5 Best Vacation Destinations in November for surfing
Monthly Report-November "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!
November 1) Maui, Hawaii 2) Barbados, Caribbean Islands 3) Northern California, USA 4) Canary Islands, Spain 5) Northern Florida, USA
Maui is not the archetypical surf choice of Hawaii, but the island has some
awesome, easily accessible surf spots, dazzling landscapes, and warm,
lucid water.
Water Temp: 74-79 degrees Water Pollution: Pristine, very clean Wave Consistency: 3-6ft faces are common and consistent Overall Weather: 77-83 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, antibiotic cream, duct tape & super
glue. The
surf in Maui is somewhat fickle; you will need transportation to get to
the spots that are breaking and stay abreast of current surf reports
to score the best waves.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, you can "stumble" and find most of them but
better to ask for specific directions at surf shops or ask friendly
locals. Are there places to stay? Nice options, although, mid-level budget lodging is difficult to find. Is
it crowded? Yes, leave impatience at the airport. Is there localism? Yes, sometimes it may be best to search for smaller peaks or take pleasure in scraps. Are
there Hazards? Sharp reefs, rip currents, powerful waves & wind,
jellyfish, urchin, tiger sharks, & some agro surfers.
Maui
is fascinating..., dynamic, diverse, powerful and gentle in one turn of an
hour glass; a week, a month or a year it is never enough time!
Culture: Things to do: Everything and anything is available associated with water. Things to do out of the water? Never enough time to take in all of the alluring natural beauty of the island. People: Friendly, though some are toasted by tourists. Food
& Water: Every option available, be sure to try the local flavor.
Some of the surf breaks are fairly remote, bring the water. Nightlife: Laid back atmosphere. Expense: Expensive, though camping is an option and can make the trip far less expensive. Safety: Very safe
Barbados
is geographically the furthest east of all the Caribbean Islands
and receives the most consistent, warm, pristine water swells.
Water Temp: 74-79 degrees Water Pollution: Very clean, beautiful turquoise water. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft faces with any kind of disturbance in the Atlantic. Overall Weather: 83-88 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, duct tape & super
glue. Hurricanes, cold fronts & storms from the North Atlantic send consistent ridable surf to Barbados.
Can you get to the waves? Are there places to stay? Is
it crowded? When it's on, yes, but mostly manageable. Is there localism? Some, but the locals are friendly as long as you show some etiquette and respect. Are there Hazards? Lots of sharp reef, powerful rip currents, and on bigger days very hollow waves.
Barbados is a unique blend of people from all over the world offering up a charismatic culture.
Culture: Things to do: Things to do out of the water? People: Friendly and pretty laid back. Food & Water: Nightlife: There is nightlife but you may have to drive to it, designate a driver! Expense: Safety: Safe, some petty theft and girls should be careful at night alone.
Northern
California surf is bold, rugged and cold. The landscape is mystical,
beautiful and will never be tamed. This is best time to score "nice"
weather and solid surf conditions but this is not a destination for the
tainted surfer.
Water Temp: Cold, 50-55 degrees Water Pollution: Clean, especially away from the cities. Wave Consistency: 4-8ft faces are common, but don't be surprised if you see some 15-20 ft. surf. Overall Weather: 55-65 degrees Suggested Gear: Lots of neoprene.
This
is a massive area, surf breaks are often a great distance apart and
logistics can be dreadfully painful but when you find surf it will be
big, powerful and worth the effort.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, but many will require solid directions and patience. Are there places to stay? Yes, but not always near the best surf. Is
it crowded? Some places can get crowded when its firing. Is there localism? Yes, in a few spots and these are surfers you do not want to agitate. Are there Hazards? Many, including cold water, rocks, extremely thick seaweed, and big sharks.
You
will need to rent a car to fully experience this magical place and all
that it has to offer from one of the top cultural hubs in the world,
San Francisco, some of the best "bud' on the planet to desolate surf
breaks and landscapes.
Culture: Things to do: Near major towns and cities, everything, but as you drift away from populated area, nothing but surf. Things to do out of the water? A matter of choice, there are places you could go where you may not see anyone all day. People: Friendly Food & Water: Plentiful in towns, but be sure to bring gallons of fresh water to the remote breaks. Nightlife: 1st class in San Francisco, nothing in the remote areas. Expense: Lodging and feeding in San Francisco is very expensive, reasonable as you head north. Safety: Very safe.
The Canary Islands sit 60 miles off the coast of Africa but are an autonomous region of Spain. Get more info!!!!!!!!!!
Water Temp: 63-68 Degrees Water Pollution: Clean Wave Consistency: 4-6ft face are common and consistent. Overall Weather: 68-73 Degrees Suggested
Gear: 3/2 full suit, spring suit, rash guards, sunscreen, lip balm, and
sunblock. Duct tape and super glue in case the waves get heavy. Extra
board?
Most of the surf in the
Canary Islands is more suitable for experienced, seasoned surfers and
heavy, reef dumping hollow waves define the conditions.
Can you get to the waves? Having a 4x4 vehicle is vital for getting to the best breaks. Are there places to stay? Decent options but most are fairly costly, budget accommodations are limited. Is
it crowded? Can get crowded on good days Is there localism? Unfortunately, can get dicey. Are there Hazards? Sharp lava reefs, powerful hollow waves, urchin, and sketchy infrastructure.
A destination more structured for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing and less for cultural and nocturnal endeavors.
Culture: Things to do: Liquid activities are easily obtained Things to do out of the water? More of a laid back relaxing destination, cultural activities are limited. People: Friendly Food & Water: Stayed stocked on water when you find product, food is on the expensive side. Nightlife: Some, but more relaxed than rave. Expense: Above average cost. Campgrounds are available to save some money! Safety: Very safe.
Northern
Florida is both overlooked and underrated as a surf destination. It
seems that once tourists enter the state it is their natural tendency
to proceed as far south as possible skipping past some of Florida's
best surf and most beautiful topography.
Water Temp: Water Pollution: Mostly clean, be cautious after a rain near river mouths and major cities. Wave Consistency: 3-5ft faces are common, with hurricane swells or cold fronts from the north offering bigger surf. Overall Weather: 70-80 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards,
sunscreen, sun block, bring some neoprene for cloudy days and especially for morning and evening sessions.
The
infrastructure of northern Florida makes logistical planning to surf
breaks easy and pleasant, particularly in November when the beach
crowds diminish.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, most of the surf spots are accessible by
car. Ask at surf shops to find hidden pearls, that is, if the will give
them up. Are there places to stay? Yes, from campgrounds to 5 star resort hotels, everything is available for all budgets. Is
it crowded? Some spots can get extremely crowded, Florida has a big surf population. Is there localism? A few places are very localized but most are fairly chill, plenty of peaks to find without crowds. Are
there Hazards? Some sharks but really they are everywhere, Florida gets
a bad rap most likely because more people are in the water year round,
therefore, increasing the incidence of shark attacks.
Jacksonville
is a major metropolitan city with extensive recreational and nightlife
activities, St Augustine is a hidden gem of the USA and Daytona Beach
is a universally renown party place.
Culture: Things to do: Everything is available near the water. Things to do out of the water? There is an abundance of choices in and around most of the bigger towns. People: Friendly Food & Water: Plenty of options. Always bring water to the remote surf breaks. Nightlife: The bigger towns and cities have extensive nightlife. Expense: Depends on personal taste, can easily be done on a budget. Safety: Very safe, some areas of Jacksonville present some safety issues.
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
