When I started longboarding, I wasn’t looking for adrenaline. I wanted quiet waves – steady, clean, and kind. Waves you could move with instead of fight. For years I carried my board through airports and across villages, sometimes tied to a tuk-tuk, always chasing that kind of ride.
I never cared for party towns or crowded surf camps. I traveled for the wild places. The more remote, the better. I liked spots where you could sketch a monkey in the trees after a surf or watch the sun rise over a jungle ridge. Most mornings I paddled out at dawn, caught a few clean rides, then hiked inland with a field notebook and pencil.
The waves mattered, but so did the world around them. If the coast felt overbuilt, the magic left with it.
I looked for adventure, not just surf. The kind where finding the wave meant earning it, and the journey felt as good as the ride.
Table of Contents
Key Points Before You Paddle Out
- Look for points and reef breaks with soft shoulders and long rides – those are your best bet for classic longboard waves.
- Avoid peak surf season if you want uncrowded conditions; shoulder seasons often bring perfect small swells and more local wildlife activity.
- Travel light but smart: bring reef booties, multiple fins, and a repair kit. Remote longboard spots don’t always have surf shops, but they often offer opportunities to connect with the land and sea in a more meaningful way.
My Favorite Longboard Waves Around the World
If you’re just getting started with longboard surf travel, or you’re looking to expand beyond your local break, here are some of the places that left the biggest impression on me.
Costa Rica: Endless Slides in Nosara and Pavones
Costa Rica is a no-brainer for longboarding. The warm water and consistent swell make it a dreamy setup, especially if you know where to go.
In Nosara, Playa Guiones is a forgiving beach break with waves that peel gently across the sandbar. It works on all tides and rarely gets too heavy. And when you’re done surfing, there’s a network of forest trails right behind the beach – perfect for birdwatching or nature journaling. I’ve sat under almond trees there sketching howler monkeys while my board dried in the sun.
If you want something more remote, Pavones offers one of the longest lefts in the world. It’s not just longboardable – it’s designed for logging. It’s also far from the tourist circuits. You drive for hours through lush valleys and river crossings, and that isolation makes the wave feel even more special.
Mexico: Laid-Back Rights in Saladita
La Saladita in Mexico is often called “the wave you wish you had at home.” It’s a cobblestone point in Guerrero that delivers soft, endless rights. I once timed a wave there that lasted over a minute.
What I loved about Saladita was how calm and removed it felt. Mornings were silent except for birds and the occasional scooter buzzing past. I spent hours drawing mangroves and pelicans when the tide was too high to surf. Lodging ranges from rustic palapas to eco-lodges right on the beach. Check out my guide to the best longboard waves in Mexico if you’re planning a trip south of the border.
Hawaii: Oahu, Maui, and the Outer Islands
Hawaii may be the birthplace of big-wave surfing, but it also delivers some of the best longboard waves you can find.
Oahu’s Waikiki is a classic for a reason. Canoes and Queens break slow and long, and the water is about as warm and clear as it gets. I personally love the vibe at Chun’s Reef on the North Shore – it’s got a playful right that handles small swells beautifully.
On Maui, Kaanapali is more about the experience than epic rides, but head to Launiupoko for more reliable options. The views of the West Maui Mountains and the chance to spot sea turtles while waiting for a set always made those sessions feel extra alive.
Kauai: Untouched Perfection (If You Know Where to Look)
Kauai’s longboard waves don’t get as much press, which is exactly why I love them. Hanalei Bay in the winter can offer some dreamy logging sessions, especially on small days.
Off the water, Kauai is a nature journaler’s paradise. Waterfalls, wild chickens, cliffside trails – it’s packed with beauty. Summer brings mellow south swells, and breaks like Kalapaki Beach can be just right. I shared a few other local secrets in best longboard waves in Kauai.
Sri Lanka: Warm Water Points and Perfect Lefts
If you’re a goofy-footer, Sri Lanka might ruin you in the best way. Midigama has several longboard-friendly lefts all within walking distance. Lazy Left is true to its name – slow, predictable, and perfect for practicing footwork.
The water’s bathtub-warm, and costs are low. You can live on $30 a day and surf uncrowded waves at sunrise. I’d usually head to a roadside stall for roti and ginger tea after a session, then walk inland to sketch banana trees and monitor lizards near the rice paddies.
Philippines: Empty Perfection for the Patient
Longboard waves in the Philippines are less talked about, but they exist. San Juan (La Union) has soft beach breaks that come alive during typhoon season.
More remote options like Pagudpud and the islands around Siargao offer clean, peeling rights and lefts when conditions line up. Getting to these places often means a motorbike ride down jungle roads or crossing islands by outrigger. That’s exactly the kind of travel that makes you feel like you’re really in it – not just visiting.
Places Still on My Longboard List
I still dream about logging in Byron Bay, Australia, or on the points around Jeffrey’s Bay when it’s small. I’d love to explore Telo Islands in Indo too, which supposedly have reef setups that are perfect for longboarding when the swell is under control.
If you’re planning a surf trip focused on longboard waves, I recommend browsing NOAA’s swell prediction charts before booking. You don’t need massive waves – just the right angle and period. And if you’re like me, you’ll want to check what ecosystems you’ll be stepping into too. Bring your sketchbook, a sense of curiosity, and leave a light footprint.
