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Surfing in Croatia: Pure Adriatic - Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, and Wave Riding

Surfing in Croatia: Pure Adriatic - Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, and Wave Riding

September 11, 2019

If you love surfing, the Croatian coast is the perfect place for you, and for the following reason: The Blue Flag, which symbolizes that the water and beaches are particularly clean. This is especially exciting for surfers because Croatia is full of attractive surf spots suitable for all types of surfing, such as wave riding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Particularly in the three major surf areas, Istria, Kvarner Bay, and Dalmatia, you can surf in almost every bay along the enchanting Adriatic coast. For those interested in surfing, there are various opportunities to take courses, which are offered not only at the top spots but almost in every bay and every place by the sea. Book the perfect villa in Croatia and try out great surf courses! Especially for beginners and advanced surfers, there are great courses in surf camps, which are the best due to their price-performance ratio. Most surf camps offer the typical full package including course, equipment, accommodation, and breakfast.

The Largest Surfing Areas in Croatia

Surf Spots in Istria

The most popular surf spot: Premantura. A dream for experienced windsurfers – because the "El Dorado" for surfers is located right in the southernmost part of Istria. Beginners should choose one of the calm bays in the area, as moderate wind strengths prevail there, especially in summer. Alternatively, you can find countless bays between Premantura and Pula that invite you to surf.

Surf Spots in Kvarner Bay

The strong winds blowing from the Velebit Mountains over the coast of Kvarner Bay offer the best conditions for windsurfers. Therefore, only experienced surfers should preferably set up their tents on the coast, as practice is advantageous here. The islands of Losinj and Cres in the Kvarner region offer a lot of flat water and ideal retreats for a contemplative stay. The place is a top spot for soul surfers in the off-season. The island of Cres is not suitable for surfing due to the many high cliffs. On the island of Krk, the main facility is directly onshore. The winds there are not very strong but can be tricky. Therefore, this island is more of a top spot for advanced surfers.

Surf Spots in Dalmatia

For water sports enthusiasts, Dalmatia, with its variety of surfing, diving, water skiing, rafting, etc., is the perfect retreat. The most popular surfing area in Dalmatia is the channel between the island of Korcula and the Peljesac peninsula. In the afternoon, it is best for surfing here, as a more pleasant wind prevails at this time of day. Also, on the beach of Zlatni Rat, south of the island of Brac, is another top spot for all water sports enthusiasts. On the island of Bol, you will find the highest waves. In August, there are often Maestrale winds in the south. These warm winds come from the southwest with a regular strength of about 4-5 Bft. Such a wind ensures safe outings for beginners and advanced surfers, which simplifies everything. In the south of the country, there are countless surf schools that offer an attractive program for both beginners and advanced surfers.

The Different Types of Surfing Sports

Surfing is a sport, a lifestyle, and so much more. Among the most popular surfing sports are windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wave surfing.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is dramatic. Between waves, shooting across the water, and going head over heels with the sail – all these are scenarios of various windsurfing disciplines. On a board, with the help of a sail, you move forward. The sail is connected to the surfboard via a mast and a boom, allowing the sail to be rotated and tilted at any time. The most popular meeting point for speed and freestyle enthusiasts is Viganj on the Peljesac Peninsula. Extreme sports enthusiasts, in particular, feel especially at home here.

Kitesurfing

Kiteboarding is the new water sport that fuses many board sports. On a small board (similar to a snowboard), the kiter is pulled over the water with a control bar. The lift of the kite allows for extreme jumps – sometimes even flights. Similar to windsurfing, movement here depends on wind propulsion. In recent years, kitesurfing has developed into an absolute trend sport – and rightly so, as the best places for it are mainly Nin near Zadar or Bol on the island of Brac.

Wave Surfing

Wave surfing, also known as "surfing," is a water sport where the dynamics of a water wave are used to move forward on a surfboard while standing. The surfer is connected to the surfboard with a leash. Ideally, the surfer glides along the face of a wave, making sure not to leave the wave face!

The Best Surf Schools for Beginners in Croatia

The most popular in Croatia are the numerous surf camps, where beginners can regularly exchange ideas with each other and with advanced surfers during courses and leisure activities. Extremely popular with German-speaking tourists is, for example, the surf school "Sunbird" in Mali, Losinj. This school specializes in windsurfing and offers courses including accommodation and breakfast from €240 / week per person. The most popular in Croatia are the numerous surf camps. Here, beginners can regularly exchange ideas with each other and with advanced surfers during courses and leisure activities, and also meet new people. An absolute experience! Other surf course providers in Croatia: Windsurfcenter Novigrad, Porsurf Porec, Sea Sports Opatija, Sunbird, Yellow Cat Kiteboarding, Zoo Station Bol

Where is the best place for beginners to learn surfing?

Which region and season are favored?

In the three major surfing areas, Istria, Kvarner Bay, and Dalmatia, you can surf in almost any bay along the fascinating Croatian coast. It is especially worth planning a trip to the Adriatic in spring or autumn. The hot desert wind, also known as Yugo, really picks up during the cooler season and is perfect for adventurous moments on the water. Additionally, there are architectural masterpieces of the Romans to admire, which culturally round off the adventure.

Are there surf schools for children?

Yes, for children between 6 and 14 years old with a maximum of 3 children per teacher. All are specialists in water sports. Requirement: Swimming.

How long does it take to learn windsurfing?

This varies from person to person. Generally, it is important to have good equipment, find a suitable surf spot, and have a bit of skill and motivation – then nothing stands in the way of the adventure.

Where can I surf best as an experienced wave rider in Croatia?

The islands are almost perfect for truly experiencing wave riding: Nin, Ravni, Rabac, Prelug, Umag, Punta, Sveta Marina

Where can I best stay with my surfing equipment?

There are various places and accommodations where you can stay close to the beach. The optimal accommodation is offered by the experience eco-system Crovillas, where you can book your own villa and live carefree, just as you know it from your own home. Each villa stands out - Each villa is authentic and individual, exquisite and sublime.

What equipment do I need for surfing?

In the surf schools, the equipment is provided. If you want to bring your own equipment to Croatia, you will need the following for wave surfing:

  • Surfboard
  • Surf wax
  • Leash
  • Wetsuit
  • Shoes
  • Board bag
  • Sunscreen

For windsurfing:

  • Surfboard, rig,
  • Sail (camber or RAF sail),
  • Wetsuit and shoes,
  • Board bag, sunscreen.

For kitesurfing:

  • Directional surfboard
  • Twin tips or mutant
  • Lines (bar, control and safety lines),
  • Kite
  • Harness
  • Leash
  • Helmet
  • Impact vest
  • Shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen.