Hey guys!! Hope you enjoy this breakdown. Couldn't fit all the best intermediate surf destinations in the video, but some honorable mentions include Nicaragua, Fuerteventura, Ecuador, El Salvador, Florianopolis, and the Gold Coast!! Let me know what you think of this Intermediate specific content :))
The Gold Coast is so packed you can hardly catch a wave these days at point breaks unless you're very fit. It has very fast moving waves and a strong sweep during strong swells thus requiring strong fitness during these times. I left the sport because it's too crowded.
@@TrueWren wake (cable), kite: air style/freestyle/wakestyle. These seem to have died off though as money is becoming more scarce and equipment more expensive. Though many have gone to foiling which is expensive also. These are all separate board sports which all have cross over. Surfing on a kite is not the same as surfing although its a lot of fun, it's not as good but it's a good rush. The pureness and simplicity of surfing and ability to stay in the pocket is something missing when you attach a kite, although equipment has improved dramatically. It requires conditions which are very rare in most parts of the world.
Fuerteventura is intermediate in september, october maaaybe. November - March is advanced. Too many people surf there that do not have enough skill and their fitness level is not sufficient for the raw power of Atlantic that is hitting the coast. Intermediate spots are basically non existent there during the swell season
Dan, recently came upon your channel and I’m glad I did. Some of your content, like this video, is super appealing to someone like myself who is intermediate to upper intermediate. It’s an interesting stage to be in because you’re not a beginner, but you’re not ripping yet. It seems to be one of the hardest zones to push through and there’s a lot of nuanced advice needed to get there. Thanks for taking the time to focus content on us “tweeners”. Cheers!
Dan you really are the man, great vid, as an intermediate surfer I have been lucky enough to go to all the places you have named on this vid, your advice is spot on. Well done mate.
In my 20 years of surfing the definition of intermediate has changed so much. I started started surfing at like 5 and have considered myself an intermediate for about 20 years because basically I'm not charging double over head cloud break and getting standup barrels or consistently throwing full rotators. I think now what used to be intermediate is advanced? Now intermediate basically means you can do a cutback. Not that any of it matters
Hey mate!! Yeah good point and too be honest I totally agree with you!! And yeah everyone's kind of at their own level, and it really is just an arbitrary label haha!!
@@DanHarmon123 I think it might just have to do with much more people learning to surf at much later ages as surfing has become more mainstream. If I had to learn at 30 instead of 5 I would never surf at the same level I do now.
@@dimitrisk8441 Ehh pro indicates you are a professional that is a world standard. There's no east coast pro vs west coast pro or Med pro vs atlantic pro. But even that definition changes now in the age of influencers who can't surf making more money off surfing that people who compete on the CT. So I guess they're technically pros.
@@Serrf relax... It is not a competition. At least not to me. I love surfing, like many in my country, but we have no waves to train. If someone can ride green waves here, I consider him intermediate. If I was born in hawaii, it would had been a whole different story. Would had probably been very competitive and think of others as Kooks. But instead, I just think anyone who can ride waves as being awesome. I can understand that you think totally differently. Just, wanted to mention that not everybody thinks as you do.
I’m watching this in Peniche, Portugal on a flat day to get inspiration for my next surf trip! I really recommend going to to Peniche or Galicia, Spain. Had a great time there Swells come in more powerful but smaller here than in indonesia for example
Thanks for this video, well done and spot on on all those notes on intermediates and the necessity of the good vibe, I feel identified completely.. going to Ecuador now in a couple of weeks. :-) Happy New New Year!!
Really great content and in my opinion covers a part in a surfers journey that is not talked about a lot! As a landlocked surfer I'm stuck at the intermediate level since a couple of years and I doubt I will ever grow out of it, so it's nice to see content like your's that really helps me out! :) I've also been to all of the spots you've mentioned and couldn't agree more with the locations you've selected. The only spot missing is the Maledives and I'm going there at the end of may. Really hoping for good waves and your Thulusdoo videos were quite helpful!
Mate solid vid with some good options, I was semi set on Sri Lanka but a cheeky road trip from home (uk) through Portugal and Morocco is super temping. CR was the place turned me into me from a white water kook into solid intermediate but it’s defo got way more expensive in the last 10years. And shhhhhhhh about Dominical it’s already hard to get accommodations there 😂
Not sure what you consider Intermediate, but when I was in the Maldives last season there were sooo many people that did not know how to properly surf it was actually dangerous sometimes in the water. It does not help if you are an intermediate surfer from the skill perspective - i.e. you know how to catch a wave, go on the wall, make some type of bottom turn but your understanding of the wave, swell, currents, lineup is on the beginner level. I would say Maldives is advanced skill level only. Maybe during the shoulder season for intermediate but anything between Mid March until mid September is advanced only. Strong swells, super strong currents and very skilled surfers in the water. On a good day at Sultans we were around 40 people in the water, 20-25 intermediate surfers did not catch a single wave and only caused problems. Pasta point is private, Honkey is suuuuper strong and powerful, Jailbrakes has one of the strongest currents I have ever seen, Cokes is advanced...so not much options for Interm in my mind... That is for the Male region, not sure about the other areas of the Maldives.
Hey mate!! Yeah I guess there are varying levels of what an Intermediate surfer is... And yeah Ok, I'm in the Maldives now actually and definitely agree with you. However Ive found that on smaller days on many of these breaks, it would still be decent for upper end Intermediates. I think waves like baby cokes and baby chickens can also be ok for the beginner/lower intermediate level... And yeah there must be some other good spots down south!!
In my opinion, you opening your mouth and doing a video to expose surf spots that are already crowded, resulting in more kooks showing up..... Think about it... What about all the locals in what you do to their surf spots when you promote it to surfers that only make it more crowded and dangerous. You're part of the problem not a part of the solution bro, and if that was my surf spot that you are blowing up on the internet I don't care I'd find a way to find a little time to have a chat with you
@mattgurin6168 Mate the spits he talks about you could literally ask ChatGPT to tell you them, he's not exactly blowing secretspots. Some people are so keen to be angry.
Really enjoyed this video! What’s missing IMO is reference what are the bests periods to go in these spots. I think you started this with Sri Lanka, but then there was no such information ! Anyway I really liked it!
Im pretty stoked on this haha. I started surfing in portugal(been surfing for 2 years). Ive gone out on some pretty intimidating days in supertubos and am finally starting to land some airs. also already surfed coxos and some of the other waves. never taken a surf trip before and as a goofy foot in portugal i wanna go frontside on some long walls. scared as hell of surfing near rocks though haha. thanks for the recommendations!
You sound like you would love Uluwatu or maybe a Bingin style wave, long perfect lefts...Otherwise Sri Lanka is a good place, some nice lefts there too..Costa Rica also Pavones bit fat but still very good fun, the worlds your oyster mate go and see it...
Hey there, I'm from PT, and I've been surfing for a long time now, and i can tell you if you already can surf Coxos and Super Tubos with 2 years of surfing, i think you can go and try Pipeline eheheheheh 😅I mean, those are heavy waves to surf and also very crowded as well. Tell you what, for sure you will like the south west of Sri Lanka near Ahangama. Also Bali is a go to as well but way more crowded.
@@TheMRSort haha I started out at carcavelos so I’m super comfortable with tubes but not very consistently big at carcavelos. Thinking of trying that left slab soon but still pretty scary but yeah excited to travel. Thanks for the advice
@@KlinkerMalik Carcavelos is the best wave to start it, for sure! Where i learned and surf there every day... going there right now, there´s a few ones out there today yewww 🏄
hey Dan! thanks for the great video! I want to go on a surf trip from mid november until christmas this year and I'm unsure wether to go to Sri Lanka or central America. I'm and intermediate surfer working on my turns. Thanks for your advice!!
Awesome video, great content, great channel. Looks like it's blowing up which is well deserved. You look super familiar... were you by chance in Popoyo, Nicaragua in February 2022 👀... small chance I'm sure but would be crazy if you're who I think you are.
@@DanHarmon123 hahah no way!! Your video just came up randomly via the algo, which is perfect cuz I am looking to book a surf trip for this fall and I'm intermediate.. awesome video. But ya I remember you cuz we ate a couple meals like at separate tables next to each other at that one restaurant that's got a little courtyard. It's like the only restaurant that isn't part of a hotel or hostel it seemed like -- white stucco walls. Anyway, at the time I asked you what you did and you had just started to write online I think and you were doing some freelance blog writing/ spinning up a freelance biz. I probably told you I was looking to buy a short-term rental property in New Orleans at the time (maybe I told you that, I don't remember).. anyone, I doubt you will remember me but just seeing your face I was like damn that looks alot just like the dude I met in Popoyo. Crazy man - well I'm really happy that you followed the passion and made this youtube channel. Looks like you're going to crush! Good luck with everything.
