The 20-miles of coast that stretches from Snapper to South Stradbroke, later labeled the Gold Coast, offers everything for every surfer. From pointbreak perfection, dizzying lengths of straight beaches and secluded coves, this is a coastline that delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Starting at its most southernmost, and obvious, point lies Snapper Rocks. Almost 100 years ago this part of the world was called Surfers Paradise. Today is still one of the best surfing destinations.

Manly is the first of Sydneys multiple northern beaches and reputedly the birthplace of Australian surfing. The surf here is pretty consistent with the break picking up plenty of swell through most of the year. The best surf here is found with a west, south west wind and a north east groundswell. At the northern end of the beach is Queenscliff headland, where an offshore submerged reef, or bombora, creates the kind of waves prized by top surfers.

The coastal town of Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has a friendly village atmosphere and nestles 30 minutes north of Durban on the ocean known as the Dolphin Coast. Ballito and the neighbouring Salt Rock, extend for 6km along a coast which is well known for its beaches, rocky headlands and sheltered tidal pools alive with sea creatures. Durban's magnificent Dolphin Coast has a beautiful stretch of golden beaches and sheltered coves which are ideal for swimming, and surfing.

Ericeira is a hip and trendy surfing town located on the west coast of Portugal and is known for its surf vibe and amazing beaches all around the city. The combination of this fun young vibe and amazing surfing has really put Ericeira on the map and it has become one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and beaches along the coast with great food choices. Ericeira is only a short 45-minute drive from Lisbon.

Saquarema is a small surf town in Rio de Janeiro, about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from the Rio's international airport. Saquarema is a place of singular beauty, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and lagoons, plains, and mountains on the other. This small town has received the enviable titles of the “Surf Capital of Brazil” and the “Maracana of Surf” due to its perfect waves of indescribable beauty and strength. Few places in Brazil have waves the size of those at Saquarema.

Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleʻiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikīkī. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleʻiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings. Rich with island history, Haleʻiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore.