World's Cheapest Surf Destinations (Top 7 Places to Score Waves on a Budget)!!

[@DanHarmon123]

A breakdown of the world's cheapest surf destinations. Please let me know of any tips/tricks for saving money in these places! And of any other #cheapsurfdestinations, you've been to!! Let's help each other get as many waves as we can, for as little $$$ as possible!! Yew!

[@miguelcoumans3518]

7

[@ninaragusa1634]

Nice work thanks!

[@tea.dubs8532]

This is game changer for me. Been looking at $2k surf camps for a week. These are things only learned from experience.

[@David-le7jy]

Great vid, mate. Love it when KZbin drops gems like this in my feed. I can recommend the Philippines. Mainland Luzon, San Juan, La Union was good for beginners/ intermediate. Its pretty popular now, so costs have shot up, but still budget friendly. Works best from Oct to Mar, perfect for European winters. Thanks mate, from a new subscriber!

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey David!! Stoked you enjoyed it and yes, good shout! I'll try and go to the Philippines later this year and maybe do a full budget video on the place! Thanks for the info :))

[@GerinPhils]

Hey David, any recommendations for a safe but affordable hotel in San Juan ?

[@danedjsvideos4128]

@@GerinPhilssebay surf resort near Mona Lisa point San Juan . Samar is the most underrated surf destination in the Philippines

[@chrisk7118]

I would add Siargao to that list too 🔥

[@brianrich5871]

Awesome insight to some great destinations! I'll be looking forward to seeing more videos from you! Thanks!

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Brian!! Thank you and looking forward to sharing more with you :)

[@Monkeyabroad]

Really great list! I've surfed 5 of the 7 spots shown

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick!!! Only two more to go hahah ;)

[@agathondmiurgus]

U do an amazing job mate! I hope u can keep doing it, u deserve more views, likes and all of that, and i know u´ll get more.

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks so much!! Means so much. Going to keep creating and learning :)

[@jonathanwalmsley8241]

The knob should stop promoting places

[@maxst415]

Just got back from a trip to Morocco, specifically Imsouane. It was during the off season so the waves weren't up to their world-class point break level, but theres still plenty of good stuff. It is also dirt cheap in terms of food and housing, but beware of the hygiene. Super friendly people, but knowing Arabic will definitely help tons.

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick!! Haven't been up that way, yet! But yeah I guess you've got to wait for swells to score the world class stuff! And good shout on the Arabic.. I don't know a word of it hahah!

[@Molloy1951]

Did you have any issue with scammers in Morocco, mate?

[@maxst415]

@@Molloy1951 not exactly. expect to barter for a lot of things! i recommend going on a local-led tour of the area you plan to spend time in. they'll usually help you identify what is priced too high, and what you should actually be paying. and don't worry about coming off as offensive for bartering, it's pretty standard for morocco from what i've gathered. cheers

[@AlainSchwab-t5q]

I was in Sri Lanka in the years from 1992 to 2000 in Arugam bay every year It was a fishing village, without restaurants and accommodation. We slept on the beach in front of the spot and it was the villagers who fed us. There were 8 to 10 of us surfing the spot, it was friendly. We surf from sunrise to sunset. I went back in 2015, there are 60 restaurants and accommodations. 50 surfers at sunrise. It's madness, It's war on the lineup. The Israelis snake the waves I disapprove of Sri Lanka too many people

[@DanHarmon123]

Wow!! Bet that was incredible back then... Proper surf adventure!! But yeah that's when I first went as well and it was crowded!!

[@dennisgordon7767]

as of this week im guessing the Israelis are gone. theyre going home from thailand right now too and im guessing siargao is impacted as well.

[@jecfboi-od1ch]

You should definitely come over to south Africa. Really fun waves to heavy barrels and points like the bluff and obviously jbay. Compared to other places it also pretty cheap and if you want something different between waves go on some safari's

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! On the list to come back for sure! Will try and come back next year :)

[@jecfboi-od1ch]

@@DanHarmon123 Awesome 🤙

[@wesleychaney9095]

I was in Ecuador about a year ago, I planned on staying in Montañita, but got stuck in Ayampe for days due to civil unrest and the locals burning whatever they could get there hands on in the streets. Had to combat drive outve there in the middle of the night 4 hrs back to Guayaquil. Craziest trip of my life. I will go back, but it’ll be sometime. It is insanely affordable.

[@cullenhallbelmont]

i stayed in las tunas for 3 months, that point break a bit further north was really fun on a big swell. Piqueros i think is the name.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Wesley! Yeah wow, I actually got to Ecuador the day after this (as in the day after they lifted the alert/travel advisory! Bet that was so gnarly! Sick story though hahah...

[@wesleychaney9095]

@@cullenhallbelmont I didn’t know about this spot, how far north of Ayampe? Massive beach break where I was

[@alexclint5638]

The quality of your videos are getting really good! Surprisingly I’ve been already in all of those countries, just El Salvador is missing. I feel like now I need to tick that box hahaha

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Alex! Thanks so much, been learning so much and excited to keep making better and better ones.. Sick! Yeah, I'd highly recommend El Salvador!!

[@Molloy1951]

Absurdly useful video. Thank you, Dan

[@santiagoluraschi]

Excelent Dan, Thank you so much buddy!

[@airtonlima1538]

Useful info, thanks Dan! Always enjoy the content here

[@DanHarmon123]

So stoked you like it Airton!! Plenty more surf info coming your way :)

[@josevasquez8610]

Great summary! all what you need to know to start looking for surf destinations

[@DmitryFedorenkoFedrBodr]

Thank you for the grouped information in one place! I subscribe and already share you video with my surf friends)

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Dimitry! Thank you so much! Stoked you found it helpful :)

[@dannywoody5497]

Thanks for this very informative surf video. Greatly appreciated.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Danny!! Stoked you found it helpful :)

[@Brlazer]

A good cheap spot that I know of is in Cartagena, Colombia; I go surfing there every summer and it has two point breaks from different directions since it is a peninsula, you should include this on the list as it has an amazing point break for beginners and advanced surfers.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hi mate! Wicked... I've never even thought about going to Colombia for surfing... but I'll add it to my ever-increasing list of destinations hahaha 😂

[@thejakelinden]

are you sure about this? I was looking for waves in cartagena for a while and never found any !

[@resozz]

Keep it going, I enjoy a lot of your videos

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks mate!! Plenty more vids coming!!

[@mayravanprehn2161]

Super nice video Dan! Thanks for that! I wonder when did you go to Nicaragua and if it works also in winter (Jan/Feb). ✌️

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!! I went in February which (although there were waves) is actually the windiest month for Nica and the water was weirdly cold, so if you can I'd try and got slightly later in the year!! There will be waves though even in Feb!!

[@mayravanprehn2161]

Cool! Thanks for the tip! 🤞✌️

[@malcolmd3670]

Great review. It would be awesome if you could rank the waves as that provides greater insight.

[@AMRKE92]

Thanks mate! Very usefull video

[@antic4mper819]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@dads-weekend]

Very thorough list, thank you. Just arrived in the UK from Cape Town and already missing the waves. I think price wise it would compete with a lot of the places on this list. If you haven't been before you should check it out! Water is UK summer cold though so not a warm water spot in the slightest!

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Good shout, and yeah I've been to South Africa actually and should have included it on the list! Perhaps I'll do a full budget breakdown video of SA later in the series! And totally agree, prices are super cheap (after you get there)!!

[@dads-weekend]

@@DanHarmon123 100%, the flights are what push it out of an ultra budget list of destinations unfortunately. Looking forward to the rest of the series and start my own surf travel journey from the UK soon!

[@ChrisSmith-rd6dm]

Why come to uk from South Africa? I'm just wondering? Cornwall and parts of devon are proabaly the best here but never that great overpriced everywhere here just fsr better places to visit i just returnd from Cornwall was a crap weekend to be honest was either unsurfable or just crap weather so many place betrer than the uk

[@Bigd0gg]

Just got back from EC 🇪🇨 super fun stopped at Salinas, Montanita, and Manta. Can go up to Canoa for heaps of beach break surf.. very affordable gas $2.30/gallon. Cheers 🌊

[@roytal76]

Very good job summarizing those spots.,I've been surfing in all of these places except Morocco (yet) .... how did you missed the Philippines (Siargao)?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Sickkkk... Yeah good point actually. I've not been to the Phillipines yet, but when I do (hopefully later this year) I'll make a budget surf trip vid!!

[@phuketprivateisland441]

I was thinking the same thing. It's cheap, good English, great food, climate and locals. So should have made high on the list...next time.

[@lilsim9068]

Thank you, it’s super helpful

[@DanHarmon123]

Stoked you found it helpful mate!!!

[@xx_PCCR_xx]

This is so helpful and very well presented. Thanks a lot!

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jeffreystiles5716]

great stuff. Can't find the link to the online course you mentioned at the end?

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks, Jeffery!! Yeah, sorry, I'm actually giving my website a huge revamp for next year so the course isn't up at the moment. Will let ya know if I post it again :))

[@joeroche552]

boom subscribed! this is perfect ive recently landed a 3 year gig that gives me 4 months off a year in the winter so this is info i need. my mental short list was nica, sri lanka, mexico, moroc and panama (got a pals house i can crash at so makes it mega budget) so pretty close to your list ill be tuning into the following vids, cheers in advance.

[@jmanpecka]

What job? I'm looking for something exactly like that!

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Sick, epic lifestyle... But yeah defo on the right track with those places! I'm excited for you haha!!

[@joeroche552]

@@jmanpecka Im a conservation biologist, I only really work in field season so winter is playtime.

[@jaredjestr]

You should come check out Jeffreys Bay! It should definitely be on this list

[@DanHarmon123]

Good shout! I've been to South Africa and was definitely cheap! Maybe I'll add this onto the series and do a deep breakdown of the place :)

[@ЧебурашкинМатвей]

thanks dawg! keep on doin these!

[@Godfreed87]

Cheers dude I been thinking deeply about where my first surf holiday over seas would be. You giving me some great inspiration

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Yeah there's are some good starting points in here for sure!! I'm gonna make full breakdowns of each which will hopefully give you more info for where to surf, stay and some tips for navigating each!! Stay tuned!

[@Sebastian-ll6rn]

What's your final choice? 😊

[@myretirementlifeguard459]

Looking to hit Nicaragua in May 2025. going with three or four other Advanced surfers. Any specific suggestions?

[@sonorousAd]

Ecuador is so rad! Definitely check out Manta! San Mateo and San José are top notch waves

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Thanks for the heads up on those joints, will check them out if I go back to Ecuador!!

[@TheCoH66]

Perfect list -> bucket list ;) For pueto escondido, La punta waves are deep and loooong surf (restaurant Chicama so tasty). For Morocco, Sidi Infni in the south could be a fun adventure (less crowed). Just looking your Indonesian videos to chose the best surf destination (Bali already done). Do you think Banyak could be a good solution to avoid crowed spots and quality waves ?(intermediate lvl)

[@ChristopherBedard-tf4bc]

Hey Dan...which vid(s) locations have advice for avoiding steep ATM fees ?

[@krishnaveganathar]

Epic video. Thx. I’m thinking hard.

[@eziopan3418]

Great video bro

[@leonardberverena1030]

Very good video and information ℹ️ 😊

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!! Stoked you found it helpful :)

[@fbvanman]

Thanks for all Ur amazing hard work in giving us this invaluable information mate, Ur a legend🤙

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Thank you! So glad you enjoy the videos, looking forward to sharing more with you :)

[@marie_curie_dima]

Hey man! I've been to Sri Lanka for last two years and it's quite more expensive than 130$ for now. It's fully packed with tourist right now. Shortly 'bout prices. We stayed in Mirissa for surfing. I've been there for a one month (two weeks alone and two weeks with a girl) Together stayed in a private room with a/c, balcony and bathroom. First line, just on a beach, clean room and very nice staff of the hotel (named Brizo) costed 20$ for two and it was pretty cheap. For the first two weeks I tried hostels and good ones with a/c costed like 12$ per night. For the same price you can get a private room but little bit further from the beach and cafes. Bike rental - around 3.5$ per day if you take it for more than 3 weeks. Fuel - around 5$ to make your moped full. Food Local bakery is the cheapest. You spend less than 1$ for a spicy bun. It's so hot so you'll hardly get two. I ate them for breakfasts when traveled by bake somewhere. Cheap and fast. Veggie buffets is pretty cheap too. You spend 5-7$ and eat as much as you want. Average meal in Sri Lanka costed 7$.You can get rice or noodles with meat or roti, something to drink. Nice restarants, like italian pasta or some sushi will cost you from 10 and up to 20$ per meal for one. Meal for two in sushi restaurant in Mirissa was around 35$ without alcohol. Black coffee in coffeeshops wil cost 1-2$, capucino 3-4$ Beer in a store will cost litlle bit less than 1.5$ but if you want to order it in some places where you having dinner or breakfast it will cost at least 2.5 and up to 4$ Also I've met some guys who've been staying there for a longer time and they cook by themselfs its realy cheap. After surfing we've been to Ella to see Lipton tea plantations, Ella is little bit cheaper for food, but more expensive to rent a bike and a room.