Yeah definitely up there as well! Nica has some sick Intermediate spots for sure! Was just trying to keep things concise haha, but perhaps an Intermediate Destinations Volume 2 could be on the cards!!
Dan this is rad, thank you! I had a pretty big ear situation when in Nicaragua (in a noob lol), and completely blew my eardrum and have had issues since. I’m going to Mexico in April (Punta Mita), and I’m nervous to get in the water. 😞 Any earplugs or recommendations? Thank you a million.
I've just always saught solid barreling waves. Worked out great. Noosa and all are too busy and fickle. Indo is key. Learn Bahasa and stay months/years
Really enjoy your well researched videos. One questions and you can maybe answer it: I plan a trip into a camp for June/July 2024. I'd consider myself being low intermediate - therefore guiding and lessons are a priority for me. I found good camps in El Salvador, Nica and, on the other side of the globe, Lombok. I tend to go to Lombok as I think the variety of bays and sheltered reefs (Gerupuk, Don Don...) suits better being low intermediate than the Pacific coast in Central America. Do you have an opinion on that? An answer would be highly appreciated. Your channel will reach at least 10.000 by the end of the year
Hi mate! Thank you so much!! Yeah I guess with both locations, you've got a ton of break variety but in my experience, I haven't seen anywhere (including the Americas) as well set up for beginners/intermediates as Lombok so i think that will be a tough one to beat :))
Thank you so much Richard!! Getting super into it hahah and hopefully going to be doing it full time soon!! I ride a few different boards, always 5'9 thrusters, but riding a Sharp Eye Inferno 72 at the moment!!
Hey Kurt!! Stoked you enjoyed it!! And hmmm, good question! Bali definitely has it's fair share of lefts down on the Bukit Peninsula, but it' super crowded. Otherwise, Ecuador, has fun lefts. Or check out, New Zealand (Raglan), Pavones (Costa Rica), these could be great options!!
Anyone have any tips for bringing boards on trips? Is it best to travel w your own boards, rent boards, or buy a board when you arrive and sell when you leave? How do you transport your boards from airport to spot? Should you bring soft roof racks? Any tips greatly appreciated 😤
Hey Austin! I always travel with my own boards but I guess it depends on how much surfing you'll do and whether good boards are available in the location (to hire). I always just put them under buses or tie them on taxis-usually fine in most places!! I always bring roof ties and tie boards directly onto roofs!!
Get a slightly oversized board bag and use a ton of half cut pool noodles around all the rails and top/bottom board. Some baggage handlers will do whatever they can to damage a board.
Camps and Guides are an excellent recommendation. I would be pretty bummed if I spend a lot of money to get somewhere and not get any waves. A guide/camp will you give a better chance of getting waves.
For me with my natural flexibility. Surfing was easy for me as beginner. But after 15 years I am still considered Intermediate. To me 5% advance, 80% Intermediate, and 15% beginners.
Hey mate!! Yeah to be honest I didn't think of it! I found J-Bay was really fast and difficult to surf in my experience! But yes, I know there's some other sick waves there too though!!
Hey mate!! I do a few different freelance jobs while travelling, such as copywriting and teaching english online, but TH-cam is starting to become my full time job now :))
northern atolls maldives near Male are terrible, i went to jailbreaks, 12 boats rolled up each one full of 15 brazilians at least 80-90 snaking dropping in hassling brazzos is not my idea of a good surf spot, you got that one wrong mate
Dan I love your vids but this one may be misleading, you mention things like 'this is a good place to learn how to do you first turns' or 'here is good to introduce yourself to a pointbreak' and thats not what an intermediate surfer is. Begginer-intermediate stage? Sure. An intermediate surfer is someone who already knows how to make a turn, and is in the process of perfecting them, and also is fully aware of whats going on around themselves. People nowadays think that just because they can ride a green wave theyre not a beginner anymore, or call themselves intermediates when they cant even do a cutback, or be fully in control of their board. Guess no one wants to be a beginner, i just think we should just enjoy the process and enjoy what we do, regardless of our skills.
