The artificial surf pool (number 41) at Wadi Adventure has converted its share of skeptics, inspiring some to proclaim it the future of surfing.
courtesy DJ Struntz
Superbank, Gold Coast, Australia —
Consistent tubes and solid walls make this one number 22. The only downer is the two-kilometer walk back to where cars can be parked.
istockphoto
The Box, Margaret River Valley, Australia —
"It's sharky as all hell, but worth it," says Surfing Magazine editor in chief Taylor Paul, about our number 20 spot. "It has an incredibly late takeoff and offers a short, powerful right-hand barrel."
courtesy Corey Wilson
Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia —
A private beach (number 16) may grate on the idyllic surf attitude, but there's no denying the appeal of a break reserved just for you and a few others. All day, any day.
courtesy Nihiwatu.com
Rincon, Santa Barbara, California —
While it doesn't break often, when the surf is up, Rincon (number 15) is the best point break in California.
courtesy Peter Taras
Trestles, Orange County, California —
Easy paddle-outs and consistent high-quality breaks make the Trestles one of the most revered destinations in Southern California. And number 12 on our list.
courtesy Jimmicane
Lance's Right, Mentawais Islands, Indonesia —
Warm water, mechanically consistent waves and a cove lined with palm trees -- Lance's Right (number 10) is often called "perfection" by dedicated fans.
courtesy jimmicane
Southern Oaxaca, Mexico —
With a long, blessed surf season from March to December, this Mexican state (number eight) has powerful barrels and sandy point breaks.
courtesy dj struntz
P-Pass, Federated States of Micronesia —
"It's just flawless, blue, reef-pass tubes," says Surfing Magazine editor in chief Taylor Paul about our number five.
DJ Struntz
Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia —
Don't be fooled by the calm. "Teahupo'o is one of the most perfect and feared waves in the world," says Taylor Paul about this unique Tahiti reef break. That's why it's number three on the list.
Courtesy Jimmicane
Supertubes, Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa —
The best right-hand ride in the world, according to our panel of Surfing Magazine editors, Jeffrey's Bay (number two) offers long, fast barrels off an intense point break.
courtesy surfing-waves.com
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, United States —
Numero uno -- most surfers will never be good enough to ride here, but everyone dreams of bobbing along its perfect crest.