5 Best Vacation Destinations in August for surfing
Monthly Report-August "When, Where & Why the waves are the best!"
The determiningfactors
in the ratings for each month are water & air temperature, wave
consistency, overall weather conditions including precipitation
& winds, (offshore winds receiving a big plus). Break logistics:
Are waves accessible?, Are there places to stay near the breaks?,
Are the breaks crowded?, What are the hazards, rips, reefs, rocks,
& water pollution? Culture: Are there activities to do if the
surf goes flat? Other Liquid activities, kayaking, windsurfing,
canoing, fishing, etc...? Good hiking, site seeing, historical
significant activities? Friendly inhabitants? Overall Safety! Last, but
certainly of equal importance, expense, including lodging, airfare,
rental cars, taxis, food & water.
Of course, the list is subjective & only a guide for those looking
for ideas for a vacation destination. We won't list actual surf
spots for three reasons: 1) there are places that do a great job of
listing "most" of the good breaks in the area we mention, like-wannasurf.com.
2) We hope that you are forced to interact with the people that live
there, talk to them, ask them where the good breaks are, how to get
there & how to blend in. 3) Take a chance, do some searching on
your own, chill on the beach awhile & spot a peak for yourself or
go for a long walk & just maybe you'll find a place of your own to
borrow for a session or two. We will tweak the list as needed
&, hopefully, righteously to include unique spots, not just the
destinations that always get the best waves! August Los Angeles, California West Java, Indonesia Reunion Island, Indian Ocean Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Panaitan Island, Indonesia
The
L.A. area is massive including Orange county, the best surf in the
region. To optimize your time in the surf & not in traffic pick the
breaks you want to surf the most & coordinate your lodging
judiciously.
Water Temp: 66-71 degrees Water Pollution: Mostly clean but after rain can get polluted near runoffs, river mouths and sewage treatment centers. Wave Consistency: Plenty of south swells provide consistent 3-6ft faces. Overall Weather: 70-75 degrees on the beach, much warmer inland. Suggested Gear:3/2 full suit or spring suit, neoprene vest, jacket & shorts, board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, & sun block. The
waves are easy to get to, if you get out early. Avoid, at all costs,
driving during rush hours, it is crazy! Pick your favorite break and
lodge within walking distance if possible.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, most are easy to find, get there early to find parking. Are there places to stay? Yes, but not all breaks have plentiful lodging & many near the breaks are pricey. Is it crowded? Most breaks are crowded, especially the smaller days. Is there localism: Yes, and unlike San Diego, it can get very aggressive. Are there Hazards: There are so many different breaks and each have their particular hazards, ask early & often.
The
L.A. area has everything! Sure it comes with a stiff price tag but you
will not be bored, ever. However, you can swing L.A. on a budget if you
exclude the pricey nightlife and swank hotels.
Culture: Things to do: Anything & everything that involves liquid. Things to do out of the water? Send me an email if you find something you can't do! People: Friendly enough, mostly you are invisible... Food & Water: Not a problem on any budget. Nightlife: Top shelf material, pick your poison and test your chemistry. Expense: Surprisingly inexpensive to shockingly overpriced, consumer choice. Safety: Most beaches are safe in the area, off the beach, use your noggin!
L.A.
is one of those places you love or hate, not much middle ground, but
there is no question it has a lot of everything; including righteous
surf. West Java, Indonesia
West Java pictures West Java offers up some epic surf breaks with decent offshore winds, warm water, tube rides & good size.
Water Temp: 80-85 degrees Water Pollution: Below average in many places Wave Consistency:5-8ft faces are common & consistent Overall Weather: 80-85 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, sun block, helmet, & extra boards.Complete 1st aid kit! Some of the better breaks will require some energy & effort but the reward is often handsome.
Can you get to the waves? Some, yes, many of the breaks require a boat hire & a professional guide. Are there places to stay? Ample choices to be had, the better places cost more but offer greater safety. Is it crowded? Many of the breaks are uncrowded, usually requiring a boat hire. Other breaks on the island can get crowded. Is there localism: Some Are there Hazards: Reefs, pollution, & some crime. Culture: Things to do: Water activities are almost all attainable. Things to do out of the water? Hiking with a professional guide. People: Friendly but crime can be a problem. Food & Water: Be sure to stock up on water perpetually, it is imperative you stay hydrated. Research places to eat & have an idea of what you are consuming. Nightlife: Can be found but better to keep a low profile. Expense: There are alternatives for differing budgets but saving money may mean reduced safety. Safety: Slightly below average.
