6 must-have surf gear and the best places to break it in

Suit up and ride the waves in style with these chic accessories

Surfing accessories — Frogskins sunglasses by Oakley

1. Sun in your eyes

The World Surf League kicks off its 2020 Championship Tour this month with the Corona Open Gold Coast event in Australia, where top surfers including Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore will vie to kick off their season in style. Kit yourself out in a pair of classic “sunnies” and take to the beach at one of the region’s famous surf spots, including Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Alley and Rainbow Bay, all easily accessible from Brisbane via car.

2. Sweet ride

Cape Town is home to plenty of idyllic beaches with quality breaks, plus the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Beginners can head to Muizenberg, where a handful of surf schools are based. Those looking for bigger swells can make their way to Long Beach or Crayfish Factory. Further afield, there’s also Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, which plays host to the World Surf League in July.

3. Weekend powersuit

With its dreamy, sunny weather and endless miles of shoreline, it should come as no surprise that surfing reigns supreme in Los Angeles. Wear this playful wetsuit and hit up one of the area’s well-known spots such as Zuma Beach, Huntington Beach or Venice Beach. You’re sure to catch a glimpse of a few expert surfers carving the waves.

4. Afterparty essential

Those who want to soak up the sun by day and hit up the swish beach clubs by night should make a beeline for Bali, known for its picturesque beaches, consistent swells and plethora of nightlife hotspots. Padang Padang Beach and Bingin Beach are two popular options for surf enthusiasts, so don your best tropical ensemble and get ready to mingle.

5. Never too cool

While it may not exactly be known for its balmy climate, Denmark is home to some of the best cold-water surf breaks in Europe. Most of these – such as Klitmøller and Løkken, both a leisurely four to five-hour drive from Copenhagen – are clustered around the country’s northern shore, which borders the North Sea. Rug up in a full-body wetsuit to keep warm despite the chilly sea temperature.

6. Capture the moment

Alongside its swells – Lohi’s, Chickens and Cokes are some of the more popular breaks – the atolls of the Maldives boast plenty of spectacular underwater scenery with their myriad coral reefs. Come August, plenty of surf fans will flock here for the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Championship. Document your aquatic adventures with a waterproof camera.