Waking up at the break of dawn to sit on a board in the middle of the ocean waiting for that perfect wave to come in isn't for everyone, but that is why surfers are one of the most dedicated people in the world.
However, if waiting isn't in the plans, but catching "the big one" is, check out the list of the top 10 surf spots to surf before dying.
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, USA:
It is the place where legends are born and made. Not every surfer can handle the massive 20ft waves curled in a perfect crest, but for the strong few, brave and maybe stupid, as the saying goes, making it, means making it anywhere.
Getting there: Fly into Dillingham Airport on north shore and get a taxi or drive to Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea (expect to pay around US$50 for airport transfers). According to CNN.
Superbanks, Gold Coast, Australia:
To surf here takes more than skills and determination, it also takes patients. Just getting to the spot is a mile walk from the parking area, but it is well worth it.
From the breaks, to the tubes and the rock-like walls, it could be the ride of a lifetime, or a crash of a century.
Getting there: If you're coming from overseas fly into Brisbane and pick up a car at the airport for around US$46 per day. Drive down to Snapper Rocks, look for signs to Coolangatta and then turn off at Kirra and make your way to Greenmount or Snapper Rocks., according to CNN.
Mavericks, California, USA:
The point best known for being the final resting place of big-wave surfer Mark Foo back in 1994, the surf here can get extremely dangerous-80-90 feet, depending on the time of day and season. Those who want to take on this massive feat are encouraged to bring a friend to spot and a jet skier trained in towing-in.
The surfers who defeat its peak will truly by one of the few and proud.
Getting there: Fly in to Half Moon Bay Airport and you'll find Mavericks three kilometers from shore, off of Pillar Point Harbor, north of Half Moon Bay, Princeton-By-The-Sea. The only way to reach this wave is by boat or jet-ski, but be warned, come at it at the wrong angle and you're fish food, according to CNN.
Supertubes, Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa:
Here it is called barrel surfing and it is one of the fiercest breaks in the world. It is also appealing for the different sections that one can choose to surf: Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Boneyards and the Macdaddy of all waves: Supertubes.
Word of advice, beginner and novicist should avoid the Supertubes as waves can get up to 1,000ft. No joking.
Getting there: Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour's drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, according to CNN.
Hossegor, France:
Known as "The Surfing Capital of Europe," some of Hollywoods' rich and famous own property up and down the coast.
Many surfers and non-surfers alike flock to this site to surf tubes many feel rival those of Hawaii and to watch some of the pro-surfers strut their stuff taking on wall breaks and depthless sandbanks that intimate most.
Getting there: Fly into Biarritz Airport and grab a taxi for approximately US$90 or hire a car for US$35 a day and follow the E70 and A63 up to Hossegor, according to CNN.
Lima, Peru:
Ignoring looks, the surf is brilliant with some waves reaching 3ft and the breaks along the end separating into three different sections: small, medium and large. Lima gives surfers of all ability a way to stay together, while sharing the water in peace and comfort.
Getting there: Fly directly into Lima and cab it to the Miraflores shopping center for around US$10. From there you'll have a spectacular view out to sea and probably butterflies because the waves look that good, according to CNN.
Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia:
It is a great spot to catch the wave where the breaks are good, but with the crowds, the fight for the wave will be a hassle not many want to deal with it. For beginners, try Kuta bay, it is much better than taking on a local who feels impeded.
Getting there: Fly into Denpasar Airport and get a very reasonably priced taxi down to Kuta for US$6 or US$12 to Uluwatu, according to CNN.
Sultans, North Male, Maldives:
The best time is in the spring when the reef waves crashing down are smooth and flowing. Watch out for the rocks as coming too close cough be disastrous.
Getting there: Fly into Male airport and get your live aboard company to pick you up from there. Trips range in duration and price. Visit www.surfatoll.com for details, according to CNN.
Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand
Coming to fame in the 1960s thanks to the film "Endless Summer" Manu Bay's surf isn't the best, but for those already in New Zealand, it is worth a stop. With waves consistently in the 10 feet range, it will be a fun time. If lucky enough to find a barell, catch it, it isn't a common occurrence.
Getting there: It's only a two-hour drive south of Auckland, or get the InterCity bus from Auckland to Hamilton Central then the Busit/Gobus Route 23 to Raglan. The journey will cost around US$30 in total, according to CNN.
Honolua Bay, Hawaii, USA:
If Oahu is getting too crowded, or looking for another challenge, Honolua Bay is the place to go. However, locals of the area aren't too friendly to tourists, so don't be shocked to have money missing upon returning from the water or the car having a few dents.
Advice: make friends with a local before heading to the water. Showing up with a local is like having a personal bodyguard.
Getting there: Fly in to Kapalua West Maui Airport and, depending on where you're staying, you may get a free shuttle from the airport all the way to the beach, or just get a taxi directly there, according to CNN
Honorable Mention:
Surfrider Beach, Malibu, USA:
Having the Beach Boys reference this spot in many songs, it has become a tourist trap with many locals avoiding it at all coast. Getting there at the break of dawn will allow for some time and space needed to "catching a wave to sit on top of the world."
Getting There: Fly into Longbeach Airport or Los Angeles International Airport and head to the Pacific Coast Highway.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
