5 Best Vacation Destinations in October for surfing
Monthly Report-October "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!
October 1) Aquitaine, France 2) Algarve, Portugal 3) Charleston, SC, USA 4) Wilmington, NC, USA 5) Northeast Spain
Aquitaine,
the Southwest region of France, is geographically and generously packed
with sumptuous beach breaks that conductively pick up the North
Atlantic low pressure systems sending consistent swells to the entire
region in October.
Water Temp: 62-67 degrees Water Pollution: Unfortunately, yes, mostly litter but water quality can get bad, check with the locals and surf shops. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft faces are common with any swell and can get much bigger with a strong swell. Overall Weather: 62-70 degrees Suggested Gear: 3/2 full suit or spring suit, bring two, for shorter sessions-neoprene vest, jacket &
shorts, board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, & sun block. The
majority of the tourists have left, flight & hotel rates have
declined, infrastructure is 1st class and swells are peaking.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, most of the surf spots in the area are user friendly. Are there places to stay? Yes, the region offers a bounty of choices, including epic bed & breakfast hotels. Is
it crowded? Surfing is a very popular in France, expect crowds,
especially if you tread the beaten path and miss the morning sessions. Is there localism? Yes, and France has some world class surfers, be humble & gracious and wait for a bone. Are there Hazards? Very safe place to surf, when big swells arrive, know your limits.
The
bread, cheese, wine and culture are worth the trip but the surf is the
proverbial icing on the cake for a can't miss surfing destination.
Culture: Things to do: Most everything is available related to Liquid. Things to do out of the water? Look around, immerse yourself, this is a place to site see and lap up the culture. People:
The French have a bad reputation that for the most part is over-hyped,
they are friendly if you engage them respectfully. Food & Water: Internationally renown, the cheese & wine are world class. Nightlife: In the bigger towns very good, in the remote and smaller towns, bring some tunes or an ax. Expense: Expensive destination but can be done on a budget if you choose judiciously. Safety:
Very safe. Refrain from running down the street naked and yelling "I am
an American", yes, still frowned upon! Lock up those Jerry Lewis DVD's. Algarve, Portugal
Algarve
is uniquely and conveniently positioned with a west coast and south
coast, accepting existing swell from multiple disturbances in the swell
prone October Atlantic.
Water Temp: 63-68 Degrees Water Pollution: Some areas have real problems, especially near Lisbon, ask locals or visit a surf shop. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft. face are quite common and consistent with any swell in the area. Overall Weather: 65-70 degrees Suggested Gear: 3/2 full suit or spring suit, bring two, for shorter sessions-neoprene vest, jacket &
shorts, board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, & sun block. The
Algarve region is host to an assortment of beach breaks, reef breaks
and point breaks but equally important has an infrastructure in
place to get to a beautiful array of surf breaks on both coasts.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, most are easily discovered but some will require the hire of a guide or a well informed local. Are
there places to stay? The area has many different types of places
to anchor your chemistry from camps to five star resorts. Is it crowded? The popular breaks can get crowded but with a little effort breaks await with small or no line-ups. Is there localism? Yes, at the popular breaks near bigger cities. Are there Hazards? Yes, reefs, rips and pollution. Ask at the surf shops or a friendly local.
Algarve
was once a sleepy fishing region but has blossomed into one of Europe's
favorite vacation destination with provocative beaches and exhilarating
nightlife.
Culture: Things to do: All activities Liquid are plentiful. Things
to do out of the water?The main objective in Algarve for most who visit
is relaxation but there is plenty to aside from the beaches and
exhaustive nightlife. People: Friendly. Food & Water:Tasty and reasonable priced if you search out the mom & pop shops. Nightlife: Plenty of options Expense: Reasonable, unless the choices include 5 star hotels. Safety: Very safe.
Charleston,
SC is the emerald of the East coast with a history that is both
enchanting and bewitching nestled in a city with world class charm,
architecture, food and natural beauty.
Water Temp: 69-74 degrees Water Pollution: Clean, some pollution after a rain. Wave Consistency: 3-5ft. faces are common with any active swell. Overall Weather: 70-80 degrees Suggested Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit jacket, neoprene wetsuit vest
& shorts, for morning and evening sessions, sunscreen, &
sunblock. Don't
be surprised if a visit to Charleston turns in to a life long love
affair. There is something in the air, mostly humidity, and within
it's people, very laid back, that is both captivating and alluring that
will keep you coming back or cause a change of residence.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, the majority of the breaks are very easy to find and get to. Are there places to stay? Yes, all options are available, little thin on the camping option. Is it crowded? When swells come in the line-up can get very crowded, Charleston has a very healthy surfing community. Is there localism? Very little, the surfers in Charleston, for the most part, are very cordial. Are there Hazards? Very few, rips on the bigger days.
