Surf Travel Updates

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The Mentawais Are Calling Again: Surf Travel’s Golden Era Returns

The Green Stoke: Nicaragua’s Eco-Surf Lodges Are Redefining Tropical Travel

Global Surf Travel Updates: Where to Chase the Swell Right Now

The Green Wave: How Sustainable Surfboards Are Shaping the Next Era

The Quiet Mutiny of Pro Surfing’s Lifers

The Underdog Who Rewrote the Lineup at Cloudbreak

The Re-Tuned Twin Fin: How the New Hybrid Fish Redefines Small Wave Grip

The Eddie Aikau Invitational: Waiting on the Perfect Storm

Riding Blind: How Trust Carved a Path Through the Deep Blue

A Sunrise Session with Big John: The Surfer Who Never Paddled Out Alone

The Rise of Hydrofoil Surfing: Catching Air on the Ocean’s Edge

Microplastics on the Horizon: Surfing’s Newest Swell to Paddle Into

Live Surf Cams

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This stream moves through Surfline’s global camera network, showing spots where it’s daylight and rated Fair or better.

What’s The Deal With…?

Surf News & Updates

It depends on the coast, but generally, winter means powerful groundswells for west-facing shores, while summer brings tropical swells to east coasts. You gotta know your seasons! For Indo, it’s dry season (April-October). For Hawaii, the North Shore goes off November to February. Use swell forecasts and talk to salty locals. Remember, bigger isn’t always better—know your ability. Sometimes a clean, head-high day is more rippable than a closing-out double-overhead monster.

Embrace the adventure! Go for a bodysurf, explore the coast, or rent a SUP. Use the time to fix dings, do some yoga for flexibility, or just chill and soak up the vibe. Sample the local food, meet people, and scout for when the wind switches. Every surfer knows flat days are part of the chase. They make you appreciate the next swell even more. The journey is just as important as the barrels.

Double-bagging is the golden rule. Use a good travel bag, a day bag inside, and pack with bubble wrap or clothes as padding. Don’t forget to pack your fins in your carry-on and take out all your leash strings! A pro tip is to stuff your wetsuit and towels around the nose and tail. It’s a bit of a mission, but it beats arriving to pumping surf with a snapped stick. Consider a hard case for long-haul flights to really keep your quiver safe.

Surf News & Updates

Ditch the famous spots everyone posts about. The magic is in the missions. Study swell charts for exposures the main breaks don’t handle, talk to local shapers or fishermen (not other tourists!), and be ready for a serious adventure—think 4x4 tracks, boat trips, or long dusty hikes. Scoring an empty peak often means trading convenience for discovery. Embrace the journey, respect the locals when you find it, and you’ll log a session that’s pure, unadulterated stoke without the pack.

Learn the basics: swell height, period, and direction. A long-period swell (14+ seconds) has more power and wraps better. Check the wind direction and tide charts—some spots only work on a low tide, others on a high. Look at the bathymetry (sea floor shape) on a map. Most importantly, find local forecast notes or webcams. It’s a blend of science and local knowledge. With time, you’ll learn to predict how a swell will actually hit that secret point.

Beyond your board bag, pack a solid first-aid kit, reef booties, a spare leash and fin key, a quality zinc stick, and a portable ding repair kit. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a good hat for sun protection. A compact towel and a positive attitude are mandatory. You’ll be living out of your car or a bungalow, so pack light but smart. Being prepared means more time in the water and less time stressing.