the planet. However, depending on the swell you can score epic lefts at Suckouts or fantastic rights at Cardiff Reef.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Ditch Plains in Montauk, New York
Montauk is a hidden gem in the Hamptons for SUP surf locations. The town has long, sandy beaches with big cliffs and beautiful A-frames that stretch out into oceanfront property for miles upon end; it’s perfect if you're looking to get away from hustle ‘n' bustles of city life!
Legend says Montuak feels just like 1950's California when visiting here complete with a sandy, beach bum style. It’s a consistent break that picks up swells from every angle. Montauk is connected to Manhattan by train, which means Ditch Plains gets crowded.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Sandy Beach, Puerto Rico
Just south of Florida is the small island of Puerto Rico. It is home to some of the most well-known surf breaks in the world.
From the more advanced, at Gas Chambers and Tres Palmas, where you are likely to find hollow waves on shallow reefs, to the more mellow spot of Sandy Beach.
This area is great for beginners as it offers a soft sand bottom and plenty of places for smaller waves. And for the more advanced SUP surfer, a great spot to travel down the beach to find larger waves with more of a face.
Side note: head here just before the sun goes down to see amazing views of the sunset!
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Makaha in Oahu, Hawaii
The waves in Makaha have been popular with long boarders and big wave surfers and has slowly began to incorporate SUP surfing into the lineup.
Currently, it's less famous than the North Shore but produces some of Hawaii’s best waves for this type of activity.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Scorpion Bay in Baja California, Mexico
A long, bumpy drive to get here.
However if you like surfing and are looking for a perfect wave with great scenery then this is worth the journey south of California border!
The swell in Mexico can be as big or even bigger than most other places along the coastline so it will link up all seven points which create rides between 2 km long (or a little over 1 mile long) - perfect when we want epic SUP surf action. We recommend heading there in a 4x4 to make the trip a bit easier.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
-This particular surf spot does not have a contact close by. Take this into account when planning your trip!
Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia
Byron Bay has become a modern day surfing mecca. There are three main break fantastic for SUP surfing. And each break provides fun rides for nose riding - if that’s your thing!
Queens/Canoes (Waikiki) on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii
Waikiki is one of the most famous breaks in all of Hawaii and is the birthplace of surf civilization. It is a SUP surf location that offers long rides and plenty enough time to hang ten, making it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to take their SUP surfing skills (or lack thereof) up a notch!
The waves are not as powerful here compared with some other places on Oahu but they still provide excellent practice if you're just getting started or want something less intimidating than Pipeline/Hali'i Bay.
Waikiki can get crowded quickly at peak hours due ago its popularity among locals and tourists alike, looking forward to catching that perfect wave before work starts later this week.
Waikiki rose to popularity because it is considered one of the best places on the planet to learn how to surf.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
The North Shore's Sunset Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
The North Shore is famous for big wave surfing. This might not be the best spot to learn how to SUP surf, but it's an essential surf spot for advanced riders who are up for some adventure!
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Mala Wharf in Maui, Hawaii
Mala Wharf is one of the best SUP surf waves on the island. It is a strong south swell so for those goofy foots out there - expect fun left breaks off the wold wharf over the reef bottom.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Noosa Heads in Queensland, Australia
Noosa Heads is easily one of the best SUP surf locations in Australia. It is also at the center of its longboarding scene.
It contains picturesque right-hand point breaks. However, they can be inconsistent at times. When it’s good though, it’s really good. The right point breaks are perfect when the winds and swell are in harmony.
Crescent Head, NSW, Australia
At Crescent Head you will find long rides that break along the length of a boulder-strewn bay.
It is not uncommon to find waves here that peel for hundreds of yards that can cause some serious jelly-legs.
Saladita, Mexico
At Saladita you will find long, fun, waist-high peeling left-hand waves that lend themselves to plenty of carving.
Pavones, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s longest left - and the second longest in the world. Head down to the unpaven streets to meet other surfers from around the world.
For SUP surf though, it is best to wait for a waist-high day. It is less crowded but still provides enough juice for your SUP board.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Stacey Mac (Local Paddling Professional)
Oldman's in Batu-Bolong, Bali, Indonesia
Oldman’s in Batu-Bolong is a SUP surf location that has year-round SUP surf waves to be enjoyed at any time. The reef on which it breaks is flat so it’s a consistent ride. When it’s firing, the area allows paddlers and longboarders to spread out and grab very long rides.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia
Head to Uluwatu for an epic SUP surf session. This place can get big and hollow - so it’s for the advanced SUP surfer only. On small days, it’s great for longer, relaxing rides.
This spot is a hot commodity due to long rights that peel along the lava reef. You get the best of both worlds - unmatched beauty and a fun session!
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Laftenia, France
Laftenia is known as the “Silver Coast,” the Côte d’Argent is the European hotspot for SUP surf locations and anyone with a SUP surfboard. With over 150 miles of coast, it offers countless options for SUP surfers to spread out and find their own wave. If you want smaller swell, better to head there during the summer.
It’s a regular footer’s paradise with right-handers galore. One word of warning - it’s a popular spot so be ready for the crowds.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Hainan Island, China
Hainan is the second-largest island in China after Taiwan. It offers mellow left point breaks. The best part is the surf area hasn’t been thoroughly explored. Head here to discover a new part of the SUP surfing world and see a beautiful backdrop of volcanic mountains.