Hey mate!! Thank you :) I don't think it can be described as misleading because everyones definition of an Intermediate is going to be slightly different. But for me, this is an Intermediate! But I guess there's a spectrum of each level and if you think the definition is different than fair enough :) To be honest, the titles really don't matter, this video is more about giving people good places to practice the skills I mention!!
I disagree most of those places are so full of these dangerous so called intermediates (the worst type of surfers from my experience) and huge amounts of surf schools that they are now unsurfable if you want to improve Id go to a good beachie where you can find a bit of space and avoid points and reef breaks like those
Hey mate!! Yeah, you've got a great point there actually! empty beachies can also be super beneficial to your surfing, or better still, an empty point break!! But you've got to venture along way to find them nowadays hahah!!
Thats what surf travel used to be about finding empty waves not turning up en-masse and ruining other peoples surf at already overcrowded spots - I live at one of the point breaks you mentioned and keeping those so called intermediates in check is a daily issue they are usually just clueless and over enthusiastic but they are making surfing much more dangerous than it needs to be @@DanHarmon123
Blowin out spots so there's more novices in the water. That's what I see. Keep the tips to yourself. Show off knowledge about what you know about surfing. Your so cool man. Let people fiqure this out on Thier own. Everything that is.
Hey mate!! I think sharing (some) spots so others can enjoy what more advanced surfers do is a good thing! There are plenty of uncrowded spots out there (not on TH-cam Homepage) also :)
The truth is, all of this information is now completely available on the internet. People will go to these spots whether or not surfers like Dan educate them on surfing norms, while giving valuable information on how to maintain those norms for people that don’t have outlets to understand that side of surfing. He’s educating people on what to expect, how to respectfully enter into the sport, and avoid confrontations. That is something I can get behind.
Hey mate!! Yeah a few people have said that, the only reason I didn't include it, was because I haven't been there... would love to go one day though :)
I just got back from there. It's crazy, it's like the whole side of the island is just one big break. Had zero line up. It was like everyone had their own wave to themselves with about 70 people out there. Great for beginners. And if one wants to test themselves more...there's cloud 9.@@DanHarmon123
Hey man that would be so awesome if you could do a surf guide in US surfing, maybe the spots on west coast of California or something like that. Would be very appreciated 🙌
Hey guys!! Hope you enjoy this breakdown. Couldn't fit all the best intermediate surf destinations in the video, but some honorable mentions include Nicaragua, Fuerteventura, Ecuador, El Salvador, Florianopolis, and the Gold Coast!! Let me know what you think of this Intermediate specific content :))
The Gold Coast is so packed you can hardly catch a wave these days at point breaks unless you're very fit. It has very fast moving waves and a strong sweep during strong swells thus requiring strong fitness during these times. I left the sport because it's too crowded.
@@cyberanswercurious as to what is the sport of choice, now surfing has been kicked to the kerb?
@@TrueWren wake (cable), kite: air style/freestyle/wakestyle. These seem to have died off though as money is becoming more scarce and equipment more expensive. Though many have gone to foiling which is expensive also. These are all separate board sports which all have cross over. Surfing on a kite is not the same as surfing although its a lot of fun, it's not as good but it's a good rush. The pureness and simplicity of surfing and ability to stay in the pocket is something missing when you attach a kite, although equipment has improved dramatically. It requires conditions which are very rare in most parts of the world.
No Chile? Looked like it was heaven
Fuerteventura is intermediate in september, october maaaybe. November - March is advanced. Too many people surf there that do not have enough skill and their fitness level is not sufficient for the raw power of Atlantic that is hitting the coast. Intermediate spots are basically non existent there during the swell season
Dan, recently came upon your channel and I’m glad I did. Some of your content, like this video, is super appealing to someone like myself who is intermediate to upper intermediate.
It’s an interesting stage to be in because you’re not a beginner, but you’re not ripping yet. It seems to be one of the hardest zones to push through and there’s a lot of nuanced advice needed to get there. Thanks for taking the time to focus content on us “tweeners”. Cheers!
Dan you really are the man, great vid, as an intermediate surfer I have been lucky enough to go to all the places you have named on this vid, your advice is spot on. Well done mate.
