Imagine being thrashed around underwater like a helpless rag doll — disoriented and unsure of when you’ll feel air in your lungs again. You finally emerge from the ocean’s punishing grip, except, instead of fear, you wouldn’t trade this feeling for the world. That’s kind of the curse of those who chase waves — in other words, surfers. 

​Ask a surfer why they love it, and you’ll get a response that’s some variation of that untouchable feeling of catching a perfect glassy wave. It can’t be articulated, you just have to do it. Surfing is largely a waiting game, and it’s not uncommon to spend hours bobbing up and down in a lineup only to catch a single wave, but if it’s a good one — the kind that carries you all the way down the line — you better believe it was worth it. 

​Surfing is also a way of life for many people in coastal towns and on islands. Dani Hidaffit, a co-founder at Dream Surf Livin’ in Bali, Indonesia grew up with surfing in his blood, but for this local surfer, it’s not all about the waves.

“We have thousands of islands and so much coastline that surfing can take you into completely different landscapes and communities," says Hidaffit. 

“But for me, Indonesian surf culture isn't only about the quality of the waves. It's the warung after surfing. It's knowing the people who live around the break. It's sitting with local surfers, sharing food, telling stories, and sometimes travelling somewhere where life is still very simple.”

It’s easy to see how alluring the sport and its accompanying culture can be. In fact, it’s become a   booming industry that attracts so many travellers to popular and lesser-known surfing destinations. ​

When asked about where to find those coveted uncrowded waves, Hidaffit stopped short of answering with a laugh and a “nice try.”

“For us, though, part of respecting Indonesian surf culture is also knowing when not to put a location on the internet,” he says. 

“Some waves sit beside small communities and simply aren't built for large numbers of visiting surfers. Once a ‘secret’ location goes online, you can't really make it secret again.” 

While we tend to agree and perhaps those truly hidden gems should remain hidden, where can you travel outside of well known surf destinations like Bali, Hawaii, and the Gold Coast of Australia for waves? If you’re up for hunting down some lesser-known surfing spots, you might be surprised where you can find those prized a-frame peaks without the crowded lineups. 

Hainan Island, China

​China has never had a reputation for surfing, but where there’s ocean, there’s potential for surfing. Hainan Island is located at the southernmost tip of China and is slowly gaining popularity for its waves and emerging surf community. Some are even speculating it could be the next big surf destination. 

​Riyue Bay is the first hit you’ll get when researching where to surf on Hainan Island, but the island is rife with surfable spots that dot the island. The quiet fishing village of Houhai has become a mecca for beginners looking for gentle waves that roll over beach breaks. 

​While the island is known for soft peeling waves, advanced surfers can rest assured that barrels and sections suitable for short boarding and cutbacks can be found during the monsoon and typhoon season. 

If you’re an experienced surfer, you may be lucky enough to be picked up by the island’s famed Ghost Wave. Also known as “Gui Lang,” the wave earned its reputation from local fishermen whose boats were unceremoniously smashed into jagged rocks by a strong wave that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Hainan Island’s Ghost Wave is fast, shallow, and unforgiving, but if you know what you’re doing, it will reward you with the ride of your life. 

Rayong, Thailand

​Typically, you’ll find Cory Fuangkhajornfung executing perfect kettlebell cleans as a fitness instructor in Bangkok, Thailand, but he caught the surfing bug without ever leaving the country. 

Just a 2.5-3 hour drive from the bustling city, Fuangkhajornfung spends his free time navigating the often messy waves in Rayong. He describes the coastal city as a great spot for “curious wave catchers.” 

​“Rayong is known as an industrial city, but there is a little spot that locals of Rayong have made into a small paradise where people can forget about their busy lives and come catch waves,” says Fuangkhajornfung. 

“I have watched the community grow, and I'm so happy and grateful that it’s still active.” 

​Let's be clear — Rayong isn’t ideal for those looking to catch world-class waves, but it offers a nearby destination for city dwellers to discover surfing and dip their toe into what a surf town feels like. 

Fuangkhajornfungm credits local businesses like Laem Yah Surf Club for bringing their own brand of Thai surf culture to the community. 

“They offer lessons, board rentals and lots of time hosting surfing festivals and competitions to bring people together,” he says.

That said, we can’t argue that a steaming plate of pad thai would go down extremely well after a lengthy surf session. 

Taitung County, Fulong Beach & Jinzun Harbour – Taiwan 

​Taiwan is heavily associated with night markets, iconic tapioca pearls, steam-filled bao, and its hundreds of natural hot springs, but surfing? If you travel closer to the country’s coastline, you’ll find an unexpected surfing paradise. 

​The undisputed heart of surfing in Taiwan falls squarely with Taitung County and its famed Jinzun Harbour. Taiwan’s surf scene has blossomed in recent years, and it's obvious why. Lesser-crowded waves aside, Taiwan offers a diverse range of surf breaks that range from beginner-friendly beach breaks to more powerful reef breaks for advanced surfers. 

​Surf enthusiasts can travel along Taiwan’s coastline, hitting up Fulong Beach in the North, Wushi Harbour in the East, and Jinzun Harbour in the South. If you happen to be in Taiwan in November, the country’s burgeoning surfing community hosts the Taiwan Open of Surfing competition that attracts local and global talent. 

​Siargao Island, Philippines

​The Philippines has earned its stripes as a world-class destination for island hopping, mouth-watering lumpia, and home of the friendliest people in Southeast Asia. 

What you might not know is that it has one of the most vibrant surf communities in the world. The beautiful island of Siargao is skyrocketing in popularity for its consistent waves suitable for all levels. 

​The island has that signature surf town energy that makes it alluring to those who appreciate untouched natural views with a side of aesthetic matcha beverages. 

​Beginners and intermediates have plenty of options, including the soft, mellow waves at Ocean 9 and Jacking Horse. Advanced surfers can try their luck with the powerful right-hand waves and barrels at the famed Cloud 9 surf spot, Stimpys or Rock Island. 

​Don’t forget to grab a post-surf frozen beverage at Coco Frio. You won’t regret it. 

​

Sri Lanka (South & East Coast)

The stunning island of ​Sri Lanka has some of the best surf conditions in the world. You can find quality swells year-round because peak season for the south coast (November to April) and the east coast (May to September) are on opposite schedules.

​The island nation could still be classified as an emerging surf destination, but it won’t stay that way for long. The vibey surf community is welcoming and unhurried, with locals and foreigners bonding over this sacred sport. It’s common to see friendly local surfers sharing their intimate knowledge of the ocean with foreigners who have come to experience this surfer’s paradise.

Surfers have long been travelling to Sri Lanka to experience its many beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks that line the island. Sri Lanka could arguably have the most diverse collection of waves in the world. New surfers flock to Weligama or Kabalana Beach to hone their newfound skills, while confident surfers hunt for fast and hollow barrels at Rams or Lazy Left and Lazy Right. 

It's not lost on those who have travelled for surfing that Sri Lanka is reminiscent of the Bali of yesteryear. Western-style surf cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels are starting to become a common sight, but there are still so many untouched parts of the island, and even some uncrowded lineups that you can find if you dig a little deeper and stay a while.