Serfing in Phuket
Phuket is a perfect place for surfing. The best time for surfing in Phuket is from May to October, with May, June, and September being particularly ideal. All major surfing competitions take place in September.
The island’s beaches are well-suited for beginners: the waves are small, barely reaching two to three meters in height, the seabed is safe, and the wind is steady. Almost all Phuket beaches offer surfboard rentals and competent instructors. You can also find instructors certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA) on the island. These professionals have the foundational knowledge to teach surfing and can help you learn how to paddle and catch waves, which is the ultimate goal for any beginner surfer.
Serfing Beaches
The most popular surfing beach is Kata. Kata Beach is the top choice for surfers, suitable for both beginners and professionals. It offers equipment rental points, and the waves here are fast, sometimes reaching up to two meters in height. At the same time, the board is easy to control.
Surfing is only possible during the low season, as waves are almost non-existent during the rest of the year.
In the low season, when the waves get sufficiently high, it is recommended to use the services of local surf schools or hire an instructor directly on the beach. They will provide you with the right equipment, teach you the basics of surfing on the sand, and then take you into the water. You’ll likely be able to stand on the board during your first lesson.
The second most popular is Kalim Beach. Kalim Beach is better suited for professionals. The waves here are higher, often reaching three meters, and longer: in good weather, they can extend up to 100 meters. Additionally, thanks to its favorable location, the sea here is protected from storms.
You can rent a board right on the beach. Like at Kata, several locals are always ready to offer you a surfboard and instructor services. However, the prices for boards here are exactly double those at Kata.
Kamala Beach features a sheltered bay suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
Different parts of the beach offer surfable waves, with some of the best found at the northern end near the Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach resort.
More advanced surfers often head to the spot near the southern end of the beach. Decent waves can also be caught on the main tourist area of Kamala – closer to the shore, they can reach heights of up to three meters. However, this beach is better suited for experienced surfers, as the weather conditions change so frequently that beginners might struggle to adapt and control their board. Surf equipment rentals are available at several shops along the beach.
Nai Harn Beach is not the most predictable spot for surfing. It caters to beginners and intermediate surfers. At times, waves here can reach three meters in height and 100 meters in length, while at other times, there are no waves at all.
In the northern part near the Nai Harn Resort, there’s a beach and reef. At the opposite end near the lagoon, a sandbar helps create waves for long and fast rides.
The downside of this beach is the lack of surfboard rentals and instructors.
Kata Noi is the smallest bay, separated from Kata Beach by a headland, with surfing spots located in its northern section. The waves here can be faster and more powerful than those at Kata Beach. Unfortunately, there are no surf schools, but nearby board rental options are available.
Surin Beach is ideal for those seeking barrel-shaped waves. It appeals to more experienced surfers who enjoy powerful waves and strong currents. The best spots are near the rocky headlands. While there are no surf schools or board rentals, this beach typically attracts professionals with their own equipment.
Bang Tao Beach is a long stretch of sand, well-suited for beginner surfers due to its gentle waves. The southern end of the beach is protected by a headland, creating small waves that are perfect for novices.
Surfing Competitions
If you feel ready to participate in surfing competitions or simply want to enjoy the action as a spectator, visit Phuket between June and October. During this time, competitions are held on the beaches of Surin, Kata, Kamala, and Kalim. Events on Kamala and Kalim Beaches take place in June, while Kata Beach hosts athletes from late August to mid-September.
The Thailand Open Surfing Championship 2024 was held at Surin Beach, attracting surfers from around the world. Such large-scale events are organized by the Thailand Surfing Federation.
How to Catch a Wave Perfectly
Before heading to a surf spot, experienced surfers always check the weather forecast. Detailed information about a specific beach, tides, and other crucial surfing conditions can be found on the Windy website or app.
More detailed wave data can be found on the Surfline: Wave & Surf Reports website or app. It offers a convenient breakdown by beaches, and with a premium subscription, you’ll gain access to numerous live cameras from surf spots around the world.
Safety tips: what you need to know
- Watch the flags on the beach. A red flag means swimming and surfing are prohibited. Yellow means “be careful, only for experienced surfers.” Green indicates safe conditions. Read more in the article What different flags on Phuket beaches mean?
- Don’t go into the water alone if you’re a beginner. It’s best to surf near an instructor or a group. If something happens, help will be nearby.
- Learn about rip currents. These strong outgoing currents can be found on Kata, Karon, Nai Harn, and Kamala beaches. An instructor will show you how to recognize them, but the main rule is: don’t panic and swim parallel to the shore, not against the current. We wrote more about rips in the article Rip currents: how to avoid danger.
- Check your equipment. Make sure the leash is strong and intact, the fins are secure, and the board has no cracks. This is especially important when renting.
- Protect your head and face. When falling, always cover your head with your arms — this protects you from hitting the board or the bottom.
- Keep your distance. Don’t surf too close to other surfers or swimmers. The board can gain speed and injure someone.
- Warm up before your session. A few minutes of stretching and light exercise reduces the risk of injury and helps you get into the rhythm of the waves faster.
- Sun protection is a must. Sunburns happen twice as fast on the water. Use water-resistant zinc sunscreen and wear a long-sleeved rash guard.
FAQ
1. Can you learn to surf in one day?
In one day you’ll learn the basics: how to stand up on the board, safety rules, and your first attempts to catch a wave. That’s enough to understand whether surfing is for you. But to ride confidently you usually need 3–5 lessons.
2. Do I need insurance?
Strictly speaking, no — but it’s highly recommended. Choose travel insurance that covers water sports. It’s inexpensive, and in case of injury or collision it will save you from unnecessary expenses.
3. Can you surf when it’s raining?
Yes. Tropical rain doesn’t interfere with surfing — the main thing is to avoid thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds. During the rainy season the sea can be a bit choppier, but beach surf schools monitor conditions and always provide recommendations.
4. Are sharks dangerous?
No. Sharks are extremely rare off the coast of Phuket, and dangerous species are practically nonexistent. Surf spots are located on busy beaches, so the risk is close to zero.
5. What if I can’t swim?
You can still surf, but only with an instructor and in shallow water. They’ll give you a large, stable board and teach you basic safety. However, it’s still advisable to learn at least basic swimming skills beforehand.
6. Can I bring my own board?
Yes, most airlines transport surfboards as sports equipment. Check size limits and transport fees before your flight — policies vary.
7. Where can I store my board if I’m renting a place for a month?
Almost all surf schools and rental shops offer monthly board storage for a small fee. Some apartments and condominiums also have their own racks or storage rooms for sports gear — check when booking.
You’ll find the best options in the condominiums selection on our website. Also consider beachfront hotels so the ocean is always just a few steps away.
