Surfing enthusiasts are always looking to catch the perfect wave, no matter what. Good surfers that have been doing it for years want to find waves that challenge and thrill them. Many travel to different parts of the world just to fill this desire.

There are countless places in the world where surfing enthusiasts can enjoy their sport. To make it easier, we have compiled a brief list of some of the best surfing destination in the world.
Australia - Australia is already a very popular surfing destination. This country is home to the biggest coral reef in the world; the famous Great Barrier Reef, which is an ideal destination for people who enjoy all kinds of water activities. The Gold Coast is one of the more popular surfing destinations in Australia because it has great beaches, good waves and a sub-tropical climate. Unless you decide to backpack, it is also one of the more expensive destinations as it is extremely popular with tourists. Make sure you visit South Stradbroke Island, Burleigh Heads and Kirra to get your surfing fix.

South Africa - You will have to visit Jeffrey's Bay to catch some of the best waves that this country has to offer. It is already one of the top surfing destinations in the world and the best time to visit is between June and August.

Indonesia - This country consists of thousands of islands. The best islands to visit to surf are the Mentawai Islands, which are made up of seventy islets and islands and have tons of waves, just waiting to be caught. To get to these islands from Indonesia's main island of Sumatra you will have to take a ferry or charter a boat. To catch the best waves plan your trip between June and September.

Have you ever wondered how those wonderful synchronized swimmers put on those elegant, beguiling routines? Have you ever felt like trying your hand at it yourself? Believe it or not it is very much possible for even an average level of swimmer to learn the basics and there are entry level classes available for people in the UK. Before you go though, you might want to try a few of these exercises on your own to prepare yourself for what's ahead.

Do plenty of training in the water and lots of cardio exercise to get in shpe. Though, at entry level, you won't be expected to ado anything too complicated to begin with you will need to be physically fit and able to go the distance. If you can't get to the pool as often as you'd like, try cycling or jogging regularly. If you have done any kind of dance classes before that will help too, as you will need to pick up the timing. 

Also, watch plenty of videos of synchronised routines of all levels, basic, advanced and professional. Get an idea of what the possibilities are and how far it can go and try and get a sense of how the routines come together.

If you look at the last two years of women's swimming, one competitor has come out of nowhere to dominate the field. Her name is Rebecca Soni and many people are tipping her to be the best female swimmer ever to hit the water. The American breaststroker has smashed records and hauled medals on her rapid climb to the top and, at age 24 and already two consecutive World Swimmer of Year titles beneath her belt, there is no telling how high she can go.

The story of Soni's rise is truly the stuff of sport's movie legend. As a young 17 year old Soni had failed to qualify for both the 2004 Olympic and 2005 World Championship squads by a pretty wide margin. The following year she had to undergo surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat. By the time the qualifications for the 2008 Olympic team came around Soni was not one of the favourites to achieve rank. The pundits were proven right when Soni finished fourth, two places behind qualifying. Fate, however, smiled on Soni as the second and third place competitors withdrew from the team, opening up a place for her on the squad.

In the Beijing games that year Soni stunned the world by upsetting the heavily favoured Australian Leisel Jones in the 200 metre breaststroke to take the gold, while simultaneously smashing Jones' world record. She also took home two silvers in the 100 metre breaststroke and the relay. Soni had, against all odds, announced herself on the world stage.

Since then success has compounded success. She took both the 100 metre and 200 metre breaststroke at the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships (winning the latter by a staggering 5 seconds), she took 3 golds and a silver home from the 2010 FINA Short Course World Championships and another 3 golds at the 2011 World Championships.

Surfing might look simple from afar but, when it comes down to it, it's a challenging pastime. You have to spend hours learning the basic techniques needed to surf at a decent level. If you've tried it once, and given up, you might be letting go of something that you could one day master. There are many reasons that you should pursue your surfing dreams, and they make the experience worthwhile for yourself on many levels.

If you wish to break away from daily life, free your mind, and release your inner child, then surfing is for you. When you get out on the water and you are able to control the board, there is almost no feeling more fulfilling.

