Surfing is a wonderful sport, and one of the purest expressions of our own harmony with nature. For a few brief moments, you are at one with the ocean currents, standing alone and almost literally walking on water. Perhaps it is no wonder that this sport is gaining popularity in tropical Thailand, where more and more beaches are beginning to attract surfers at all levels. To help you find the best ones, we’ve put together a list of the nicest spots for surfing in Phuket, Thailand.

1.Kata Beach

Kata Beach is a hugely popular beach for surfers in Phuket and the core of Thailand’s surfing culture. Available at the beach are surf schools, surf bars, restaurants, rental shops, and stores to buy your equipment. Peak surfing season for Kata Beach is around September, and the destination is suitable for surfers of all levels. This section of coastline is 1500 metres long, with wave heights reaching 2 metres. The beach is under 5km from Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, giving you easy access to this coastal gem.

2.Patong Beach

Patong Beach is also highly accessible from the same Centara property (just 6km away), and it delivers a surfing experience you’ll absolutely love. The beach features plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés, and the setting gives off a friendly tourist vibe. A particularly popular spot at Patong Beach is around the north area, where the waves are safer and more predictable, making it a perfect location for beginners and families. This section of coastline is an impressive 2,850 metres long, with a wave height of up to 1.5 metres.

3.Bang Tao Beach

Further north is Bang Tao Beach, with its fine white sand, aquamarine water, and elegant views. Bang Tao is ideal for surfers at an intermediate level, and offers many shops and restaurants to keep you well stocked and energised. This part of the coast is 6km long – a wide stretch of beach that gives surfers plenty of space to either come together or go it alone. Waves at Bang Tao often go up to three metres high, an excellent opportunity for surfers who are ready for a bigger challenge.

4.Surin Beach

Surin Beach is another superb location for surfing in Phuket. This pleasant beach features clear water, lots of restaurants and food stalls, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas to rent out. This 800m beach is suitable for intermediate and higher-level surfers, with waves reaching up to two metres high.

5.Pansea Beach

Located between Bang Tao and Surin, Pansea Beach is a small beach that offers a little more privacy than its more mainstream counterparts. Indeed, at just 250m, Pansea is one of the smallest beaches in Thailand. But don’t let the size fool you; the waves at Pansea are quite fast, as they pick up speed until reaching the shore. The beach is for experienced surfers, and wave heights reach up to two metres.

Live life one wave at a time

With its warm water, welcoming spirit, and plenty of great spots for surfing, Phuket is an outstanding place for beginners all the way up to professional surfers. Its restaurants prepare cheap and delicious food nearby, helping keep your energy up between sessions. So what are you waiting for? Come on out to Phuket, pick up a board, and catch that next wave. Whether you need classes, or are already on your way to being the next Kelly Slater, Phuket’s lovely beaches are the place to be.