One thing to remember, it’s complicated to travel here without a guide so make sure you have one before you go! They will also be able to let you know what areas are off limits.
Ribeira D'Iihas in Ericeira, Portugal
This SUP surf location is a mellow right that produces waves that can grind all the way from the Pontinha beach.
This spot is perfect if you are able to surf it while it’s uncrowded. Just be aware of a few urchins hiding in the surf.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Chicama, Peru
If Pavones in Costa Rica is the second longest break, the longest is Chicama. The entire point is 2.5 miles long and it is divided into three main sections. If you are a goofy-footed SUP surfer this is your paradise. Just be aware, the water temperatures here are a little bit cooler so bring your neoprene for the duration of the trip.
Chicama is a mystical wave full of the longest rides you will encounter in your life. But with that type of distance, it is easier to get out and walk back to the take-off zone instead of paddling against the current.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
- This location takes a day trip by car to reach. There is not much around the area once you arrive. Take this into account as you plan your trip to these legendary waves.
Inch Reef, County Kerry, Ireland
Inch Reed might not be the most consistent SUP surf location. But when it’s the right condition, it’s one of the longest waves in the country, creating a ride almost a half-mile long.
There is one thing that Inch Reef is known for - a strong rip current that can cause problems for SUP surfers and longboarders alike. Use extreme caution when SUP surfing here, it’s a dangerous spot you have to be careful getting in and out at.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Harbour SUP n Sail (Member Discounts Available)
Lazy Left, Sri Lanka
Lazy Left is the perfect name for this SUP surfing spot. The waves here are super mellow and break over a deep reef. Sri Lanka is very similar to Indonesia when it comes to the surfing scene but is considered to be more mellow.
Galicia, Spain
At Galacia you will find a rugged stretch of coastline full of perfect SUP surf locations. But also a great spot for SUP surfer. The North Atlantic Ocean here can generate a wide range of waves for this spot’s sandy beaches.
Go here from August through November for perfect SUP surfing waves with smaller swells. In addition, there is hardly any rain and wind, and only small villages nearby. Which equates to - no crowds.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
The Maldives
If you happen to be in the Northern Atolls, check out Ninja Point. Wait for it to calm down after a big swell and you will find 2-4 ft waves perfect for any size SUP surfboard.
Another great place to check out for SUP surf waves is Pasta Point. It is a left-hand wave that seems to never go away. It will hold its shape on smaller days in the form of 1-2’ waves. The best part is it can be difficult to reach the break, but with a SUP surf board, you’ll be there in no time. And without much competition from short boarders or even longboarders.
Siargao Island, Philippines
Siargao is an essential tropical SUP surf location and home to the world famous surf break - Cloud 9. Here you will find a crystal blue ocean, shady palm trees, warm water, and white sand. In a word, it’s: paradise.
Daku Island is an easy 10-minute boat ride from General Luna and offers SUP surfers a long right hand break with consistent conditions.
If you’re goofy-footed, Cemetery is the spot for you. Here the waves are consistent with four-foot lefts over a reef.
Tuason Point offers fun SUP surf waves that you will often share with longboarders. It is a mostly left reef and an easy wave to surf most of the time. Occasionally though, it can be up to 6-10 feet.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Tavarua Island, Fiji
Tavarua is well-known for its big waves at Cloudbreak and Restaurants.
But for SUP surfers, and longboarders alike, the best place to head to has to be Swimming Pools. It’s a more mellow shape, does not have tremendous speed or power, and the length of the rides are just right. It’s located a mile northwest of Tavarua and is perfect for your SUP surfboard.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
This area of Panama is only 1,000 miles from the shores of Florida and resembles the bright blue surf of the Maldives. And it holds a ton of amazing SUP surf locations.
The three main islands offer a dozen surf breaks for beginner SUP surfers all the way up to advanced. There is one snag though - traveling here with a board over 7ft is difficult because of the small single-engine aircraft you have to take from Panama City. So, you’ll want to ask ahead if they can accommodate your boards, or make other plans to rent one while you are there.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Popoyo Surf Zone, Nicaragua
This spot is a small 15-mile stretch. And it is definitely worth exploring. It offers a year-round deepwater swell and over 300 days of offshore winds - that last all day! On an average day the waves are shoulder to head high with a large variety of breaks for SUP surfers.
Local Perfect Paddles Outfitters for Contact:
Mizata, El Salvador
El Salvador is the new Costa Rica when it comes to SUP surf locations. Or even the new Nicaragua. It’s basically untapped at this point in time but still offers great places to SUP surf.
The main spot at Mizata is known as the Point. It’s a point break that offers left and right rides. It breaks off a cobblestone river mouth so be sure not to head here during the rainy season as you can find contaminated water.
However, the longest wave for SUP surfing is Sunzal. It’s an easy, 300 yard right point break that is perfect for beginner and advanced SUP surfers alike.
Get Into SUP Surfing Shape With These Workouts and Tips From the Pros!
Want to Head to These Spots?
Ready to test out a few of these top SUP surf locations? Then be sure to check out our SUP Search section on Perfect Paddles so you can find the paddling professionals in each area where you can contact, rent boards, and find insider information on each location.
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