Pack Your Bags: Where To Take A Surf Trip This April
Could April be surfing’s most versatile, wave-rich month in the world? We think so — here’s why.
The thing about the month of April…is that it’s kind of a stellar month for surfers anywhere in the world. It’s the Swiss Army knives of surfing months, if you will — a tool for every job; a wave for every coastline. Often, more favorable winds than peak season, less crowds, and combo-swells (for those 180-degree coastlines/islands).
Okay, so now you know April is good nearly everywhere…but where, then, to go out of “everywhere?” Well, do you prefer warm-water reefbreaks, perhaps, accessed by boat charter? Indo’s certainly got some options on that front. Or, are you Europe-based, want something close to home and have a penchant for barreling sandbars? Portugal’s never been closer…
Here are the top eight recommended surf trips for the month of April; now, just make sure that passport’s up to date!
1. Indonesia
Where to: Bali, Java, Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Telos Islands, Banyak Islands, Asu Island, Sumba, Sumbawa
Wave types: Normally picture perfect, shallow reefbreaks. Some odd beachbreaks around Bali, Sumba, and Sumatra
Swell direction: South-Southwest
Difficulty level: The whole gambit. From soft learner waves around Kuta-Legian, Bali, to expert reefs like Padang Padang, G-Land, or HTs
Marquee wave: Uluwatu
April perks: A few less boats and less crowds in the Mentawais in April, but still very good surf and swell that month
2. Western Australia
Where to: Margaret River, Perth, Kalbarri
Wave types: Reefbreaks, Slab-reefs, Sandbars, Pointbreaks
Swell direction: Southwest-West
Difficulty level: With West Oz’s exposure to swell and dynamic coastline, waves aren’t the most forgiving for beginners, however there are some easier waves in Gas Bay and Perth
Marquee wave: Main Break Margaret River
April perks: The swell and conditions are typically great around April. Great weather, too, for bringing the family (Margaret River is a gorgeous surf town).
3. French Polynesia
Where to: Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Tuamotu Islands
Wave types: Normally shallow reefbreaks, with a few beachbreaks like Papenoo and Papara
Swell direction: South-Southwest
Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced level for the bigger reefbreaks, but there’s a few easier reefs and beachbreaks that accommodate learners
Marquee wave: Teahupo'o
April perks: Less crowds in April as many of the Hawaiians aren’t jetting down for swells since there’s still waves on North Shore
4. Samoa
Where to: The southern coastlines of Upolu and Savaii islands
Wave types: Normally, shallow reef breaks, with a couple of odd beachbreaks
Swell direction: South-Southwest
Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced level for the bigger reefbreaks, but there’s a few easier reefs and beachbreaks that accommodate learners
Marquee wave: Salani Right
April perks: Pretty uncrowded in April with the first southern hemi south swells starting to fill in with optimal winds (in comparison to July-Aug)
— Brian Rose, Coconuts beach club
5. Portugal
Where to: Lisbon, Cascais, Ericeira, Peniche, Porto…anywhere in the country, really.
Wave types: Mostly, great beachbreak peaks, mixed with slabs, reefbreaks and pointbreaks
Swell Direction: West-Northwest
Difficulty level: Beginners waves around Lisbon, to experts-only at Nazaré, and all levels between
Marquee wave: Supertubos
April perks: The water is warmer than dead winter, but the swell surely hasn’t thrown in the towel for summer
6. Chile
Where to: Viña del Mar, Pichilemu, Iquique, Arica
Wave types: Long lefthand pointbreaks, reef breaks and sand-bottomed beachbreaks
Swell direction: Southwest
Difficulty level: The slabby reefbreaks in Northern Chile are for more seasoned surfers, while waves around Reñaca and Pichilemu accommodate newbies. Central Chile has pointbreaks and beachbreaks for all levels, though
Marquee wave: Punta de Lobos
April perks: April is an extremely consistent month for Chile, so you’re nearly guaranteed not to get skunked on a surf trip. Also…the Chilean coastline is, like, literally three Californias long
7. Oahu, Hawaii
Where to: North Shore, Waikiki, Ala Moana and Makaha (hello, combo swell!)
Wave types: Normally reef-breaks, but not as shallow/sharp as Indonesia, with a few beachbreaks if you know where to find them (like, Ehukai on North Shore)
Swell direction: West, Northwest and North for North Shore, South-Southwest for South shore
Difficulty level: Waves on the North Shore certainly break harder than South Shore, but every shoreline has a great beginner wave, and any level up
Marquee wave: Banzai Pipeline
April perks: The North Shore is definitely less crowded this time of year, with more manageable swells that aren’t as big as peak winter season
8. Costa Rica
Where to: Pavones, Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo
Wave types: Mostly great breach breaks, some very long point breaks (Pavones and Ollie’s Pt.)
Swell direction: South-Southwest
Difficulty level: While Costa Rica does have a few heavier sandbars, it’s often a great trip that all levels can enjoy, with tons of beginner and intermediate level beachbreaks and pointbreaks
Marquee wave: Playa Hermosa (the one by Jaco)
April perks: Waves like Pavones in the south seem to get a more favorable angle of swell in April, equating with a longer ride — at one of the longest lefts on earth