Thank you!! Sick, you've already completed the list haha!! :)
Most underrated channel on surfing and traveling! Love your videos. Greetings from, landlocked, Germany
Thank you so much!! That honestly means a lot :))
In my 20 years of surfing the definition of intermediate has changed so much. I started started surfing at like 5 and have considered myself an intermediate for about 20 years because basically I'm not charging double over head cloud break and getting standup barrels or consistently throwing full rotators. I think now what used to be intermediate is advanced? Now intermediate basically means you can do a cutback. Not that any of it matters
Hey mate!! Yeah good point and too be honest I totally agree with you!! And yeah everyone's kind of at their own level, and it really is just an arbitrary label haha!!
@@DanHarmon123 I think it might just have to do with much more people learning to surf at much later ages as surfing has become more mainstream. If I had to learn at 30 instead of 5 I would never surf at the same level I do now.
It mostly depends on where you live. What you describe might be expert to pro level in countries without consistent waves.
@@dimitrisk8441 Ehh pro indicates you are a professional that is a world standard. There's no east coast pro vs west coast pro or Med pro vs atlantic pro. But even that definition changes now in the age of influencers who can't surf making more money off surfing that people who compete on the CT. So I guess they're technically pros.
@@Serrf relax... It is not a competition. At least not to me. I love surfing, like many in my country, but we have no waves to train. If someone can ride green waves here, I consider him intermediate. If I was born in hawaii, it would had been a whole different story. Would had probably been very competitive and think of others as Kooks. But instead, I just think anyone who can ride waves as being awesome. I can understand that you think totally differently. Just, wanted to mention that not everybody thinks as you do.
I’m watching this in Peniche, Portugal on a flat day to get inspiration for my next surf trip!
I really recommend going to to Peniche or Galicia, Spain.
Had a great time there
Swells come in more powerful but smaller here than in indonesia for example
So it does sometimes go flat in Peniche hahah!! Never been to Galicia but defo on the list!
@@DanHarmon123 Do it the scenery is mind blowing..so too is the surf...Mundaka...😍
Thanks for this video, well done and spot on on all those notes on intermediates and the necessity of the good vibe, I feel identified completely.. going to Ecuador now in a couple of weeks. :-) Happy New New Year!!
Thanks, Alma!! Stoked you found it helpful! Wicked, you'll have an epic time down in Ecuador :))
Unexpected Morocco. Happy to see Baleal in the list. Interesting video from a photographer point of view :P
Yeah, I guess it depends on the day!! Did you have anywhere else in mind that could make the list :)?
@@DanHarmon123 Southern California / San Diego
You are just amazing. Always get in a traveling mood when i watch your videos!
Really great content and in my opinion covers a part in a surfers journey that is not talked about a lot! As a landlocked surfer I'm stuck at the intermediate level since a couple of years and I doubt I will ever grow out of it, so it's nice to see content like your's that really helps me out! :)
I've also been to all of the spots you've mentioned and couldn't agree more with the locations you've selected. The only spot missing is the Maledives and I'm going there at the end of may. Really hoping for good waves and your Thulusdoo videos were quite helpful!
Thanks! Great info! Love ❤️ your work 🤙
Costa Rica is a blast but it’s wicked expensive, nearly impossible to travel cheap
Yeah I love CR also but yeah, SOOOO expensive!!
Awesome IM recommendations- just whats needed! Thanks mate
Mate solid vid with some good options, I was semi set on Sri Lanka but a cheeky road trip from home (uk) through Portugal and Morocco is super temping. CR was the place turned me into me from a white water kook into solid intermediate but it’s defo got way more expensive in the last 10years. And shhhhhhhh about Dominical it’s already hard to get accommodations there 😂
Yeah all solid options hahah!! And yeah wicked, I also liked CR but you're right, SOOO Expensive haha!
Did you make an immediate surf trip to Lombok? When. Thanks.
Good video! Thanks fot the info 💎
Another great video. I’m going to Peniche this October. Your video on Peniche is one of the reasons I chose it.
Epic!! That's sick, October is a wicked time to go there as well!! You'll have a sick time!
Cheers for the vid. Stoked for intermediate guide to indo!
Not sure what you consider Intermediate, but when I was in the Maldives last season there were sooo many people that did not know how to properly surf it was actually dangerous sometimes in the water. It does not help if you are an intermediate surfer from the skill perspective - i.e. you know how to catch a wave, go on the wall, make some type of bottom turn but your understanding of the wave, swell, currents, lineup is on the beginner level. I would say Maldives is advanced skill level only. Maybe during the shoulder season for intermediate but anything between Mid March until mid September is advanced only. Strong swells, super strong currents and very skilled surfers in the water. On a good day at Sultans we were around 40 people in the water, 20-25 intermediate surfers did not catch a single wave and only caused problems. Pasta point is private, Honkey is suuuuper strong and powerful, Jailbrakes has one of the strongest currents I have ever seen, Cokes is advanced...so not much options for Interm in my mind... That is for the Male region, not sure about the other areas of the Maldives.
Hey mate!! Yeah I guess there are varying levels of what an Intermediate surfer is... And yeah Ok, I'm in the Maldives now actually and definitely agree with you. However Ive found that on smaller days on many of these breaks, it would still be decent for upper end Intermediates. I think waves like baby cokes and baby chickens can also be ok for the beginner/lower intermediate level... And yeah there must be some other good spots down south!!
In my opinion, you opening your mouth and doing a video to expose surf spots that are already crowded, resulting in more kooks showing up..... Think about it... What about all the locals in what you do to their surf spots when you promote it to surfers that only make it more crowded and dangerous. You're part of the problem not a part of the solution bro, and if that was my surf spot that you are blowing up on the internet I don't care I'd find a way to find a little time to have a chat with you
@mattgurin6168 Mate the spits he talks about you could literally ask ChatGPT to tell you them, he's not exactly blowing secretspots. Some people are so keen to be angry.
Excellent video man. Thanks so much! Anyone organized a trip in October and have any recommendations?
The perfect video for intermediate doesn’t exis…. Wait Dan did it ! Well done mate thanks
Hahah! Thanks Alex! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Dude you videos are f’ing AWESOME.
Thank you so much!! :)
Really enjoyed this video! What’s missing IMO is reference what are the bests periods to go in these spots. I think you started this with Sri Lanka, but then there was no such information ! Anyway I really liked it!
Hey mate!! Damn, maybe I forgot to add the on screen info!! But I'll add the best times to go in the description when I get chance!!
Im pretty stoked on this haha. I started surfing in portugal(been surfing for 2 years). Ive gone out on some pretty intimidating days in supertubos and am finally starting to land some airs. also already surfed coxos and some of the other waves. never taken a surf trip before and as a goofy foot in portugal i wanna go frontside on some long walls. scared as hell of surfing near rocks though haha. thanks for the recommendations!
You sound like you would love Uluwatu or maybe a Bingin style wave, long perfect lefts...Otherwise Sri Lanka is a good place, some nice lefts there too..Costa Rica also Pavones bit fat but still very good fun, the worlds your oyster mate go and see it...
Sick!! Stoked you liked it! That's epic you've been out there, Supers and Coxos still scare me hahah!
Hey there, I'm from PT, and I've been surfing for a long time now, and i can tell you if you already can surf Coxos and Super Tubos with 2 years of surfing, i think you can go and try Pipeline eheheheheh 😅I mean, those are heavy waves to surf and also very crowded as well. Tell you what, for sure you will like the south west of Sri Lanka near Ahangama. Also Bali is a go to as well but way more crowded.
@@TheMRSort haha I started out at carcavelos so I’m super comfortable with tubes but not very consistently big at carcavelos. Thinking of trying that left slab soon but still pretty scary but yeah excited to travel. Thanks for the advice
@@KlinkerMalik Carcavelos is the best wave to start it, for sure! Where i learned and surf there every day... going there right now, there´s a few ones out there today yewww 🏄
Love the videos! Binge watching
refreshingly straight forward content. thanks
Thank you!! Stoked you enjoyed it :)
hey Dan! thanks for the great video!
I want to go on a surf trip from mid november until christmas this year and I'm unsure wether to go to Sri Lanka or central America. I'm and intermediate surfer working on my turns. Thanks for your advice!!
Hey Julian! No problem. Stoked you enjoyed it!! But yeah both destinations will allow you to do just that!!
