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San Diego, California, U.S.A.: Take your pick from a number of great surfing hot spots in the San Diego area: La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and in the North County, Oceanside and Carlsbad State Beach. Strong riptides are prevalent along this coast, where waters are cold nearly year-round (you’ll likely need a wetsuit no matter what season), so be sure to check with locals before making assumptions about conditions. www.sandiego.org. La Jolla Surf Systems ( 858/456-2777;www.lajollasurfsystems.com). Ocean Beach Surf & Skate ( 619/225-0674;www.oceanexperience.com). Kahuna Bob’s Surf School ( 760/721-7700;www.kahunabob.com).

Donegal Bay, Ireland: Isolated and rugged, the Northwest Ireland coastline has lately been luring both professional and amateur surfers. You’ll have to prepare for the cold weather and waters, but those same challenges keep away large crowds. Pair that advantage with the friendly Irish locals and other nearby wild and scenic destinations such as Glenveagh National Park (www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie), and you’ll understand why surfing this destination offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Bundoran makes a good home base. 353/71-9841968;www.bundoransurfco.com.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica: The surfing flick Endless Summer 2 put these waves on many a surfer’s radar. You’ll find big waves and great weather at breaks such as Little Hawaii and Witches Rock. There are waves for both short and long boards here. www.visittamarindo.com.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii, U.S.A.: Because the 2-mile long, crescent moon-shaped bay on Kauai’s North Shore is home break for some world champion surfers, the water here has become a hot spot for surfers. Locals may advise you to hang around the Hanalei pier to find out where the waves are gentle. Those looking for a bit more excitement should head to Pine Tree to watch the pro surfers rip daily in the winter. www.kauaiexplorer.com/kauai_beaches/hanalei_bay.php.

Tavarua Island, Fiji: Cloudbreak is touted as one of the gnarliest reefs on the planet, but you’ll have to stay at the private Tavarua Island surf camp to surf here. This break is in the middle of the ocean, a short ponga ride from the resort. Both Cloudbreak, a reef break, and Restaurants, which wraps around part of the island, are for experienced surfers, but there are more gentle spots for beginners. Plan on booking in advance—there’s room for only 36 guests at the resort. On changeover days, non-guests may be allowed to surf here. Tavarua Island Resort ( 805/686-4551;www.tavarua.com).

Taghazout, Morocco: The excellent break and lack of crowds draw surf aficionados to this small surf town on the coast of Morocco. In addition to Taghazout, advantageous breaks can be found all the way from north of Rabat (Mehdiya Plage) to south of Agadir (Sidi Ifni). The lagoon at Oualidia is a great place for beginners. Imessouane and Anchor Point are also prime destinations. Rapture ( 43/720-70-17-52 [Austria]; www.rapturecamps.com). Pure Blue Surf Adventures ( 44/1326 316363;www.purebluewater.com).

Bells Beach, Australia: Bells Beach, a point break where waves can range from 2 to 15 feet (4.5m), is the most famous of the dozens of breaks along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Located about 100km (62 miles) from Melbourne, this is the spot for the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, the world’s longest-running surfing competition, held every Easter. The area is only for experienced surfers and swimmers, but other large ocean swells land on cliff-sided sandy beaches elsewhere along the road. www.bellsbeachaustralia.com.

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Nicaraguan Surf Camp

Surf’s Up, Amigo!

Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast

In a land once famous for death squads, drug trafficking, and CIA-backed revolutionaries, a new breed of fanatic has found a home: the surfer dude. Nicaragua was, until recently, not even a blip on the international surfing radar screen. But when Costa Rica’s once-isolated beaches became congested with tourists, surfers cast their eyes toward the undiscovered country to the north. World-class waves, desolate beaches,