World's Best Surf Cities: Part 3

Slyde's Surf City List

Here is the third and final part of our three-part series on the top cities to surf in.  With 15 surf cities making our list, you won't have any trouble finding one to get pitted at.

11.  Tavarua Island (Fiji, Oceania)

Cloudbreak, one of the world's most renowned surf spots, is located on the heart-shaped island, which is close to the main island of Viti Levu.  While it's more of an island than a city, its surf is still out of this world.  Sometimes these waves get so big, you have to be towed in to ride them.  To surf at Cloudbreak, which is about one mile away from the island, you must be staying at the nearby Tavarua Surf Resort.

12.  Rio De Janeiro (Brazil, South America)

Come to Rio De Janeiro and stay for the culture.  Along with world-class swells, the city's eclectic spirit, exciting nightlife and beautiful climate will make you want to move there.  From early spring to fall, eastern and southern swells from the Antarctic produce waves up to 10 feet.

13.  Nazare (Portugal, Europe)

This big wave spot was in the news recently and for good reason.  The seaside village brings tourists in for its picturesque charm and sandy summer beaches, and it brings surfers in for its monster winter waves.  In 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a 78-foot wave at Nazare, and it's considered to be the biggest wave ever surfed.  He apparently surfed an even larger wave in January 2013, but the official measurement is not yet in.  In October of this year, Carlos Burle surfed what is possibly the largest wave ever at Nazare, and was even able to rescue surfer Maya Gabeira from near death after a wipeout.

14.  Thurso (Scotland, United Kingdom)

Thurso is a city with one of the best reef breaks in the United Kingdom, and is an excellent, albeit chilly alternative to most southern hemisphere swells.  It has some awesome right-hand breaks, but it can be tough getting out to the lineup if the winds pick up.  Soak in the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Highlands and grab a pint before you jump in!

15.  Bondi Beach (Sydney, Australia)

Bondi Beach is synonymous with laid-back Australian surf culture, making it a must-visit surf break if you're ever down under.  The beach is one of the only beaches on the Australian coast that faces south instead of east.  Here you'll find perfect hollow waves, long beaches, saltwater pools that are open to the public and a number of surfing clubs.  The sun shines on Bondi Beach just about every day of the year, so you can visit any month and still shred in summer weather!