Surfing is a great way to get into shape. It's one of the best workouts that exists, and yet it's still fun and enjoyable – much more so than an afternoon at your local gym. The surf is never the same twice, and you can always find fresh and new ways to ride the waves whilst keeping your body in shape.

Surfing also helps to improve your balance, which can be beneficial in your day-to-day life. If you are a clumsy person, bettering your balance can be extremely helpful. Your whole body will become tighter and stronger, meaning you will notice improvements in other areas of your life.

Surfing can also be a great way to socialise. You can even find new friends whilst you're out on the surf, who you will share something in common with. There is a great sense of camaraderie between surfers, and you can develop strong new friendships.

When you are starting out in the world of surfing, it is important that you find the right location to learn the basics. There are a few factors that affect whether a place is good for newbies or not, some of which include space, wave size, and the number of other surfers present.

You want to try and find somewhere that is relatively free of people, especially experts trying to catch big waves or perform fancy tricks. It is fine if there are other beginners as well, but try to take your inaugural surfing trips in quieter locations. Select a large beach with lots of coastline, this way you prevent yourself getting in the way of other surfers, which helps you to be freer in your learning. You also want an area with waves big enough to surf on, but small enough to learn on.

But the question is - where are these perfect surfing spots? One of the best locations to enjoy some simple surfing practice is in Brazil, specifically Florianopolis. Brazil has huge, sprawling beaches with all sorts of waves and, if you go to an area away from the buzz that still has good beach access, you should find the perfect spot for quiet practice.

Hawaii has quite a few good beaches for those looking to learn. Waikiki is a favourite spot for beginners and many people go there for that reason specifically. The waves are pretty calm and you are surrounded by stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for surfing and relaxing.

Surfing is considered an extremely popular sport, which both female and male athletes and amateurs participate in. If you don’t know how to surf, it is still fun to watch and it’s impressive to watch those individuals who really know how to ride the waves. It’s certainly fascinating for both the surfers and those who are just spectators, but when and where did surfing start?

It is believed that the sport originated in the Polynesian islands over 3,000 years ago. Originally surfing wasn’t a sport at all, but rather an efficient way for fisherman to bring their catch into land. What was once a daily chore, soon turned into a favorite past-time. The ancient Hawaiians described surfing as “he’e nalu” which means “wave-sliding”. They believed the sea had an attached persona, which would reflect their emotions. The sport also served as a training exercise to keep them in top physical shape. It even served as a way of resolving conflicts over wealth, pride and romance.

With the arrival of Captain Cook, the sport soon became less popular as the white men stripped the natives of their superstitious and spiritual beliefs attached to “wave-sliding”. The sport was nearly obliterated, but somehow the Hawaiians held on to it.

In the early 1900s a new spark of interest in surfing broke out, brought about by a group of teenagers named the Beach Boys of Waikiki. Soon, what was once believed to be a sport only practiced by those of Hawaiian descent, surfing was being practiced by Caucasians in California. This is thought to be through the Irish-Hawaiian George Freeth, who earned acclaim as a promotional surfer.

It soon spread all over the Californian coast and a few years later became very popular in the Australian coast, after being introduced by Duke Kahanamoku (a famous and important figure in surf history).

If you are serious about becoming a surfer, then you certainly need to learn the lingo. It’s vital that you understand the language of the waves, as it will help you befriend your fellow surfers and understand their colloquial chit-chat. Surf language can be extensive, but there are a few important words and phrases that you should know if you really want to fit in.

First of all, you should get to know the terms used to describe surfing. To “wipeout” means to fall off your surfboard while on a wave and to “kick-out” means to pull out of a wave. When you walk to the end of your board, this is called “walking the nose”. When you complete an accurate turn on the top of the wave, this is called a “snap”.

There are also words used to describe breaches of surf etiquette. When you cut in front of someone who is riding a wave, you are “dropping in”. You are “snaking” when you obstruct another surfer on a wave. These things are looked upon badly by other surfers and you should avoid doing them.

You also need to learn the slang used to describe different types of waves. A “barrel”, also known as a “tube”, is when the wave forms a tunnel that you can surf in. You refer to waves that break from right to left or left to right respectively as “rights” or “lefts”. “Wind swells” are waves formed by the wind rather than the tide. You call the top of the wave the “lip”.

