Did you know that you can go surfing in Bermuda? Bermuda is an amazing destination for this fun and exciting watersport. Until I started researching our trip to Bermuda, I had no idea that you could try surfing here, even if you've never gone surfing before.
The fact that you can go surfing is one of the most interesting facts about Bermuda, although there are many surprising details about Bermuda on that list! As it turns out, you can go surfing in Bermuda, even if you're new to the sport.
Traveling is a wonderful thing because it can make you step outside of your comfort zone and try new activities. Justin tried surfing once before on a family trip to Hawaii, and I'd never set foot on a surf board in my life. There aren't exactly any prime surfing spots near our home in the Toronto area.
A Bermuda surfing experience was a little outside of my comfort zone, I'm not going to lie. However, Bermuda is the perfect place for beginner and seasoned surfers alike. Thankfully, we had a fantastic teacher that made the surfing experience even more of a blast!
Surfing in Bermuda: Our Surf Lessons with Isolated Surfboards
The conditions for surfing were ideal on the day that we decided to try our hand at this water sport. It was quite windy and there were numerous waves rolling in to the shore. We met up with Cullen from Isolated Surfboards at Horseshoe Bay Beach for our lessons.
Cullen has 20+ years of surfing experience and teaches people of all ages. He is incredibly patient and kind - the word "patient" being key as we were absolute beginners at the sport. Cullen even designs and customizes his own surfboards. We were thrilled to learn alongside this pro.
Our lessons started out of the water so we could become familiar with the surfboard itself. Cullen described what would happen in the water. Basically, he would do lots of the work for us. He'd search out the ideal waves while we were flat on our stomachs on the board.
Then, he would tell us to start paddling. When we felt the wave pulling at the board, it was time to try to stand up and surf back towards the shore. Sounds easy, right?
Well, standing up is definitely harder than it looks. It takes plenty of agility to stand up on the board, and loads of balance to stay standing! However, we both had no expectations of ourselves other than having fun and trying our best, and we ended up having a total blast.
One Important Surfing Tip...
Now, this next part is very important for the ladies. Remember this first if you must remember anything at all. Ladies, do not wear a bikini while surfing! No bikinis. Learn this lesson from me. I wore a two-piece bikini while trying to surf. The very first wave that hit me....WHAM! I nearly lost my top. I was fully exposed.
I'm really glad we visited on the brink of low season as there were hardly any people around. After adjusting my bikini top a couple of times and cursing myself for wearing such an impractical bathing suit,
I politely asked Cullen if he had some sort of top that I could wear. Thankfully, he had a wet suit tank top that I was able to borrow that was just my size. Oh, thank goodness. Once I was more appropriately clothed, I think that my surfing improved just a bit.
Our Experiences Going Surfing in Bermuda
Justin and I took turns riding the surfboard and I am very proud that we were fairly successful on our first tries. I was actually really impressed with Justin's ability to surf. He has snowboarded in the past so I think this gave him a slight advantage in the balancing department, though water is an entirely different beast than snow. Justin stood up on several occasions and rode the waves towards the shore.
I found it a bit more difficult, but I'm fairly persistent (and stubborn). No matter how many times I went flying into the water, I just kept trying. I drank plenty of salt water. My contact lenses were stinging in my eyes (please note that this is one reason that I decided to get Lasik eye surgery!). But, I had a smile permanently on my face.
Horseshoe Bay Beach was absolutely gorgeous, and how could I not be smiling while swimming in those beautiful turquoise waters? It was also satisfying to try something new that was outside of my comfort zone. On my best attempt, I was only able to stand up straight for a fraction of a second before leaping off the board. But, I still did it!
At the end of our surfing excursion, Cullen showed us a spot along the beach where we could hike up on some rocks for incredible views of the ocean. We walked along huge boulders for breathtaking sights of the beach and the cove.
Where to Go Surfing in Bermuda
While Bermuda might not be the #1 place to go surfing in the world if you're a professional surfer, it's fantastic for those looking to have a great day out on the water. Bermuda is an amazing place for first timers and beginners, like ourselves. Plus, anyone who loves surfing will surely have an amazing day in the ocean.
There are several places to go surfing in Bermuda, including many of the picturesque Bermuda beaches. We went surfing at one of the most famous beaches, Horseshoe Bay Beach. You can also catch a wave at Hungry Bay, Grape Bay, Southlands, Tucks (Tucker's Town), and Castle Island.
Want to see more photos of Bermuda?
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I highly recommend adding an afternoon of surfing to your Bermuda travel plans. We have a fantastic Bermuda travel itinerary to help you plan your adventure to the island.
