Wave surfing

Wave surfing on a Sabbatical: Your board, the ocean, and a lot of falling (at first)

If you’ve got time and a good chunk of daylight, your sabbatical is the perfect excuse to dive in. Surfing isn’t something you master in a weekend, but that’s the beauty of it: you’ve got time.

Why surfing fits a Sabbatical

• It’s slow progress
• You learn by doing, not rushing
• The learning curve is steep, but the rewards are sweet

You’ll paddle out, fall off, paddle again. Until one day, you catch a green wave — and feel like you’re flying.

Top surf destinations for a sabbatical

Here are some of the best sabbatical-friendly surf spots to learn, improve, and get hooked:

Sagres, Portugal

The end of the world — in the best way. Consistent waves, epic cliffs, and empty lineups (especially off-season). Great for beginners.

Peniche, Portugal

One of Europe’s surf hubs. A beginner-friendly beach town with waves for every level, including the mellow breaks at Baleal.

Suances, Spain

With consistent swells and a laid-back surf culture, Suances is the perfect place to ride the waves while soaking in the stunning coastal views. Surf schools in the area cater to all levels, making it a great choice for a surfing getaway.

Biarritz, France

The birthplace of European surfing. Good mix of schools, longboards, and beach breaks. Easy to reach, hard to leave.

Da Nang, Vietnam

A year-round surf spot with warm water and uncrowded waves. Super chill for learning, and it pairs well with bánh mì and scooters.

Playa Venao, Panama

A tropical horseshoe bay with forgiving waves and surf camps galore. You’ll fall in love with the rhythm of early surfs and hammock naps.

Imsouane, Morocco

The surf gem of Morocco. Gentle, long waves for cruisy rides, with spots that suit beginners too. A wide bay, warm water, and laid-back vibes.

Tips for learning to surf on a Sabbatical

• Start with lessons. Local instructors will fast-track your progress — and help you avoid getting smashed.
• Don’t buy a board on day one. Rent or use what your school provides until you know what works for you (after a while, you’ll need fewer liters and a smaller board).
• Plan for recovery. Surfing is full-body: shoulders, legs, core, everything. Rest days are needed.
• Track the swell. Use Surfline and Surf-forecast or check the blackboard at your surf camp.