Hostels

There are beach hostels and there are surf hostels and theyre really pretty different. The average beach hostel tends to be a party house while surf hostels are near good waves and people collapse at night after being in the water all day. It isnt to say there isnt a decent party now and again, but dont go there thinking thats what youll find.

Surf N Stay in Rio is about an hour out of the city and on a beach with fantastic waves. While its only convenient for surfers, thats why people go there. Theyve got lesson and you can hire a board. Most people tend to hang for a while if theyre into surfing.
Australia has Bondi Beach and Surfers Paradise but the good surfer hostels are at Margaret River. Surfpoint is a hostel near all the good breaks and if you decide to stay for a while, its easy to find work as a fruit picker in the orchards close by. Punta Hermosa is a surfers town to begin with and is a number one stop in Peru. The Surf Camp there is cheap and a very chilled place to stay. If you can get to South Africa or Costa Rica, there are several good surf hostels in both countries and if you cant get out of the States, theres great one in L.A. at Hermosa Beach. Its right at the beach and some of the rooms look out at the ocean. Its a good party area so dont expect super cheap prices, but its in the country, you know?

If youve never stayed at a surf hostel, do some asking around about where the best waves are and what time of the year is best to go. Since some of them are off the beaten path, you will want some upfront info if youre carrying your board.