World's Best Surf Cities: Part One

Slyde's Surf City List

CNN recently created a list of, in their opinion, the 50 best surf spots around the world. CNN’s list got us thinking about making our own list.  We’ve put together a list of the top 15 cities to surf, bodysurf and handboard in (they’re in no particular order).  Here are the first five in our thee-part series.  It just goes to show you that no matter what hemisphere you're in, a surf city to shred at is not very far away.

1.  Santa Cruz (California, United States)

This city has already showed up a few times in our blog.  Surfers really can’t get enough of it.  With endless shores to choose from, it seems like a waterman’s paradise.  Its beach boardwalk, home-style shops and laid-back atmosphere give it that central California coast charm.

2.  Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca, Mexico)

One of the most popular tourist attractions on the Oaxacan coast, Puerto Escondido’s beaches are part of the Emerald Coast.  The rustic, small town is a perfect, simple surfer’s getaway.  

3.  Mundaka (Biscay, Spain)

This seaside town in Spain’s Basque Country is known around the world for its waves.  The swells that make their way through the Bay of Biscay form perfect, hollow waves as a result of the immaculate sandbar that has formed on the seafloor at Mundaka.  If you want world-class surfing with old world charm, Mundaka is the place.

4.  Jeffreys Bay (Eastern Cape, South Africa)

Just off the N2 highway in South Africa, Jeffreys Bay is one of the world’s five most favorite surfing destinations, and hosts the Billabong Pro ASP World Tour every year.  Also known as J-Bay, the fast tubing right break is split into eight different sections, and the waves are consistent from May to September.

5.  Taghazout (Agadir, Morocco)

This fishing village in southwest Morocco is a surprising African surfing hot spot that’s relatively undiscovered.  You can shred the long right-hand breaks and enjoy the uncrowded and picturesque ocean landscapes at the same time.  Enjoy great Moroccan cuisine while you’re at it.

Check back to see what next five surf cities make the list.