[@casizzi1]

Hey appreciate the post, I was also thinking of Sri-Lanka, were the lineups busy or pretty chill?

[@owenmcquarrie586]

Get out of town a bit for .50c papusas. Nothing better than 4 mixto and a Fresca after a good session.

[@fernandotorres4656]

Great job man. But you should never forget to mention the safety factor. I live in Ecuador and have been to Nicaragua and both have their own safety complications. I believe mexico and morroco definetely suffer from this as well to say the least.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Fernando! Yeah of course! All of these places (as you know first hand) have their share of problems and an element of danger. I'm gonna break down each in more detail later this series so I'll make sure I mention that :)

[@rzadigi]

That’s true. But all of these places are safer now than they were in times past. And with the internet and all the information available travel has never been so easy.

[@fabyshchetnkvn7577]

Morocco is quiet safe on Europe level.

[@rzadigi]

@@fabyshchetnkvn7577 Morocco has a lot of sketchy stuff that goes down. We traveled there for a month and will probably never return.

[@AEVMU]

@@rzadigi What kind of stuff did you see?

[@jamesjohnston2228]

Hey @DanHarmon123 Do you know much about Sri Lankan airlines and how many boards you can take as part of your baggage allowance? Cheers boss 👍

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Yeah I've flown with Sri Lankan Airways before and boards were free as checked baggage. But definitely check as I know some airlines have different rules depending on origin/destination. Also, I'm gonna be releasing a "surfboard friendly airlines" video this week so stay tuned for that :))

[@bluedoggum8373]

Can you get to uluwatu from canggu on a moped rental or getting to other breaks is a bit more of a trek

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! Yep, you definitely can! If you go early in the morning, it should only take an hour or so to get from Canggu to Uluwatu, but with traffic sometimes double that! Nowhere is that far away but it usually ends up taking ages because of the traffic!!

[@chelseaandbrandonrae4669]

Nice list! I've been to them all minus Morocco. Headed to El Paredon Guatemala in November and it's going to be CHEAP

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks mate! Sick!! Yeah it's super cheap there also. Maybe that could be a future video...

[@toddschrocatart]

Has anyone done a breakdown of flight costs

[@nickthomson3007]

Hey Dan that was superb mate, I'm quite literally salivating, all of those destinations seem brilliantly accessible. such a much needed piece of travel journalism. I spend so much time in travel wonderland on KZbin, All of the destinations seem just slightly out of reach on my budget, but this has made it clear there not. leaving broken Britain on a budget can still be done. I have recently started using Tik tok and have seen many flight hacks using google etc and not typing a destination and referring to there small map. What would you suggest for cheap flights, I know you've suggested some websites and its a hobby of yours to perfect the art of searching for cheap flights, but all i do is enter rabbit warrens and get pretty lost and lose confidence on making the call. The gap you've filled seems to me quite unique in its placement regarding surf travel. I'm not big on social media, but when you see such generosity in knowledge and advice, it seems crazy not to benefit from this inclusive approach to life, avoiding the pitfalls of screen sapping energy seems less of an issue. I appreciate this, thanks for keeping the dreamies alive mate Cheers.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Nick!! So stoked you found this one helpful as really wanted to make something that showed people what's possible for getting waves on a budget! But yeah, if you're willing to live below your means, stay in hostels, and live modestly, it's insane what you can do!! Yeah, in terms on booking cheap flights, there's a few tricks like suing incognito mode, booking on specific days, but to be honest, I just check it so often and just book whenever I want to go! Maybe this could be a future video idea haha!!

[@nickthomson3007]

@@DanHarmon123 Defo room for flight advice, with your keen use of up to date graphics mate

[@caseyrawhiti7317]

bali in the early 90s was sick

[@DanHarmon123]

I can only imagine!!

