5 Best Vacation Destinations in January for surfing
Monthly Report-January "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!
January North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii Playa Guiones, Costa Rica Marshall Islands, Pacific Islands Southern New South Wales, Australia Easter Island, Pacific Islands
Surf
in Oahu, including the North Shore, is close to perfect. Surf culture
is omnipresent and waves for all levels are ubiquitous. The only
drawback are the crowds; choose your lodging as close to your preferred
break as possible to minimize transportation problems.
Water Temp: 75-80 degrees. Water Pollution: Near the cities, some concerns, away from cities, very
clean. Wave Consistency: Absolutely awesome, for many the question will be, when will it get smaller?
"Don't go out when in doubt"! surfline.com
, Oahu surf report Overall Weather: Superior, 75-80 degrees on the beach, much cooler at higher altitudes. Suggested Gear: Board shorts, Rash guards, Sunscreens, Sunblock & Lip balm. Pack some patience, compromise and "humble pie". Hawaii has outstanding infrastructure, the roads are 1st rate and many
public beaches have excellent public facilities, including bathrooms, showers,
picnic areas & campgrounds. Can
you get to the waves? Many of them, yes! Get in shape... some of the paddling out is substantial. Are there places to stay? Yes, with many options. Not much on the budget end of the spectrum. Is
it crowded? Yes, most of the breaks are crowded. Some breaks get ridonkulous; yield to the locals and superior surfers. Is there localism? Yes, be cool, yield to the starters, the people that surf there all the time,
& you will have no problems. Check any attitude at the airport and stow it away. Are
there Hazards? Yes, many, ask the people that live there, ask the lifeguards, do as much
research on your choices for surf breaks as possible before you
go. Suggested Surfboard Rental: Hawaii Surfboard Rentals, great selection, premier customer service, free delivery & pick-up throughout Oahu!
When you are done with your session take some time to watch some of the best surfers in the world
compose their art; a pleasure to
watch!
Culture: Things to do: Everything to do with Liquid is all in Hawaii, kayaking, windsurfing, diving,
fishing, etc... water sports capital of the world! Things to do out of the water? Hiking, site seeing, cycling, golfing is all epic. WWII memorials, Hawaiian cuisine & culture are amazing. People: The people of Hawaii are friendly & laid back, be sure to respect there culture. Food
& Water: Expensive but multiple options. Nightlife: Plenty, just save some energy for the surf, most likely it will ignite the night
you consume too much! Expense: High, but worth the extra money! Safety: Hawaii is a very safe place, sure there are pockets of dangerous places but a
little common sense & you have no worries.
Note: There is no shame in not paddling out into 15-20ft surf,
you are on an island with multiple options, look for something smaller &
have fun!
A perfect place to go if you want consistent, fun, surf in a self sustaining, inviting Costa Rica town.
Water Temp:77-82 degrees Water Pollution: Blue Flag during Dry season: Very clean Wave Consistency: 3-5ft is common and consistent Overall Weather: 75-85 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, duct tape & super
glue.
Although
none of the hotels are directly on the beach, a great idea; protects
the integrity of the beach, many are within 300 yards of the beach with
ample peaks for beginners to expert surfers.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, and during the dry season you will most likely not need a four wheel drive vehicle. Are there places to stay? Yes, most hotels are moderately priced with a few options at the budget level. Is
it crowded? Yes, especially with any swell. Is there localism? Yes, but there are plenty of peaks; look around and find a pearl. Are
there Hazards? Very safe beach, but still check with locals for any possible problems.
Playa
Guiones is a pretty well known surf destination and the town has
grown with the demand. The area has done an excellent job of
maintaining the sanctity of the beach and the surrounding area.
Culture: Things to do: Everything pertaining to liquid is obtainable. Things
to do out of the water? If you have wheels the area offers a
substantial array of activities, including golf, jungle tours and white
water rafting. People: Friendly, you might feel like you have not left the States in some hotels. Food
& Water: Decent amount of options for a small town, be sure to stay stocked with water for the beach and any remote outings. Nightlife: Certainly not world class but some chill nightlife is always present. Expense: Middle of the road, if you camp, much less expensive. Safety: Very safe, petty theft is the only worry.