Also it might be helpful to learn some of the words that surfers use in conversation. Besides the obligatory “dude,” that almost everyone associates with surfers, it is also common to use the word “brah” to describe a buddy. If something is bad, surfers will describe it as “gnarly” or “hairy”, or if it’s really bad, “fubar”.

Surfing is an ancient and old practice. These days, it’s a sport people do for fun but, when it first started, it was a work-related necessity. In the area of Polynesia, native fishermen and sailors began to realise that catching waves on boards was a quicker way to get to shore from their fishing boats. As time passed, the fishermen began to enjoy catching the waves, or surfing, so much and became more interested in it as an actual sport.

It was around the 15th century when natives of the islands in the Pacific began taking part in surfing competitions and sporting events. It became a trendy pastime among the royalty of the islands and, as time went on, so did its popularity amongst the rest of the population.

In the 1700s, James Cook sailed the Pacific and made some observations on surfing. He mentioned seeing a native enjoying riding the surf, just for fun, during his visit to Tahiti. Europeans only started learning about surfing around that time and it still took centuries to become a world-wide pastime.

Eventually, the Polynesians settled in Hawaii, and brought surfing with them. The Hawaiians added a new element to the burgeoning world of surfing by making it a ritual. The Hawaiians also became the most skilled at creating and using surfboards by growing the best trees. When Hawaii was colonised, surfing almost died out though and it remained relatively dormant for many years.

It was only in the 20th century that interest in surfing returned. White Americans as well as natives began to take up surfing, eventually spawning the ‘beach boys’ subculture which is still commonplace today.

Surfing is one of the most popular water sports, and the principle hobby for many people around the globe. Thousands of keen surfers flock to the beaches and shorelines where the best waves can be found every year, to countries all over the world, from Australia to South Africa and Indonesia.

After these surfers have taken off their wetsuits and returned back to their usual lives, they often miss the waves. If this sounds familiar and you are surfing fanatic, as well as a bookworm, then maybe you should consider reading some surf-related literature.

The first place to start is with surfing instructional books. Whether you are a beginner or experienced pro, it is always important to top up your knowledge and know-how with instructional books. You can learn new techniques, tips on how to deal with certain situations, as well as understand the etiquette of surfing. These books can be helpful for surfers of every level.

If you are looking for something equally useful but less formal, then consider surfing magazines. Providing you with a wide range of topics, tips and advice, magazines include, as well as shopping suggestions, enjoyable anecdotes and stories, and much more besides. A magazine is far more digestible than reading than an actual manual, but can still be just as useful and enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of fiction, there are a surprising number of books that are related to surf culture and history. Reading the biographies and autobiographies of your favourite surfers, the icons of the surfing world, can be fascinating and inspiring. There are also novels set in surf culture, and even coffee table books. If you like reading, you can find a world of specialist books in your local bookstore and online.

Surfing is one of the most free and liberating sports that exists - it’s just you and the waves. However, there are some rules and basic etiquette that everybody should abide by when they take to the sea. These guidelines ensure that your surfing doesn’t hamper the experience of others, cause any harm, or become damaging in any way.

Rule 1: Learn about the right of way. You don’t want to surf on someone else’s wave and end up causing a crash, ruining the wave for both of you. The person nearest to the wave’s peak is the one who gets the right of way, and you don’t have a right to cut into their wave. It’s ok to take the other side of the wave - this is called splitting the wave - as long as it’s free of other surfers.

Rule 2: Learn about paddling etiquette. Be careful about where you choose to paddle. Always avoid paddling in the path of someone who is catching a wave, and always go behind them.

Rule 3: Respect your position as a beginner. If you are just starting out, remember that and don’t try to get in other people’s way. Stay away from packed groups, and try to keep your distance where you can to avoid causing problems. That way you won’t distract or throw others off with your ineptness.

Rule 4: Respect the beaches. Don’t dig holes, litter, or bring a dog to a beach where there are lots of people. Surf beaches are far more enjoyable when they are clean and litter free, just how nature made them.