[@PriyaHagstrom]

Sri Lanka is not super super cheap anymore would not say cheap even if compare from 8 years ago... But we have waves all year around. I live in Unawatuna down south. From Hikkaduwa down to Hiriketiya you have a lot of good breaks. Remember Sri Lanka went bankrupt after the government robbed the Island. Inflation is super high and Locals really struggling to get around. BUT... SRI LANKA is Stunning the weather, nature, animals, waves, food. Support the locals and come and surf! You can still find cheap hostels and so on, just need to search and hustle little more.

[@johndoe9608]

yeah I've surfed Sri Lanka last two years. Insane crowds, prices creeping up pretty hard.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Epic, Im hoping to come back later this year (so maybe I'll come down that way). Ahhh ok, yeah I realise there have been some issues there in past few years!! But yeah I guess some surfing/tourism dollars can go along way!! Looking forward to coming back :))

[@dolevmazker736]

I was there a week ago. Got pricy but the waves and places are stunning

[@christopherjamesrussell]

Anyone coming from California or Hawaii will think Sri Lanka is the cheapest place they’ve ever seen lol

[@DandbDandb]

You missed out Brazil loads of surfing spots and very affordable. The Philippines could be another options although is not cheap as it used to be 10 years ago. For wicked surfing Siargao and Catanduanes

[@buzz5969]

My WORLDS CHEAPEST SURF DESTINATION is a two minute walk from me casa front door, doesnt cost me anything! Surfs not always pumpin but it does in Typhoon season which we are now in, and when theres no surf the snorkelling and spearfishing is great and NOT A SINGLE KOOK OUT!🏄‍♀️ 🏝️ ☀️ 🐟 🦞

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahhah yeah I should mention that.. Thats always cheaper hahah ;) Sounds like an idyllic place where you live!!

[@Forketti]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@OspreyVision]

That was fantastic! Thank you so much 🤙

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Thank you, frothing you enjoyed it!!

[@bill-gray]

Good video. Well done.

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!!

[@jamespardue3055]

Well done Sir!

[@nol3231]

Awesome video!!!!

[@samfromcanada]

Awesome list Brother

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks Sam!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@jamesjohnston2228]

When did you last go to Bali? I went in 2000 and 2009 and rode mopeds. I’m going back in a few weeks and am hearing about having to get an international driving permit now. Do you have any info on that? Cheers boss

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey James! I'm in Bali now actually, and to be honest I don't know... I don't have one myself but haven't been pulled over. I just try and be careful when i drive, always wear a helmet, drive slow to the left of the road and try and not give any cops a reason to pull me over!! But It's probably not a bad shout getting one to be safe :)

[@jamesjohnston2228]

@@DanHarmon123 thanks man. Yeah, I was dodging coppers back then early on. Cheers 👍

[@gidi3555]

So helpful thanks

[@DanHarmon123]

Glad it was helpful!!!

[@markwatts6072]

so good cheers!

[@Ryanwalms]

wicked vid cheers

[@DDgr8ful]

I am assuming that you have never been to Siargao, Philippines. (Cloud 9) November to March

[@days8973]

Hey yall, when youre traveling do hostels let you keep boards inside? Also how do you get a lift back from the beach if you go somewhere far?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! For the most part, hostels will let you keep boards in the room, sometimes they have areas to keep them. However for smaller hostels (like capsule style beds), you might have to keep them in a storage area, which is annoying if you're surfing everyday! As for getting to/from surf spots, I'd suggest arranging a life back beforehand if there isn't regular taxis and buses to/from the place! Hope that helps :)

[@days8973]

@@DanHarmon123 brilliant thanks

[@ekphotography]

Costa rica use to be one of those but now it almost like Miami,,,LOL I stayed months in Costa Rica in the early 90's for less than a 1000.00US$

[@DanHarmon123]

Wow! Yeah I bet Costa Rica was epic then. Now its insane! I went last year and had to bail to Nicaragua because of the prices hahha!

[@AEVMU]

Northern Spain is a massive wave zone, AirBnB with full kitchens is cheap ($800/month) and maybe $200 a month for food, that's $33 a day for room and board, and public transport is excellent. A cheap hostel is one thing, but if you cook most of your meals you are saving huge money.

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick!! Thanks for the info and Northern Spain is definitely high on the list!