Looking for more places to go surfing? We had such a fun time surfing in Bermuda that we had to give it another shot when we traveled to New Zealand. Check out our surfing adventures at Muriwai Beach near Auckland, New Zealand.
Where to Stay in Bermuda
Book Your Stay | Read Our Review | Read More Reviews by Travelers
One of the best places to stay in Bermuda is the five star Hamilton Princess and Beach Club in Hamilton, Bermuda. Our stay here was impeccable: the staff go above and beyond, there are amazing restaurants, and the infinity pool is so dreamy.
Every suite has a balcony showcasing beautiful views. The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is close to the town of Hamilton, meaning that you can easily walk right downtown to Front Street. It's easy to take public transportation all over the island from the hotel, too.
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Sara Sets Sail says
Great post. It's so funny about Bermuda, because everyone assumes it is so warm and in the Caribbean with lazy beaches but of course it is more in the Atlantic as I you have shown, you can surf there! Was it cold? I have only tried surfing in Portugal and that was a little too hectic for me, so maybe Bermuda would be a good place to try it again.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
This looks like such a wonderful experience for both of you. Even though I live in Southern California, I have never tried surfing only because I'm so uncoordinated. Glad to see you had a great time!
Jenna says
Nice job! We've only tried surfing once, and the conditions were pretty bad so it was really hard! I kinda halfway got up, but I think I need to try taking an actual lesson sometime. Looks like it was a lot of fun!!
The Guy says
I've never tried surfing, it looks like a lot of hard work to get the basics. I dare say it is good fun though and in Bermuda I guess the water is warmer?
Good tip about the bikini as well, another good reason why surfers have wet suits.
Maria from Nerd Nomads says
Wow, looks like great fun! Congrats on being surfers!! Didn`t know it was possible to surf on Bermuda. Looks like a great place for beginners with small waves. We learned how to surf on Bali. Love it! But it`s quite exhausting and a good work out.
Megan Claire says
Looks like so much fun! We learnt to surf in Costa Rica lol though I'm still terrible, so might have to head over and try the waves in Bermuda!~
Lauren says
Yes you totally should! It's something new and fun to try. We really enjoyed it!
Lauren says
It was so beautiful there! Surfing is tricky, but we had a great teacher and it was a lot of fun! He was super encouraging and I was determined to stand up, even if for a split second :) Justin was so good at it! I was impressed! And yes...no bikinis!!!! :)
kami says
I'm kind of afraid of water but this looks like so much fun! And the colour of the ocean is incredible!
Lauren says
It's really fun! I highly recommend giving it a try. But, even still, you could just enjoy some time on the beach in such a beautiful place even if you don't try surfing :)
antonette - we12travel says
Learning how to surf is still high up on my bucket list but I'm too much a whimp because I hate the water ... :-) Martijn tried to though and said it was much harder than expected..
Lauren says
It is harder than expected, but still not impossible :) If you hate water...well, you might get hit with a few waves, but you should still try it out just to see how you like it. And if it's not for you, can be one of those things you scratch off your bucket list anyhow!
Agness says
Awww, what a great experience!! I wanna do it soon!!
Lauren says
You should definitely try it out! It's a lot of fun!
Shaun says
Cooooool! Looks like a great place to surf!
Shaun
www.thislifeintrips.com
Lauren says
It was a really good place to surf! I didn't know there was surfing in Bermuda at all until the activity was arranged for us by our concierge at Fairmont. I'm glad that he's in the know! :)
Esther says
Wow, these pictures are really great!! Thank you for hosting another great linkup.
Lauren says
Thanks so much! :) And always happy to host the link-up each week!
Toni says
Looks like a heap of fun and a gorgeous location. I don't think I have the co-ordination to surf, I can injure myself on flat ground but I love playing in the waves.
Lauren says
You'd be surprised - I didn't know if I would have the coordination either, but a little bit of determination helps :) Also, I think our instructor made sure that I had some smaller waves than Justin to attempt!
Evanne @ Poplar Travels says
I've tried surfing a couple times in North Carolina and Spain and I don't think I have ever stayed standing long enough for a photo! I'm hopeless haha, but I would definitely try again. Kudos to you both for trying! It sounds like you were actually pretty good at it!
Lauren says
We tried our best! That's cool that you can go in North Carolina....and Spain! I'd love to try it again, even if it doesn't mean standing up for a while. I enjoy being in the ocean in such a beautiful place, and doing something active :)
Katie @WorldWideVegetarian.com says
Wow how brave of you to go surfing, I am scared! It looks like you two had so much fun and the location is gorgeous. I am impressed you were able to get up on the boards, I hear that is difficult to do! If I ever do go surfing, I will remember not to wear a bikini so thanks for that :) And the new site design looks amazing! Great work.
Katie