Surfers name their paradise

While some people hit the beach to relax and bask in the sun, the so-called "real beach lovers" are those who engage in a much more energetic activity — surfing.

It doesn’t matter where it might be, for at the mere mention that a wave is breaking somewhere, you can bet that some surfer will drop everything and travel to the farthest place on the planet just to give it a ride. They say that it’s a surfer’s nature. And if you haven’t ridden a wave, you just would not understand.

We conducted a mini–survey among the foreign surfers in La Union during the recent Surfing Break and here are their top choices where you can get some of that surfing action:

1. Hawaii is, of course, considered America’s surfing mecca, with its monster waves and huge wipeouts.

2. Australia is one of the world’s greatest surfing destinations. The region is a haven for surfers, swimmers, fishers, adventurers, or those who just want to hide away.

3. Florida one of the finest all-purpose surfing destinations in the world and is one of those rare places where natural beauty melds harmoniously with a 21st century lifestyle.

4. California is steeped in surfing history. It offers something for the beginner in Malibu or Manhattan beach to the professional.

5. France is not only renowned for its superb food but also for its glorious beaches and quality surfing waves. It is a year-round surfing spot with weather depressions generating regular swells.

6. Portugal is the place to go if you are looking to experience a unique European surf in the sun all year long. Praida do Guincho is a big and beautiful haven for surfers and has become the site of the Surf World Championships.

7. Brazil is not only an amazing surfing spot but its beaches are also great for people watching as a lot of beautiful women are basking on them.

8. Bali in Indonesia has been considered as the epicenter of exotic surf adventure for 25 years now. The southeast winds start in March and continue through November each year offering good offshore conditions and providing classic and sometimes hollow tubes for pure surf fun.

9. Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa is one of the best surf locations in the world with its consistently great weather and waves. These big waves are among the most feared in the world because it is infested with sharks.

10. The Philippines boasts of some nice surf breaks and because the waves are rarely crowded, you have the chance to enjoy the sport. Once a good break is discovered it is very difficult to keep it secret. This is why if you are thinking about doing any surfing, then the Philippines just might be your ideal spot.