[@Pseudosurfer]

I studied english language and linguistics and have a teaching degree. I've been an english teacher for over 20 years and when I saw what you wrote in the description (teach english = no experience / qualification needed), I clenched my fist seething with anger. Unfortunately, you're accurate in that regard. Any native english speaker can work as a "teacher" and "teach" because people will simply pay for it. But make no mistake, it takes years and passion to become a competent one.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Yep, you're totally correct. It does take years to build up the skills and knowledge to be a great English teacher (as you have done through studying the language and linguistics). However, the company I mention here is a very basic level company for tutors, which is reflected in the pay (around $8 per hour). So as someone as qualified and knowledgeable as yourself, you'd be in a much better position to earn more money and have access to way better jobs. Mentioning this was never meant to take anything away from those who are more qualified :)

[@Pseudosurfer]

@@DanHarmon123 Nothing against you man, all love. I want to thank you for your dedication and for taking the time to put all this information together. You seem like a friendly down to earth guy. keep doing what you're doing.

[@hipsonsogbo]

@@Pseudosurferit doesn’t matter though does it? the more experience and skill you have the less less stress as you have the skills to deal with it, and have more fun with it, less prep for classes because you’re a pro, what does it matter how good someone else is, it’s free market competition, being less qualified only makes the job harder, but an open market allows a range of people in, and there is a market for the unqualified teachers that’s why it exists. Qualifications don’t necessarily make you good at something either. They make you knowledgeable in certain areas.

[@boonnathan]

Sook

[@Pseudosurfer]

kook@@boonnathan

[@Jessejrod]

Epic video mate

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you!!!

[@unemployedrobots]

Rad! Thank you🙏🏽🤙🏽

[@MrSpiftire]

Video idea. Bring your board or save on luggage cost and rent at location? Pros/cons? What's your take and experience?

[@DanHarmon123]

Great video idea!! I'll try make something like that in future!

[@markdearlove8634]

This is brilliant! Subd

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks Mark! So happy you enjoyed this one :)

[@first3lettersofsomescandin256]

Thanks mate!

[@dlacperformance]

I love it !!

[@DanHarmon123]

So stoked you enjoyed the vid! Yew!

[@jerrybow8779]

West Java. $25 per day. 3 meals and accommodation and 1 min walk across the road to the left point

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick!! Good shout, never been there but somewhere I'll check out one day :)

[@edwinhassid.7337]

Ay bro we don’t need any more kooks in Java! no bagus 🤫

where in west java?

[@jerrybow8779]

About an hour south of cimaja

@@jerrybow8779 name of or google map location?

[@thegentleorchestra]

Awesomeness thanks 🙏

[@DanHarmon123]

Stoked you enjoyed the video!!

[@DiegoGarcia-bf8fq]

Amazing

[@hipsonsogbo]

Good info. I was wondering if you could share some info on travelling with a board. How do you get around with a board. Can you buy a reasonable board in these surf destinations. As the cost of travelling with a board can add up. Also I’m gonna be in countries with no surf for a month before I head to countries with surf. Seems like it’s more hassle than it’s worth to carry the board around until you get to the surf location. What are your thoughts on this sort of thing? For example buying a board in mexico for a South America surf trip?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! To be honest I always travel with boards, just because I like to have my own and the bag doubles up as my suitcase. And yes, you're right, it is annoying, and I've spent thousands over the years on board bag fees haha! In many surf towns you'll be able to find half decent boards but it can be tricky depending on what you're looking for. Like affordable high performance boards are pretty rare in these places. I'm going to make a full video on this topic as it's something I get asked about heaps, so stay tuned for that, and I'll break everything down!

[@hipsonsogbo]

@@DanHarmon123 if you could describe your bag, and how you pack your stuff between beaches, how do you protect your board while doing bus rides in countries etc. I'm planning to buy a board once I arrive in central/south America, and use it as I travel he countries, do you have to take foam tape etc how do you keep and pack the board before you move to next place?

[@WetMunky]

​@@hipsonsogbowell, depends on how much protection you want. I just travelled centralamerica for the last half year and brought my own gear (two boards). I always use a proper travel boardbag, because they offer the best protection and packing space (especially when flying). There are also lighter bags available with less protection which are good if you have only one board and dont fly. I usually pack my boards in a surf-sock and wrap them with bubbletape. Then I add my cloths, towels etc and also a yoga mat for added protection. Never had issues bringing the boardbag on busses, taxis,boats etc. Big tipp: get some tie down straps for mounting the bag on car roofs.

