Five Waves to Surf and Bodysurf Before You Die from New zealand to San Francisco

We have put together a mix of five waves to surf before you die (or before they are gone) for two reasons.

1. We have surfed them and loved them.
2. We are trying to bring awareness to the fact that these waves are among the many that are in danger of being destroyed, mostly, if not wholly, by the influence of man.

If you would like to help make a difference and save some waves visit to save the waves and see how you can personally help the organization that is taking action against the industries that are threatening our coasts and waves. 

 

1.  Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Ready for the best right-hand point break of your life? Then Slyde to Jeffreysbaai, simply known as J-Bay.  Located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is an epicenter for premier waves. It's a globally recognized go-to surf destination, with six different breaks to choose from. The most famous break, being SuperTubes, is the host of the Billabong ASP World Tour.

J-Bay consistently delivers fast, powerful, hollow swell perfection. SuperTubes can be surfed using a hand plane, but there are better beach breaks around if you just do a bit of searching. J-Bay and SuperTubes is a must go destination for any serious surfer, with its beautiful break and outstanding surroundings.

Why It's Endangered

J Bay is being threatened by a government-proposed, 400-megawatt nuclear power plant to be built 10 miles away, on the coast of Thyspunt.  Eskom, the South African energy company, plans to build the biggest energy plant in South Africa.  The fallout of building this power plant will threaten the local economy, environment and the long right-handers of J-Bay.

 

2.  Sloat, South Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Looking a fun, unpredictable, world-class wave to challenge you from head to toe? Then Slyde to Sloat in South Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Sloat is a cool, crisp beach break that extends almost 4 miles down the western coast of the city.  This break is a breeding ground for sharks, strong currents, and dynamic waves that in the winter can go from flat to 15 feet in a single day.  Sloat is out of the ordinary and promises to deliver a variety of rides worth talking about. 

Why It's Endangered

Due to the 2009 -2010 El Niño that brought huge surf and powerful waves and caused a huge amount of coastal damage, the government is resorting to "coastal armoring."  Coastal Armoring is a temporary solution to a much bigger problem. The temporary measures can worsen the erosion problem, and in some cases even accelerate it. This will leave the world-class surf breaks of South Sloat with no sand, no beach access and complete destruction of the beach's habitat.

3.  Punta Colorada, Mexico

Ever wanted the waves of Hawaii minus the reef?  Then Slyde to Punta Colorada, Mexico, just outside of Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It's a “Surf Sanctuary,” and a favorite spot among bodyboarders and bodysurfers alike. Called the best wave in Mexico, this renowned beach break delivers warm ocean water with peaky hollow waves. Punta Colorada is like the tasty, colorful candy inside of a Mexican piñata.

Why It's Endangered

Again the government has its hand in the cookie jar with this wave! The Mexican Government has given the right to build a fishing marina in Punta Colorada. The construction of the marina will result in the opening up of a lagoon situated right in front of the beach, with possibly the best wave in Mexico pumping hours of joy onto it. The result, the opening will wipe out the entire beach and destroy the wave, never to be seen again.

 

4.  Bastion Point, Victoria, Australia

Do the words "remote" and "rugged" get you amped? Then Slyde to Bastion Point on the coast of Victoria, Australia. Located in Mallacoota, Australia, this is one of the few point breaks left on the eastern coast of OZ.   It's known for an epic surf break that wraps around the point and on a stellar day, it can create links between the breaks, resulting in epic ½ right-handers. Bastion Point is an uncrowded buried treasure down under.

Why It's Endangered

The Local Bastion Point council plans to build a 130-meter jetty and boat access ramp straight through the famous point break lineup. Bastion Point has been the most popular point in the area for well over 40 years. Bastion Point is a rare jewel, and building the jetty will destroy the fragile waves.

 

5.  Aramoana, New Zealand

Looking for a quality wave, you’ll want to take home to your mother? Slyde to Aramoana in New Zealand.  This beach break is nick-named “The Spit” (no prizes as to why)by locals, and it offers clean peaks and consistent size barrels that spit you out with style. Aramoana is a memorial wave that you just might want to marry. This is an epic handboarding wave, just remember to bring your wetsuit.

Why It's Endangered

The Spit is endangered by the dredging from the port of Otago and the dumping of the harbor spoil right into the swell corridor of the spit.  It's causing the wave to slowly lose its epic status. Surfers, bodysurfers and bodyboarders alike have noticed a steep decline in the quality of the wave due to the dumping, and they fear that the continued dumping of dredged spoil may cause irreversible, adverse effects on the wave quality.