Liquid
Peace
5 Best Vacation
Destinations in June for surfing
Monthly
Report-June
"When, Where & Why the
waves are the best!"
The determining factors 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!
June
South
Africa, Jeffrey's Bay
Pacific
Islands, Tahiti
Pacific
Islands, New Caledonia
Mexico,
Puerto Escondido
Hawaii,
Waikiki
Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa
Jeffrey's Bay pictures
'J’Bay
is a geographic fluke, it is the world’s greatest right hand
point break. Nothing can compare. When a deep south swell meets up with
a 10-knot southwest wind and a medium to low tide, the result is
perfection. A pure line of ocean energy that can be ridden for over a
mile.’
- South African surfing legend
Shaun Thompson
Water
Temp: 70-75 degrees
Water Pollution:
Very clean.
Wave Consistency:
Very consistent,
average face heights of 4-6ft are common in June.
Overall Weather:
75-85 degrees
Suggested Gear: Spring suit or a 3/2 full
suit, board shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit vest, jacket
& shorts , booties, lots of sunscreen, sunblock
& lip balm. Pack duct tape & super glue!
Jeffrey's
Bay is conveniently located to many surf breaks including breaks for
different skill levels, although the world class breaks are more suited
for seasoned surfer's.
Can you
get to the waves? The
waves are all easily accessed.
Are there places to
stay? Plenty
of places to choose from and all relatively close to the surf.
Is
it crowded? Yes, the popular breaks are very crowded and localized, be
patient, humble & with some luck you will get your share.
Is there localism:
Yes, and it can get "agro"! Be respectful and take what you can get
without disturbing the locals.
Are there Hazards: The
crowds, the breaks, (most are not beginner waves) and infamously known
for sharks.
Culture:
Things to
do: Plenty
of water activities in the area.
Things to do out of
the water? Jeffrey's Bay is a decent size town offering a lot to do day
or night.
People: Very friendly.
Food & Water:
Multiple choices for
all budgets. Always buy water for your crib, many places to buy.
Nightlife:
Fair amount of places
to consume beverages and test your chemistry.
Expense: Cost depends
on tastes, inexpensive to very expensive are all available.
Safety: Very safe,
except on the roads were driving can get a bit dicey!
Tahiti, Pacific Islands
Tahiti pictures
The southern hemisphere pushes consistent tubular swells, 6-10
ft. faces, to the spectacular island of Tahiti.
Water
Temp: 76-81 fantabulous degrees.
Water Pollution:
Very clean.
Wave Consistency:
The swells that come
out of the southern hemisphere are very consistent in June.
Overall Weather:
75-80 and dry during
June.
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards,
neoprene wetsuit vest-morning & evening sessions, booties,
helmet, lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape,
super glue! Extra
boards!
The
waves of Tahiti are often barreling, heavy waves pounding on to
sharp, live coral reef and most suitable for experienced surfers. Get
yourself into paddling shape before undertaking the waters of Tahiti
& plan on a few closing out on you or "strawberry pancaked",
and you still have to paddle in or back out!
Can you
get to the waves? Yes,
but it is best to have a boat and an experienced local guide.
Are there places to
stay? Yes, most lodging falls into the category of expensive.
Is it crowded?
Yes, expect
crowds and it can get a little agro out in the line-up.
Is there localism:
Yes, leave the tude at
home and be respectful.
Are there Hazards:
Live, edgy, coral reef
mixed with heavy tossing waves. Intense sun! Strong currents.
Culture:
Things to
do: All
water activities are available including; snorkeling , diving, sailing,
water skiing, & kayaking. There is an 18 hole golf course.
Things to do out of
the water? Tahiti
offers an excellent array outside the surf, including shopping, fine
dining and horse back riding.
People: Very gracious &
friendly with exceptions in the line-up.
Food & Water:
Plenty of options but
search around for good food at a reasonable price.
Nightlife:
There are places to go
out "on the town" but most are expensive and taxis are costly.
Expense:
This is not a trip for the budget traveler, bring bread and lots of it.
There are some inexpensive places in the town of Papeete but overall high end digs.
Safety: Very safe,
petty crime if you are not careful with your gear.
New Caledonia,
Pacific Islands
New
Caledonia pictures
Described
by many as one of the South Pacific’s last great surfing frontiers and
the only way to surf these pristine outer reef breaks is with a guide
and a boat tour.
Water
Temp: 77-82
degrees, superightchadelic!
Water Pollution:
Pristine, clean water.
Wave Consistency: The
roaring 40's send extremely consistent surf to the region.
Overall Weather:
77-82 degrees, dry
season.
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards,
neoprene wetsuit vest-morning & evening sessions, booties,
helmet, lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape,
super glue! Extra
boards!
Consistent,
intense storms from the southern ocean push swells directly in to the
New Caledonia outer reefs creating epic surf breaks equaling any of the
Pacific Island destinations.
Can you
get to the waves? Yes,
you will need a guide and a boat.
Are there places to
stay? Your
best option, especially to maximize surf, is connecting with a boat
tour of New Caledonia.
Is it crowded?
Depends on how many
boats show up but certainly not overwhelming. There are plenty of breaks
with no one on them!
Is there localism:
The locals that do
show up, come by boat & can be a little territorial with
"their" breaks.
Are there Hazards:
Live, sharp coral
reef, powerful currents, intense sun, large, heavy, fast breaking waves.
Culture:
Things to
do: Activities
related to water are bountiful. Snorkeling and diving are epic in the
largest lagoon in the world!
Things to do out of
the water? Most
likely you will be on a boat but if not options on the island are
numerous but getting to the waves is taxing.
People: Friendly.
Food & Water:
Included in the boat
tour and a bit pricey if you stay on the island. Always buy water and
stay hydrated.
Nightlife:
This is a surfing 1st
destination but there are places to enjoy fine dining, clubs
& casinos on the island .
Expense: Expensive and options are
limited, sooner or later you will require a boat!
Safety: Safe and even
safer on a boat.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido pictures
Puerto
Escondido is home to the "Mexican Pipeline" with beach break waves
consistently overhead and 20 foot board breaking monsters not uncommon
with the right conditions.
Water
Temp: 81-86
degrees
Water Pollution:
Very clean with the
exception during the wet season near towns.
Wave Consistency:
6-8ft faces are common
and it can and usually does get bigger.
Overall Weather:
87-92 degrees, humid
with plenty of rain.
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash
guards, helmet, lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip
balm. Pack duct tape, super glue! Extra boards!
The
main break often gets blown out by noon, is characterized by
an
intense vibe, and can closeout early and often but there are other
easier breaks to surf nearby. You will need help finding them!
Can you
get to the waves? Yes,
but you will need the help of a friendly local or a guide to get to the
less crowded breaks.
Are there places to
stay? Yes,
be sure to inquire about safety precautions in place for guests at your
lodging choice.
Is it crowded?
The popular breaks are
very crowded.
Is there localism:
Yes, and they can get
agro if you invade "their" space. Be humble and pick your spots
judiciously!
Are there Hazards:
Big
pounding beach breaks, currents, rips, very hot & muggy-stay
hydrated, & don't leave anything unattended, it will "walk".
Culture:
Things to
do: Plenty of consistent surf that demands your focus.
Things to do out of
the water? Aside
from liquid activities, primarily surfing, some hiking but overall
limited.
People: Friendly but keeping an extra
eye on your gear is prudent.
Food & Water:
Modestly
priced, & local dishes are tasty, use common sense when
ordering
meat products. Stay hydrated and buy more than you think you will need
for the surf sessions and your crib.
Nightlife:
There
is some nightlife but driving at night is not recommended and you will
most likely be whooped from the surfing sessions anyway.
Expense: Very reasonable, can be done
on a tight budget but with the limited budget safety generally
decreases.
Safety: Below average,
you must be vigilant with your gear and at times talk & walk
softly.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Waikiki
pictures
Although
Waikiki does not offer epic waves it is where surfing started and is
the perfect place to learn to surf. There is always a gently breaking
wave to surf in a safe, warm water, breath taking environment. And once
you gain your confidence the North Shore awaits in close proximity!
Water
Temp: 77-82
degrees
Water Pollution:
For it's proximity to
a big town, clean, with heavy rain can get polluted.
Wave Consistency:
2-6ft faces are common
& consistent and the wave is very user friendly.
Overall Weather:
77-82 degrees,
marvelous!
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards,
lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape, super
glue!
There are places to stay
right in front of the breaks & most places are all close enough
to walk to the breaks.
Can you
get to the waves? Yes,
very easy access.
Are there places to
stay? Yes,
and lodging to meet every possible taste.
Is it crowded?
Yes, with any kind of
swell it gets ridonkulously crowded.
Is there localism:Yes,
but there are plenty of peaks, so spread out and look for peaks with
less crowds.
Are there Hazards:
The biggest hazard are
the number of people in the water, including droves of beginners and
flying surfboards. Sharp reef bottom, rocks, urchin.
Suggested Surfboard Rental: Hawaii Surfboard Rentals, great selection, premier customer
service, free delivery & pick-up throughout Oahu!
Waikiki is the perfect place to learn to surf, take in the Hawaiian
culture, eat great food and let your hair down at night. It is not the
place to go for epic, barreling, fast, challenging waves.
Culture:
Things to
do: Every
water activity you could imagine, the perfect place to take the whole
family. Something for everyone.
Things to do out of
the water? So
much to do, so little time. Be sure to check out the WWII
exhibits and memorials.
People: Friendly, but it is a city,
use common sense, especially at night.
Food & Water:
No worries, everything
is a available for every palate.
Nightlife:
Plenty, and most of it
you can walk to if you choose your lodging wisely.
Expense: Moderate to very expensive, it
will depend on your choices.
Safety: Safe, but use
common sense at night and do not leave valuables unattended.
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
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