The
remote location and minimal population provide a pristine archipelago
for epic, uncrowded surfing in a surreal tropical, multi-island setting.
Water Temp: 78-83 degrees Water Pollution: Perfectly clean, untainted water! Wave Consistency: 4-8ft are common and with any swell can get much bigger. Overall Weather: 75-85 degrees Suggested Gear: Board shorts, Rash guards, Sunglasses, Sunscreens, Sunblock & Lip balm. The
area offers an excellent variety of waves, mostly reef and point
breaks, but you will need a guide and a boat to access all the breaks.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, you will need a boat and a guide to attempt to cover nearly 1 million square miles of coral atolls. Are
there places to stay? The best option and only good option is a boat
hire! Majuro offers the most accommodations, food & culture. Is
it crowded? No Is there localism? No Are
there Hazards? Active, vibrant reefs, limited surf information, and remote location, be sure to bring a complete 1st aide kit.
The capital of the Marshall Islands, Majuro, is the center of culture, business and houses 50% of the population.
Culture: Things to do: Surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving if you have the gear. Things to do out of the water? Explore the islands, hiking. People: Friendly Food
& Water: Make sure to stay stocked on water. Nightlife: Bring your own entertainment, unless you are staying in Majuro. Expense: Expensive, boat trips can get pricey but with the right outfit are worth every penny. Safety: Aside from the desolate location, extremely safe.
A
bold & beautiful, scenic, surf-break packed coastline with a vast
array of reef, point, peaks and beach breaks for every level of surfer
experience.
Water Temp: 65-72 degrees Water Pollution: Very Clean water Wave Consistency: 3-6ft is common and consistent Overall Weather: 75-80 degrees Suggested Gear:Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket, vest, shorts, cap, 3/2 full suit,
duct tape, super glue & always plenty of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. The
waves in the area may take some effort to find and you may have to do
some walking to get to them but that thins out the crowds for more
tranquil surfing sessions.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but some will take some resilience and help from a local. Are there places to stay? Yes, lots of options, including camping to reduce costs. Is
it crowded? Nothing like Sydney, in fact, not bad for Australia. Is there localism? More laid-back but can get competitive when swells arrive. Are
there Hazards? Reefs, strong currents & sharks. Always, ask a lifeguard or ask a friendly local.
Australians are Friendly and hospitable hosts and in southern New South Wales not as toasted by tourists.
Culture: Things to do: Anything you could possibly want to do related to Liquid is available. Things
to do out of the water? You may need to rent a car for the area to
truly experience the whole region but time will be your limiting factor
not things to do. People: Very gracious and helpful Food
& Water: Plenty of options but be sure to take more than enough water to the remote breaks. Nightlife: You may have to search a bit depending on where you choose to throw your anchor but there is enough to be found. Expense: Expensive, flights are not cheap and lodging and board is relatively expensive. Safety: Extremely safe
A
volcanic island, called Rapa Nui by its inhabitants, in between
somewhere, 2200 miles from its owner; Chile, and nowhere is the
most remote island on earth, a loner's paradise.
Water Temp: 65-70 degrees Water Pollution: Very clean, there is no industry on the island and very few people. Wave Consistency: Heavy, 6-10 ft waves are common with any swell. Overall Weather:subtropical maritime 70-80 degrees. Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket, vest, shorts, cap, 3/2 full suit,
duct tape, super glue & always plenty of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. The majority of the surf is powerful, pounding, reef lava breaks that command surfing experience and a seasoned local guide.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but a guide and a boat are recommended to effectively surf the island. Are there places to stay? Very few, roughly 5000 people live on the island so accommodations are minimal. Is
it crowded? No Is there localism? No Are
there Hazards? Powerful waves, lava reefs, desolate location, and limited medical resources.
The
Island is hilly, very few trees and sparsely populated. One of its
most interesting and distinctive characteristics are the 887 statues,
called Moai, created by early inhabitants of the island.
Culture: Things to do: Surf, maybe some fishing & hiking. Things to do out of the water? Check out the Moai and embrace the locals. People: Very Friendly Food
& Water: There is no permanent source of fresh water, be sure you have plenty at all times. Nightlife: Bring your own. Embrace the local culture & people. Expense: Expensive, and a tough place to get to logistically. 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