Reunion Island, Indian Ocean
Reunion Island surf pictures The roaring 40's and furious 50's send consistent swells to the island all winter, August included.
Water Temp: 72-77 degrees Water Pollution: Very clean, after a rain some pollution can be found. Wave Consistency: 4-6ft faces are common. Overall Weather: 75-80 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene vest, jacket & shorts for morning & evening sessions, sunscreen, & sun block. August in Reunion is cool & dry and the coast is littered with consistent swells.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, you will need a guide or a local to find the secluded spots. Are there places to stay? Yes, but most are on the pricey end of the spectrum. Is it crowded? Yes, and the island produces some top shelf surfers. Is there localism: Yes, plenty of locals surf all the spots, be humble & patient. Are there Hazards: Plenty of sharks, ask for sitings & plan accordingly. Reefs.
Culture: Things to do: In & around the water you are covered, including epic fishing & diving. Things to do out of the water? Hiking is awesome. People: Friendly, learning some French would be helpful. Food & Water: Can be expensive and in some areas difficult to find but stay hydrated. Stay stocked up on water. Nightlife: Can be found but certainly not overwhelming. Expense: Higher end trek, bring the credit cards. Safety: Safe
Rio
De Janeiro is a fabulous destination to combine surfing, socializing
and site seeing. The waves are fast & powerful with plenty of close
outs on bigger days, but the nightlife, good food and sites are
endless. Water Temp: 65-70 degrees Water Pollution: Near the city after rain can get polluted quickly, much cleaner without the rain. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft with quick, steep faces making it seem bigger. Overall Weather: 70-75 degrees Suggested Gear:3/2 full suit or spring suit, neoprene vest, jacket & shorts, board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, & sun block.
Rio
De Janeiro is an enormous city with unlimited lodging near the surf
breaks but bring the credit cards if you want to go in style.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, with many breaks to choose, consider your breaks before selecting lodging. Are there places to stay? Every type imaginable but the nicer digs get expensive. Is it crowded? Yes, Brazil, and especially in the big cities have a huge surf population. Is there localism: Overall Brazilian surfers are territorial and aggressive. Are there Hazards: Most of the breaks are beach breaks; the waves are very fast and close out quickly.
An incredible place to combine surfing with other liquid activities and, of course, nightlife.
Culture: Things to do: All things beach & liquid are easily obtainable. Things to do out of the water? The city has it all, plan carefully & wisely, much of the city is not safe. People: Friendly, but consistently over run with tourists, keep a low profile. Food & Water: No worries, plenty of choices and availability. Nightlife: World class night clubs, parties & decadence. Expense: Very expensive to inexpensive depending on taste. Airfare is costly. Safety: Slightly below average
Panaitan Island, Indonesia
Panaitan Island pictures The perfect wave for the agros that complain about robust crowds, lackluster waves & novice surfers.
Water Temp: 77-82 degrees. Water Pollution: Completely pristine! Wave Consistency: 5-8ft faces are common. Overall Weather: 78-83 degrees. Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, sun block, helmet, football gear, & extra boards.Complete 1st aid kit! Getting
to the waves is a logistical nightmare and if you are not an
experienced surfer the nightmare will get worse. This is an area for
skilled, seasoned surfers that can handle heavy, fast barreling waves
over a shallow reef bottom.
Can you get to the waves? You will need a boat & and a professional guide. Are there places to stay? No, it is a World Heritage Preserve Site. Is it crowded? No Is there localism: No Are
there Hazards: Very shallow, sharp reef with gnarly, fast waves
breaking on your head. Sharks, snakes & smacks of mosquitoes. A loner's paradise. Be sure to bring your own entertainment, a trough of mosquito repellent, a doctor & a nurse.
Culture: Things to do: Surf, dive and fish. Things to do out of the water? Get medical treatment from your whooping... People: None Food & Water: Better have plenty on the boat and stay hydrated. Nightlife: None Expense: Expensive Safety: Very safe
If
you are lucky enough to go to any of the top 5 vacation destinations
for surfing, have a blast, be safe, take it all in, you never know if,
or when, you will get another chance to visit again.These places are
spiritual gifts from nature, walk softly, environmentally friendly
& embrace any opportunity to lend a helping hand. Be righteous,
humble & appreciative, you are representing yourself, your family
& your country! Liquid Peace