Downtown
Charleston is a must see for it's historical significance, ubiquitous
beauty, unique design and world renown food, restaurants and
indisputable charm.
Culture: Things to do: Everything related to water is available. Things
to do out of the water? You will run out of time before you run out of
things to do, Be sure to take one of the historical journeys through
the city, by horse and cart or foot. People: Very Friendly Food & Water: Hit "The Market" at least once while you are there but my favorite place is Justine's, awesome southern eats! Nightlife: Walk down King street or go to The Market and pick your place, various option, lively people. Expense: Reasonable, and still relatively cheap for a cool, hip place. Safety: Very safe
Wilmington
is geographically sanctified with a bounty of different breaks,
including beaches that face to the east and southeast which assures the
area of quality swells with any hurricane activity.
Water Temp: 70-75 degrees, as November approaches, possible high 60's. Water Pollution: Very clean. But potential for runoff at certain spots after hurricanes that
have heavy rains. Wave Consistency: Can be consistent if you know where to go on particular tides and swell
directions. Is probably ridable more days than its not on the correct
equipment Overall Weather: 70-80 degrees Suggested Gear: Trunks, spring suit, rash guard, wetsuit top( Vest or Jacket), sunscreen. The beaches in and around Wilmington are very pristine, dominated by white soft sand, immaculate dunes and trippy beach homes.
Can you get to the waves? Easily. But parking can be an issue at certain spots. Are there places to stay? Yes. Plenty of hotels, but there are a few campgrounds as well. Wilmington KOA
on Market Street is about 3 or 4 miles from Wrightsville and about 20 miles from
Surf City (yes, that's right, there's a real town in NC called Surf
City) Is it crowded? Wrightsville can get really crowded at certain spots. But you can almost always
find a good peak with just a few people or alone if you look hard
enough. Is there localism? Not really. As long as you mind your manners, most surfers are very nice. Most
of the time there is a really good vibe. People who don't even know you will
hoot you into good waves. Really a lost art in most
areas. Are there Hazards? UNCW kids, sharks, sunburn Wilmington
and the surrounding area offer a substantial array of activities,
cultural diversity and friendly, hospitable habitants.
Culture: Things to do: Most water activities are covered. Things to do out of the water? Wilmington is a college town but more defined as a family community. People: Very good vibe here. Most folks here are very nice and accommodating. Food & Water: Grinds: For some good mexican, check out El Cerro Grande (my wife and I couldn't
find anything better in Southern California). For some good sushi, check out
Tokyo 101 in Mayfaire or Nikki's (there are 3 or 4 locations in town). For
awesome tacos, check out Tower 7 down at the beach. Check out Lighthouse Beer
and Wine for a good selection of alcoholic
bevies. Nightlife:Hmmmm. Getting old, so don't do this much, but back in college, we would do Red
Dog's down at the beach and there are plenty of bars/clubs downtown. Do NOT
drink and drive in this town. Cops are all over the place looking for it. Expense: All in all, lodging/food is average for a beach community in the U.S. Safety:Safe, there are a few dicey places in downtown Wilmington.
Northeast
Spain has a wave and a place for every surfer's taste, beach breaks,
rock-reef breaks and river mouth breaks are all prevalent in the region
including one of the most famous waves in the world, Mundaka.
Water Temp: 62-67 degrees Water Pollution: Some near the bigger towns. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft. faces are consistent and common with any northwesterly swell. Overall Weather: 62-72 degrees Suggested Gear: 3/2 full suit or spring suit, bring two, for shorter sessions-neoprene vest, jacket &
shorts, board shorts, rash guards, sunscreen, & sun block.
The
Northeast Spain surf topography ranges from vibrant vistas, steep
mystical cliffs to misty bays and beaches each offering a unique break
and different scenery.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, the best way to get to the most spots is by renting a car. Are there places to stay? Yes, guest houses, hotels and campgrounds are all available. Is it crowded? Yes, the well known spots can get crowded, search some and you can find empty peaks. Is there localism? Some breaks have a degree of localism but essentially harmless. Are there Hazards? Reefs, rips, and some crowds. Ask about the hazards, especially unknown reef breaks.
San
Sebastian, Spain is a great starting point for your surf trek in
Northeast Spain with impressive architecture, beach break surf, healthy
nightlife and a lively culture.
Culture: Things to do: Liquid activities are well represented. Things
to do out of the water? The large towns and cities have everything you
need. When you venture to the isolated spots less to do but more
tranquility. People: Friendly Food & Water: Very good, reasonable priced, search out the small, family operated places for the best eats and prices. Nightlife: In the cities and larger towns 1st class nightlife awaits. Expense: Moderately priced and can be accomplished on a budget. Safety: Very safe.
