Surfing in Koh Samui

Different kinds of surfing depending upon the wide range of surfboards are as follows:-

Longboard Surfing
Funboard Surfing
Alias Surfing
Tow-In Board Surfing
Shortboard Surfing
Gunboard Surfing
Fish Board Surfing
Foil Board Surfing
Stand-Up Paddle Board Surfing

The best time for Surfing in Koh Samui is from the month of October to December. Both local surfing enthusiasts and tourists are out on the beaches to enjoy this activity. The most popular Koh Samui surfing location is Chaweng Beach.

Chaweng Malibu

Chaweng Malibu, a part of the Gulf of Thailand is quite a popular surfing spot amongst tourists. There are consistent waves here, which further makes surfing experience better for the surfers.

The offshore winds blowing in from the northeast direction further enhancing it more. The wet season months, ranging from November to April are considered to be ideal for surfing at Chaweng Malibu.

Kho Phan-Ngan

Haad Rin - Kho Phan-Ngan - Haad Rin is another Koh Samui Surfing destination blessed with unreliable waves in the Gulf of Thailand. This is an exposed beach where ideal surfing waves are found in the months ranging from November to April.

Koh Phayam

Nestled around four kilometres from Koh Chang and off the Ranong coast lies the untouristy, remote, vastly undeveloped, and undisturbed island of Koh Phayam which is blessed with waves perfect for surfing in the early months of winter. This eighteen-kilometre island boasts hills, forests, and jungle with perfect ocean water, ideal for a soul surfing in Koh Samui.

Bang Saphan

Bang Saphan is another Koh Samui Surfing spot which is a sheltered beach break in the Gulf of Thailand featuring inconsistent surf. The waves here are ideal for surfing in the months ranging from November to April.

It works best when the offshore winds blow from the northwest. The waves break both on the right and left so, the surf quality of the surfer is not affected by the ocean tides.

Mae Ram Phueng

Mae Ram Phueng is an exposed beach break where surfing works right when the conditions are right. The ideal time for surfing here ranges from November to April when the waves are best for surfing. The beach breaks offer rights and lefts both. Plus, the beach is not crowded allowing you to enjoy the sport to the core.

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is the only beach and the most popular one for Surfing in Koh Samui along the Gulf of Thailand. This renowned beach features some decent surfboard rental stores from where you can rent gears.

The people here are quite warm and welcoming and readily give the visitors a tour of the beach and the activities offered. Chaweng Beach is a shallow beach perfect for surfing as there is always a risk of drowning while surfing. Therefore, as a beginner, it's always recommended to surf in shallow waters.

Silver Beach

Silver Beach is a tropical beach of 250 meters long nestled in a bay that is situated to the north of Lamai Beach. It is one of the perfect locations to practice surfing which isn't even much crowded.

Mandatory Surfing Equipment are as follows:-

- Surfboard
- Leash
- Wetsuit
- Fins
- Traction Pad/Surf Wax

Optional Surfing Equipment includes the following:-

- Rash Guard
- Surf Poncho
- Dry/Wet Bag
- Boots
- Surf Earplugs
- Sunscreen
- Gloves
- Surfboard Bag
- Boardshorts
- Surf Watch
- Hoods
- Waterproof Surf Camera

It is essential to put on apt clothing while you are out for surfing as they impart both performance and comfort while indulging in the adventurous sport. In case, you're a first-time surfer, a rash guard along with a pair of good and comfortable shorts will be quite an ideal outfit. Although, in general, the surfing outfit is different for cold and warm waters.

Kids get to learn the sport quicker than elders, but, there is surely a minimum age to learn and practice the sport. The young surfer must possess a decent swimming fitness level, as both swimming and surfing require the functioning of almost similar body muscles.

In adults, as old as eighty-year adults can practice surfing but must possess an apt fitness level that surfing demands.

There is no particular weight limit for practicing surfing. Although, the surfboard must be chosen as per the weight of the surfer. The surfboard should be thick, wide and almost 3 feet taller than the surfer. Also, make note of the fact that the surfboard is chosen considering the weight to volume ratio.

Yes, Surfing requires training with professionals such that you can enjoy the sport to the core. Surfing and swimming require the usage of similar muscles. Surfers require gaining a certain fitness level which only surf-specific training can impart.

This further leads them to be prepared for tougher surfing sessions in the ocean. Additionally, swimming can also render help to surfers to gain fitness required for practicing the challenging surfing sessions.

Surfing involves the body muscles to work hard and it is enjoyable only if you are rid of any kind of muscular pain, to begin with. In case you suffer from any form of chronic pain, surfing is not recommended. Physical fitness is essential while surfing as you might happen to fall into the water several times being a beginner.

People suffering from the following conditions are generally advised to not to practice the sport:
- Chronic pains
- Heart conditions
- Back pains
- Body stiffness
- Low blood pressure

However, you can consult your physician and have recommendations on your condition before trying out the activity. Additionally, the training centre might as well feature some basic body fitness level to be met before they enroll you.

The basic precautions to be taken care of while surfing are as follows:

- In case you fall off the surfboard, keep your head protected. Try covering it using your arms.
- Hold onto the surfboard at all given times.
- Have knowledge about rip currents before beginning to surf.
- Surfboards must be held towards the side.
- Learn surf etiquettes and strictly follow them.
- Have your entry and exit pre-planned.
- Avoid any kind of obstacle and do not go surfing near them.
- Know your abilities and limits. Do not try out things you're not prepared for.
- Do not surf for long durations.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to avoid tanning.

Different kinds of surfing depending upon the wide range of surfboards are as follows:

- Longboard Surfing
- Funboard Surfing
- Alias Surfing
- Tow-In Board Surfing
- Shortboard Surfing
- Gunboard Surfing
- Fish Board Surfing
- Foil Board Surfing
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Surfing