The World Surfing Reserves (WSR) program has a vital mission: to protect the world's most iconic surf breaks by garnering international support for wave and coastal preservation. By creating a global network of designated surfing reserves, WSR is recognising the environmental, social, cultural and economic importance of waves.
This flagship program of the non-profit Save The Waves identifies the most iconic surf zones across the globe and designates them as protected surfing reserves. Local communities are then empowered to manage and safeguard these precious surf spots from development, ensuring their waves can continue to be ridden for generations to come.
Today, there are 12 surfing reserves around the world, each of which has been chosen through a careful selection process. Thanks to the foresight of pioneers like big-wave surfer João de Macedo (a co-founder of the program), these havens where surfers commune with nature have a fighting chance against the threats of human activity.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about our World Surfing Reserves, including where they are, why they were designated and how you can ride their waves with a sustainable stay.
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World Surfing Reserves
Malibu Surfrider Beach, U.S.A.
As the birthplace of modern surfing, Malibu occupies a special place in surf history. It was here that the film “Gidget” introduced the masses to surf culture and pioneering shapers crafted revolutionary board designs while legendary surfers like Miki Dora honed their nose-riding skills. With its long, peeling right-hand walls, Malibu offers the quintessential point break.
Beyond the water, Malibu Surfrider Beach is part of a vibrant coastal ecosystem. The waves depend on sand flows from Malibu Creek, home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Dolphins play in the surf while endangered steelhead spawn in the lagoon and wetlands flourish along the coast. With its world-class waves and dynamic environment, it's no wonder Malibu was selected as the first World Surfing Reserve.
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Ericeira, Portugal
Surfers from around the world come to ride Ericeira’s epic breaks and experience the wild beauty of the Portuguese coast. This eight-kilometre stretch of pristine beaches and rocky cliffs contains a surf zone like no other, with a remarkable density of high-quality spots. From the iconic Ribeira d'Ilhas to the renowned Coxos, Ericeira offers waves for all levels.
The local fishermen who have plied these waters for centuries knew the treasure they had in their backyard. Their respect for the ocean paved the way for early surfing pioneers who were awestruck when they first discovered Ericeira in the 1970s. Word soon spread about this surfing paradise, transforming the village into the epicentre of Portuguese surf culture. Amidst its growth as a surf destination, Ericeira has maintained its small-town charm and commitment to protecting its marine ecosystem.
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Manly-Freshwater, Australia
From the first recorded surfers in the 1890s to world champions like Layne Beachley, Manly and Freshwater beaches have been at the epicentre of Australian surf culture for decades. Legendary Hawaiian Olympian Duke Kahanamoku gave surfing demonstrations here in 1914 and 1915, spreading a love of the sport across Australia.
With its abundance of quality waves, strong community spirit and rich history, it’s no wonder this four-kilometre-long stretch of coastline was inaugurated as a World Surfing Reserve in 2012. On any given day, the beaches bustle with swimmers, surfers and seaside strollers, all drawn by the area's natural beauty, welcoming vibe and perfect waves. For over a century, Manly and Freshwater have embodied the best of Australian beach culture and will continue to do so well into the future.
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Santa Cruz, U.S.A.
Inaugurated in 2012 as a World Surfing Reserve, this stretch of Central California coastline offers over 20 consistent breaks. It extends for 11 kilometres from Natural Bridges State Park to Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point, encompassing waves for all levels. With favourable winds blowing steadily throughout the year, it's understandable why Santa Cruz has developed such a vibrant surf culture.
The protected waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary not only draw surfers from around the world but also host frequent local contests, with the community deeply connected to the waves. With its diverse mix of reefs, points and beach breaks, coupled with easy access from state beaches and parks, Santa Cruz has earned its reputation as a quintessential surf destination.
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Huanchaco Beach, Trujillo, Peru
This seafaring town near Trujillo has long been a surfing mecca, offering clean, consistent lefts that peel year-round. The classic point break in the town's centre is a regional treasure, working best from April to October on 1-3 metre swells. While normally a high-performance wave, Huanchaco turns critical when strong south swells barrel through the point.
Beyond the surf, Huanchaco boasts ancient roots as the birthplace of “caballitos de totora” - reed boats used by early Peruvian wave riders. The enduring ocean culture still shapes Huanchaco today. As surfing legend Felipe Pomar explained, Huanchaco’s recognition as a World Surfing Reserve honours the community's wave-riding heritage stretching back thousands of years.
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Bahía de Todos Santos, Mexico
From the point breaks of San Miguel to the big waves barrelling on the other side of the bay, the Bahía de Todos Santos is a paradise for surfers of all levels. Surfing has deep roots in Ensenada dating back over 50 years, with pioneering surfers arriving here in the 1960s. Today, the area attracts everyone from beginners to big-wave heroes, drawn to Ensenada’s vibrant surf culture.
In addition to its cultural significance, the area is ecologically important. The beaches, intertidal zones and coastal habitats are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species that the World Surfing Reserve will help to maintain. Not only that but surfing is an irreplaceable recreational and economic resource for Baja California. Families spend Sundays on the beach, tourists flock to the waves, and for many, surfing is more than a hobby - it's a way of life.
