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Surfing’s Hidden Gems
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If there’s one person you should listen to about where to surf, it’s Jesse Billeaur. As a two-time World Adaptive Surfing Champion, a five-time U.S National Adaptive Surfing Champion, and founder of Life Rolls OnOpens in a new window, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities through sport, he's seen and surfed the best waves on Earth. So yeah, Billeaur knows a thing or two about finding the tastiest waves around. And luckily, he’s willing to share his wealth of surfing knowledge, by telling us exactly where to surf this summer and fall. Here are three of Billeaur's choice surfing destinations, for total beginners and sage surfers.
For surfing domestically: Southern California
Granted, as a kid from Southern California, Billeaur may be a little biased, but as he notes, “you can't really beat Southern California” when it comes to having excellent surf year-round. “Malibu is always going to be the best, but San Diego is just gorgeous and has perfect weather.”
As for when to visit either, Billeaur suggests heading to Malibu in the middle to end of summer when the waves and weather are at their best, and San Diego really whenever you please.
For an island surf getaway: Tavarua Island, Fiji
“The best tropical island spot has to be Tavarua, Fiji,” Billeaur exuberantly says. “There are no cars. It's just a small heart-shaped island.”
As Billeaur notes, the island is truly in the “middle of nowhere in the ocean.” But, once you land on the main island of Fiji, it’s just a quick 15-minute helicopter ride or 30-minute ferry to get to the island and the surf.
“The best thing about it, you don't even have to be a surfer to enjoy it,” he adds. “You could fish, you could surf, you could dive, you could just wander. The locals are so accommodating. It's just the best place in the world.”
As for when to go, Billeaur suggests the fall season for bigger swells, if you’re looking for a true adrenaline rush.
For something surprising: Nova Scotia
When you think of surfing, Canada may not be the first place that comes to mind. But Billeaur wants to help reframe your approach to travel and suggests visiting Nova Scotia as proof of Canada’s surf prowess.
“The late summer, early fall is just so beautiful there,” he says. “Yes, it can be a hit and miss for surfing, but if you time it right, you could find swell.” And by timing it right, he means hurricane season, when storms off the Atlantic coast churn up the waters, delivering smooth, big waves to our friends up north.
As Billeaur says, “Head out in August and September to get all those hurricanes that come from the south and you could find the sickest waves.”
Want more? Follow Billeaur on his Instagram pageOpens in a new window for surfing insights and photos that will make you want to paddle out right this second.
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