[@kevingrandyify]

I bring 3 boards when I travel to Central America, American Airlines charges $30 for a board bag, and buying a board in Mexico isn't going to work for a South America trip, different continent

[@hipsonsogbo]

@@kevingrandyify not sure what you mean? How would it not work? I do hear the price of buying a board in Mexico can be expensive, however carrying a surfboard around for one to 2 months in landlocked countries seems more hassle than it's worth.

[@vsblaak]

Missing Peru in the list!!

[@ask-mw5hk]

I would say Peru is better than el salvador for surfing

[@TheMRSort]

Hey @DanHarmon123 , i've been to Sri Lanka this year, March 2023, SW season, so Ahangama, Mirigama, Kabalana, Mirissa, etc... Amazing place for all good reasons. It´s my surf destination number 1 for sure. In terms of costs, the prices have tripled since 2019 or 2020 because of country bankrupt in that period, but still, very very affortable. Comparing to your reference prices: Beer - 2 dolars; Plate - 5-7 dolars; Rooms - depends on your demands, but i spent 140 dolars a week in a very nice hotel with great breakfast included and 5 min walk form the beach of Kabalana ;) ; Train: i have no idea, i rented a bike. And yes, bus drivers are still f##ck#ing crazy, tho you don´t see accidents :) Cheers

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! Sick! Thanks for the updated price info! Sick and yeah $140 per week for good hotel sounds pretty fair to me hahah!! And that spot is super fun!! And yeah that's true, somehow the crazy driving and traffic seems to flow haha!!

[@bobsmith8124]

Can you go over the cons in another video? Like I know in Ecuador you shouldn’t drink the water or eat anything washed like a salad

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey Bob! Yes, excellent suggestion. I'll make a note of that and add it into the detailed breakdown :)

[@samhillsmithify]

In Bali you missed Medewi!!!

[@DanHarmon123]

Good shout, never been there! But maybe I'll make a full video there one day!

[@danielchica7955]

You definitely need to travel to Colombia, you have surf on the pacific in Nequi Chocó. And in the caribbean in Puerto Colombia, also in Costeño Beach in Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta, great destination, awesome people and also really cheap

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick! Thanks for the heads up... I'll definitely put it on the list! Maybe next year :)

[@dionoakman9953]

Srilankan southcoast is not cheap. After the currency crisis there last year. Local places are generally run down and they are charging triple markup on whatever they can.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! Thanks for the heads up on that one, super helpful! Will try and go back this year and make some more accurate cost breakdowns!

[@ianmajor8227]

I agree it’s changed so much and not for the better, on my last trip last in November I jumped on a flight to the Maldives and scored awesome waves, nice people and way better accommodation

[@drm4857]

Surfboard hire cost in each destination?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate! Good question. I'll do some research as I never really hire boards! But I'll add it to the deep breakdowns of each place :) Stay tuned!

[@drm4857]

Thanks, when I've been to any of the cheap surf spots the vast majority rent boards at least the beginners / intermediate.

[@hansolo8598]

16 turning 17 soon only love in my life is surfing and travelling

[@DanHarmon123]

Epic mate!! You've got so many sick trips and places to see ahead of you!! Feeling of getting waves in a new place never gets old either :)

[@qanonbrasil5255]

The cheapest trip is near my house. $6 for a tool, plus $10 for gas, via garden state parkway , ihu!

[@DanHarmon123]

Yep, that trip is always pretty cheap hahah! Should have included that on the list haha!

[@kenrutkowski1270]

Thank you for not exposing our zone here in SE Asia! 🤣

[@ryancuda45]

there is at least 1 or 2 boats + or 15 in the lineup in se asia everywhere unless the conditions are bad lol. place is packed top to bottom. but its firing and there is plenty of waves for everyone

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahah, plenty of affordable and crowded places in SE Asia as well haha!!

[@fcs77]

There's no way those prices are still up in Bali, I just got back from Uluwatu and definitely everything went up way more than that.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah those prices are still there! But you do have to hunt for the cheaper prices. It's also peak season so prices are also higher!

[@harukrentz435]

Nias Mentawai??

[@DanHarmon123]

Good shout! I've not been there yet, but when i do, I'll make a budget breakdown to add to this series!!

[@PickleballBatman]

Peru chicama the longest waves in the world as low as $20 per day

[@DanHarmon123]

For sure!! Been to Chicama and it was pretty cheap, maybe I'll make a full Peru Budget breakdown!!

[@wonkyupark1113]

also i've been chicama. but food was not cheap. 😂

[@Sebastian-ll6rn]

Don't go

[@rzadigi]

Lots of crime too

[@byronbaybarrels]

how do you fit in writing rick and morty in between?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahaha, man of all trades ;)

[@swiadiapkhazava1119]

Hey mate, Sri Lanka has become slightly more expensive, still manageable though. I'd be wary of scammers as the recent laws and political turmoil have left their mark on the people when I was there in April. Some surfing spots are crowded others are empty. Go in the mornings, good surf all year round. Morocco is brilliant surf, you forgot to mention one really cool surf spot - Imsouane! Africa's longest break. Cheers

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah ok, thanks for the info and heads up on that! I'm heading back there in a couple months so that's super helpful :)

[@stevebelzer4758]

Just great !!! Thanks - all these KZbin surfers like Jamie Onrien do epic videos BUT they say “this place in Mexico is secret , not gonna tell ya “ Thank you

[@DanHarmon123]

Stoked you enjoyed it Steve! And yeah I guess if they're surfing secret spots, that's fair enough and I'd be the same. But these spots are already super well known!!

[@stereothrilla8374]

Another very important quick note on destination surf trips. IF YOU ARE RENTING A BOARD, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH IN LOCAL CURRENCY TO PAY FOR IT. We know it isn’t always practical to travel with your own board and a rented board is always a crapshoot as there are varying levels of quality and it is very hard to assess any internal preexisting damage. Whilst the local board rentals aren’t typically scammy, if you break a board they will have you pay for it and you will get a lot further with dollars rather than trying to put it on a credit card. It may take you out of surfing for a few days but I have heard horror stories of people ending up in jail when they either refused or couldn’t pay up. I have also heard stories of them just letting you go if you can clearly see that the board broke on a fiberglass/epoxy repair line. You don’t want to end up in jail in a third world country.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah, you'll need cash in all these places, but thats hectic!! I've hear of guys having to pay $100-200usd (equivalent) for broken boards but never anyone ending up in jail haha! But worth checking your hire board as much as possible!

[@lingdatang669]

Ecuador $150 / wk Bali $220 , Morocco $315 , Nicaragua $157

[@antondp74]

El Tunco isn’t cheap anymore. An average room is around £50 a night and Papaya Lodge is about £20 a night including the rip off taxes & charges. I was surprised & disappointed by the prices & how crowded the waves were, even at 6am.

[@sparcousa]

TBH, Indonesia offers much more cheaper alternatives for surfing besides Bali, especially areas that's not populated by common tourist 😅 But no doubt Bali is much more convenient compared to the rest I would say.

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah for sure!! I guess Lombok, Sumatra and Sumbawa are all wayyy cheaper. But yeah Bali for the comfort and convenience is hard to beat I reckon!!

[@sparcousa]

@@DanHarmon123 Kuta Lombok should be suffice if wanna have the Bali vibes. But to get to Desert Point is a pain in the arse 🤣

[@rzadigi]

Bali is a nightmare these days. Choose anywhere but Bali 😅😅

[@aricoleman5802]

Puerto escondido has good internet speeds? Can anyone verify?

[@DanHarmon123]

Hi mate! It's ok most of the time, but can drop out sometimes. Selina Hostel has the best wifi in town!!

[@Mannihy]

Ecuadors surfer towns are not really cheap. The groceries im the supermarkets are quite expensive. $2 for a can of beans or sweetcorn. $1 for 400g pasta. Alcohol is expensive too.

[@DanHarmon123]

Hey mate!! Thanks for the heads up on that one!! I don't drink alcohol and mainly bought veggies and rice so maybe it was a lot cheaper for me!?

[@jameskemp4508]

Thanks for the great tips, Dan. Now I just have to get of my A$$ and make it happen. Lol

[@DanHarmon123]

Hahaha no worries James! Yeah, get out there and do it hahah!!