Bahia de Todos Santos, Mexico
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Guide to World Surfing Reserves
Gold Coast, Australia
Stretching 16 glorious kilometres from Burleigh Point to Snapper Rocks, this iconic stretch of surf encompasses world-famous breaks like the legendary Superbank. Generations of Australian surf champions hail from the Gold Coast and the area’s surfing culture is second-to-none. It’s been described as a “nirvana” for surfers, with few other stretches of coastline comparable.
Now designated as a World Surfing Reserve, the Gold Coast community is dedicated to preserving these world-class waves for future generations. Following the announcement, a staggering 4,000 local surfers gathered at Kirra Beach to show their support and the city even approved the world's first Surf Management Plan to protect the area's surfing assets.
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Guarda do Embaú, Brazil
What makes Guarda do Embaú so special? For starters, it boasts a world-class wave that works year-round - a rarity in the surf world - with powerful rights and lefts peeling along this stretch of Santa Catarina shoreline. Additionally, it lies adjacent to Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, the largest protected area in Santa Catarina, encompassing pristine estuaries, lush rainforest and towering dunes.
For decades, Guarda do Embaú has nurtured a tight-knit, environmentally-minded surf tribe. The late Brazilian surf legend Ricardo Dos Santos called this place “home”. Earning WSR status will help Guarda do Embaú preserve its precious waves and coastal environment for generations to come and support Brazil’s booming surf industry.
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Guide to World Surfing Reserves
Punta de Lobos, Chile
The waves of Punta de Lobos have long drawn surfers from around the globe to Chile's rocky shores. But in 2015, this iconic surfing mecca was under threat when the 4.5-acre Mirador Property at the tip of Punta de Lobos went up for sale. Determined to protect this treasured landmark, Save The Waves and Patagonia launched the "Lobos Por Siempre" campaign.
Their goal was to raise enough money to purchase the property and preserve it for generations to come. On November 16, 2017, the land was officially dedicated as a protected part of the World Surfing Reserve in an intimate ceremony bearing witness to conservation in action. The story of Lobos Por Siempre shows what happens when a community comes together to protect the places they love.
Best places to stay to surf Punta de Lobos
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Noosa Beach, Australia
With its world-renowned point breaks and pristine beaches, Noosa is a surfer's paradise that offers waves for all levels. From the beginner-friendly peelers of First Point to the barreling low tide waves of Johnsons, Noosa caters to everyone. Its location on the Sunshine Coast means quality waves year-round, with tropical swells pounding the points during cyclone season and southerly swells sneaking through in the offseason.
While the fickle weather can bring the occasional "swell drought", it's rare for Noosa to go more than a few days without rideable waves. Considering its stunning natural setting (and over 280 surfable days per year), it's no wonder Noosa has been recognised as a World Surfing Reserve. The designation will ensure this slice of coastal paradise can remain accessible to boardriders for many years to come.
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Guide to World Surfing Reserves
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Dedicated in 2022, Playa Hermosa made history as the first World Surfing Reserve in Central America and lies at the heart of Costa Rican surf culture. Every year, surfers flock here from all corners of the globe, drawn by the legendary A-frame waves that break along the sandy beach. This stunning stretch of Pacific coastline offers both lefts and rights fuelled by plenty of power.
Following its designation, the Local Stewardship Council has a bold vision for Playa Hermosa's future. Their goal is to preserve the area's ecological richness while promoting sustainable surf tourism. Beyond its epic breaks and environmental beauty, there are compelling economic incentives to protect Playa Hermosa's surf ecosystems. A national study found surf tourism pumps approximately USD 5 million annually into the local economy.
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Planning a surf trip to Playa Hermosa? Check out our list of the 5 best sustainable surf camps in Costa Rica.
North Devon, United Kingdom
Encompassing 30 kilometres of pristine beaches and epic waves, the world’s newest Surfing Reserve boasts legendary breaks that attract wave riders from across the globe. Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe - just a few of the breaks that have made their mark. Through its designation, the goal is to preserve the fragile coastal ecology of North Devon while maintaining access to swells that shape local surf culture.
In 2008, surfing brought over £50 million in revenue to the area and supported 1,500 local jobs. Yet for residents, surfing means far more than money. Surf reports dictate daily rhythms while friendships grow strong sharing waves. Raw coastal beauty woven with world-class waves makes this stretch of shoreline a true treasure.
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The World Surfing Reserves (WSR) program is playing a critical role in safeguarding some of the world's most renowned and beloved surf spots. At its core, the WSR's vital mission is to champion the preservation of these iconic waves and the coastal environments that nurture them, garnering international recognition and support for these efforts. By establishing a global network of officially designated surfing reserves, the WSR is shining a spotlight on the multifaceted significance of waves - not just as physical features that captivate surfers, but as integral components of vibrant, diverse ecosystems and cornerstones of unique cultural identities and economic activities.
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