September has finally arrived, and with it, the opening of the swell season for the northern hemisphere.
All the spots we’ve been waiting to open up across the long summer will finally get an adrenaline spike, as fall and winter begin to take hold. For those wanting to travel this month, there are dozens of places to escape to. Here’s a few that may not be on your radar.
Northern Ireland – The Other Ireland
By now, you’re used to seeing the likes of mutant slab Mullaghmore spring to life out of the west coast of Ireland. But further north is an entirely different set up. While the surf you’re used to seeing originates out of the Republic of Ireland, its own sovereign country, Northern Ireland is a separate country and part of the UK. Yet those same swells that set-off Ireland will also envelope Northern Ireland too. It is more of an unsung hero in the surfing world. Class surf spots in the country center along the Casuseway Coast – featuring your wonderful European beach breaks with a smattering of heavy, slabbing waves to boot. A place to keep on your bucket list if the Old Continent’s in your travel itinerary.
Baltic Sea – Thriving Surf Community
For years, the Baltic surf communities went unnoticed on the global surf scene. Then, images that looked more like Hossegor than anywhere else began to emerge. Poland, in particular, grew in popularity as more and more surfers got in tune with the Baltic wind swells along the country’s coastline. Wherever there’s waves, there is community – and though epic days in Poland are rare and fickle, they can happen – and the surfers who go and chase them are some of the most affable and hardcore cold water crew around. Surfers drive from all over to surf along the Hel Peninsula, with multiple locations along this 35-kilometer stretch. Poland is not going to be at the top of your surfing bucket list, nor is it going to completely blow your mind for surf quality – most it being wind swell. But that’s not the point, which is; getting amongst it with one of the most positive surf communities around.
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Portugal – But Not The Part
When you think of Portugal, it’s probably Supertubos and Peniche that springs to mind. It is a dazzling surf zone with so much going for it. Unless you’re in the swing of big waves and want to head to Nazare. But further south is the Algarve region of the country, home to some brilliant surf spots and, for the most part, warmer weather. With Sagres as a base, you have access to both Portugal’s west and southern coastlines, with spots like Praia do Amado nearby and Praia du Luz, a short lefthander over a rock shelf on the right tides and swells. If you’re looking for a quieter time than Peniche, the Algarve could be the way to go.
Nicaragua – Away from Popoyos
Everyone knows Nicaragua’s world-famous Popoyos, one of the greatest waves on the planet. But if you push a bit beyond there, to the likes of Chinandega, there’s a few waves around there which are of equal, if not better, quality. But that’s the beauty of Nicaragua, point anywhere north or south and you’ll find something. Technically, September is the rainy season, but it’s also prime time for swells to filter in from the South Pacific. Nicaragua’s coastline faces southwest, perfectly positioned to lap these up. September is also low season for tourism generally, so spots that get packed in the Northern Hemisphere winter are quieter.
South Korea – The Outlier
September is the start of the swell season for North Korea, with its east coast sitting on the Sea of Japan – with the county’s south east capable of holding swells from Pacific typhoons. While North Korea’s coastline is closely guarded by military, South Korea is open with Yangyang acting as the region’s surf capital – drawing comparisons to Bali in terms of feel as opposed to wave quality. The surf is mellow with sandy-bottomed beach breaks and typical surf heights around the shoulder-high range. But September can change all that, with swells transforming the area into a consistent play park.
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