Surfing Sydney
For those that like to surf, there aren't many metropolitan areas that come close to Sydney in terms of the variety and quality of options available. There are miles upon miles of Pacific-pounded beaches for you to explore whilst here. The big guns are definitely up on the North Shore, but the city's south and east have plenty of choices as well. Due to the city's huge surfing culture, you'll find the waves at the better breaks packed on a good day, and there are a few beaches were you should be wary of the locals and their particularly violent rep. Here are few of the city's greatest hits to whet your appetite for some down under surf action.
[Photo: the world is my canvas]
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia
Sydney's iconic beach suburb. Not a destination for die hard surfers, though there is something to be said for telling everyone back home you went surfing on Bondi Beach … I suppose. There's a surf school for the absolute beginners, and you won't find the surf too challenging. Like Manly Beach, it has a very international crowd and tends to be pretty laid back. [link]
Manly Beach
Manly Beach, Australia
Manly Beach is actually three beaches that run together despite looking like one very long stretch of sand. Easily accessible for those without cars comparable to the … rest of the northern beaches, it's OK surfing and gets very crowded. The crowd is pretty cruisey, and there are generally lots of foreigners. A great beach for beginners, and there are a few surfing schools that operate here as well. [link]
North Avalon
Avalon Beach, NSW, Australia
If you want to see some crazily good young surfers, come check out the locals here. The high school is across the road and even offers surfing as a subject, so you'll run … into some pretty tidy surfers up here. The locals aren't quite as tetchy as in Maroubra or Narrenbeen, but stay on your best behavior nonetheless. It's quite a way from the city, so give the whole day over to a visit should you decide to venture this far north. [link]
North Narrabeen
North Narrabeen, NSW, Australia
North Narrenbeen is renowned as one of the best places to surf in an area covered in great beaches. It offers up some very different options depending on which way the … swells are going, but it's all a quality ride. Narrenbeen's a very crowded beach, and the locals tend to be nutters itching for a fight; so expect a few drop ins on your first wave. If it gets a bit hairy, head to the north point -- they tend not to venture up there. [link]
Newport Beach
Newport Beach, NSW, Australia
You've got two options in Newport. The northern end is a beach break with nice long waves, but it does get a bit crowded, and the locals can rile up so smile a lot. Down … the south end, there's a reef break with great barrels, but be prepared to paddle hard. After you're finished with the surf, head up to the massive beer garden at the Newport Arms Hotel. [link]
