Where to surf in August 2022, if you're a beginner or intermediate sportsman

August is going off the lip in terms of surf tourism every where in the world, so in case you are willing to hustle in the water and wait for your turn, make sure to read this post with a list for the surf destinations where you can practise your favorite sport in the last summer month.

Surf spots in Southern California, Unites States

Surfing in California. Photo: Jenna-day / Unsplash

Southern California is for those who eat, dream and sleep surf. No wonder this is a spot where all the world-famous magazines, shapers and brands come from.

The best spots for August are the ones facing south such as Orange, Northern LA and some spots in San Diego and Venture. Make sure to check the beach according to your level — Cali surfers are competitive and won’t take anyone messing up their waves.

Pack your swimsuits (and bikinis) and while you are at it, make sure to check Vans US Open of Surfing, world’s largest surf and lifestyle competition, taking place at Huntington Beach on the 27th of July — 5th of August.

The main advantages of surfing in Souther California:

Ultimate surf culture
Variety of surf spots
Surf shops and shapers
Warm weather

The best surfing spots on Southern California:

Beginner beach — San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente
Intermediate beach — Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Most famous beach — Point Dume, Malibu, Los Angeles

Surf spots in El Salvador, South America

Surfing in El Salvador. Photo: Emerson-carcamo / Unsplash

We are not going to sugar coat it — not many people have the guts to head to El Salvador due to the country’s bad reputation. But those who go... They will come back. We argue that El Salvador is Central America’s best hidden gem.

This small country that is sandwiched between Honduras and Guatemala offers a wide range of quality waves (307 km of coastline). Surf towns are safe with incredibly friendly locals and affordable prices.

The International Airport of San Salvador (the capital), is a 35-minute drive from El Tunco, a famous surf town with incredible waves — Sunzal (longboards and intermediates welcome) and La Bocana (left point with a workable right). Bikinis and shortboards only, folks.

The main advantages of surfing in El Salvador:

Affordable
Not super crowded
Friendly locals
Close proximity to the airport

The best surfing spots on El Salvador:

Beginner beach — El Zonte, El Zonte
Intermediate beach — Sunzal Point, El Sunzal
Most famous beach — Playa Punta Roca, La Libertad

Surf spots in East Coast of Sri Lanka, Asia

Surfing in Sri Lanka. Photo: Agnieszka-kowalczyk / Unsplash

It’s the monsoon season, but if you choose your location wisely, you will stay out in the dry and experience fun surf. Head to the East Coast to the Arugam Bay which receives the best swell in August and good offshore winds usually in the morning time.

Arugam Bay is considered the best wave in Sri Lanka offering both mellow longboard sections and some faster rides. In close proximity you can find different spots, so make sure to keep an eye on the forecast via Windyapp.

Check at least Okanda (right point break), Pottuvil Point (right point break, small but hollow) and Peanut Farm (right point break with two sections). Warm weather, fresh food — yes, please!

The main advantages of surfing on the East Coast of Ski Lanka:

Affordable
Nature
Friendly locals
Tons of fresh food

The best surfing spots on the East Coast of Sri Lanka:

Beginner beach — Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Intermediate beach — Elephant Rock, Arugam Bay
Most famous beach — Okanda, Arugam Bay

Surf spots in Indonesia, South East Asia

Surging in Indonesia. Photo: Denissa-devy / Unsplash

Another one for Asia fans! It’s the dry season also known as "On-season".

This season is good for the south and southwest coasts and it means blue skies, warm weather, no rain (!) and beautiful offshore wind on the west side of Asia. A good option and a safe option is to head to Bali which is a year-around surf destination for everyone who loves world-class spots — due note there is no escape from fellow surfers in Bali.

Next to Bali and definitely less crowded — Lombok. Other excellent spots are Sumba island and Sumbawa.

The main advantages of surfing in Indonesia:

Affordable
Parties
Sightseeing
Cheap airlines fly to Indonesia from major Asian cities

The best surfing spots in Indonesia:

Beginner beach — Batu Bolong, Canggu
Intermediate beach — Balangan, Uluwatu
Famous beach — Ebay, Mentawai Islands

This post was originally published in the Windy.app blog on July 5, 2019.

Learn more about how to read the surf / swell forecast in a special Windy.app presentation with examples and tips from professional surfers with many years of experience of riding the biggest and best waves on the planet.

Text: Windy.app team

Cover photo: Pixabay / Pexels