In the southern hemisphere, Aussies are shaking off old man winter and getting ready for another summer. That means sunglasses, flip-flops or thongs, board shorts (which happens to be the brainchild of Quiksilver™, headquartered in Victoria, Australia) and surfboards. Lots and lots of surfboards.
Bodyboards, longboards, short belly boards, any boards - surfers are choosing their waves and carving them up like a Christmas goose. Thanks to the warm sea temperature, consistent swells and great summer cyclones that blow in during the peak summer season (December to February), Australia has some of the greatest surfing on the planet.
World-famous surfer and Aussie, Nat Young, once tried to have the sport of surfing registered as a religion. His petition was ultimately rejected, but clearly the people of Oz take their surfing very seriously.
The eastern coast, known as the Gold Coast, is home to such legendary spots as Kirra, the region's most famous surfing beach - probably because you'll find waves for every experience level. Then there's Burleigh Heads, the former training ground of world champions and a right break point made famous by the Stubbies surf contest. Here, the warm, green waters play host to what is surely one of the largest single-break surf populations on the earth. Plus, it's decidedly off the tourist track. Great swells litter the length of the coastline, with a variety of both reef, point and beach breaks. The Gold Coast is also home to several locations of Walkin’ on Water surf school, so take in a class then paddle out and hit the waves with confidence.
The southern coastline is an area reserved for "Big Kahunas." The deep, low pressure weather system tracking across the bottom of the country creates spots where waves crest at 20-plus feet. The main surfing area is near Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The water is a little colder in this area, so a wet suit's usually a good idea. And Bells Beach is probably the most famous break in the area, so it's likely be crowded. With a coastline that stretches more than 2,000 mi (3,200 km), however, the south coast area has plenty of room for everyone.
Westward ho to the famous city of Perth, and you'll find a shore pounded by a surf so powerful you won't find many beginner beach breaks. For an easier ride, head over to Rottnest Island, where they get the swell that Perth misses out on, and there are breaks to suit everyone. A little further north you'll leave the crowds behind and find the classic, empty waves that all surfers dream about.
Check out this Aussie's perfect wave, shot with a slow-motion underwater camera. Then start planning your own locum surfing summer Down Under.