Awesome video, great content, great channel. Looks like it's blowing up which is well deserved. You look super familiar... were you by chance in Popoyo, Nicaragua in February 2022 👀... small chance I'm sure but would be crazy if you're who I think you are.
Thanks Patrick!! And yeah its growing so fast, so stoked!! Hahha no way, I was in Popoyo exactly then!!! Where did you stay??
@@DanHarmon123 hahah no way!! Your video just came up randomly via the algo, which is perfect cuz I am looking to book a surf trip for this fall and I'm intermediate.. awesome video. But ya I remember you cuz we ate a couple meals like at separate tables next to each other at that one restaurant that's got a little courtyard. It's like the only restaurant that isn't part of a hotel or hostel it seemed like -- white stucco walls.
Anyway, at the time I asked you what you did and you had just started to write online I think and you were doing some freelance blog writing/ spinning up a freelance biz. I probably told you I was looking to buy a short-term rental property in New Orleans at the time (maybe I told you that, I don't remember).. anyone, I doubt you will remember me but just seeing your face I was like damn that looks alot just like the dude I met in Popoyo.
Crazy man - well I'm really happy that you followed the passion and made this youtube channel. Looks like you're going to crush! Good luck with everything.
Great video. I really enjoy your content.
Thank you so much!! Stoked you find it helpful :)
Quite surprised that Nicaragua didn't make this list mate.
Yeah definitely up there as well! Nica has some sick Intermediate spots for sure! Was just trying to keep things concise haha, but perhaps an Intermediate Destinations Volume 2 could be on the cards!!
Noosa can have amazing in the season but it's usually packed!
Yeah you're right! The crowd is INSANE when it's good hahah! But if you get one...
Maldives looks like the dream!
I know!! I'm going there in ten days, so can't wait to share more content about the place! :))
Dan this is rad, thank you! I had a pretty big ear situation when in Nicaragua (in a noob lol), and completely blew my eardrum and have had issues since. I’m going to Mexico in April (Punta Mita), and I’m nervous to get in the water. 😞 Any earplugs or recommendations? Thank you a million.
Awesome video dude! Thankyou
Stoked you enjoyed it :))
I've just always saught solid barreling waves. Worked out great. Noosa and all are too busy and fickle. Indo is key. Learn Bahasa and stay months/years
Yep Noosa is insane for crowds haha!! And yeah that would do wonders for your surfing!!
Great video. Thanks. Well presented.
Thanks Jeff!!
Super useful, thanks Dan!! Might want to work on your pronunciation a bit though haha 😋
This is such a great video. Thanks for doing the homework for me lol
Thank you!! So stoked you found it helpful :)
I also recommend Fuerteventura.
excellent report Dan
Thanks Craig :))
Really enjoy your well researched videos. One questions and you can maybe answer it: I plan a trip into a camp for June/July 2024. I'd consider myself being low intermediate - therefore guiding and lessons are a priority for me. I found good camps in El Salvador, Nica and, on the other side of the globe, Lombok. I tend to go to Lombok as I think the variety of bays and sheltered reefs (Gerupuk, Don Don...) suits better being low intermediate than the Pacific coast in Central America.
Do you have an opinion on that?
An answer would be highly appreciated. Your channel will reach at least 10.000 by the end of the year
Hi mate! Thank you so much!! Yeah I guess with both locations, you've got a ton of break variety but in my experience, I haven't seen anywhere (including the Americas) as well set up for beginners/intermediates as Lombok so i think that will be a tough one to beat :))
@@DanHarmon123 thanks a lot for your expertise! The season June/July fits better for Lombok - I guess that is the decision!
Nice one bro but you missed Siargao, Philippines! All-around one of the best intermediate surf destinations in the world!
Hey mate! Thanks for the suggestion... I haven't been there so didn't know enough to include it!!
Not very consistent though...onshore mostly ?
Get 10 friends, a surf coach, flouro rashies, soft tops and descend upon a crowded point on a perfect day 👌
@desertwalker What does that mean?
Maybe don't bring the ten friends, nothing wrong with a flouro rashie or soft top though...
Stop teaching to surf! Stop Surfcamps and guides!
Peniche in a nutshell 10x😂
And get beat downs
What surfboard do you use? Loving the rate at which you’ve been pumping out videos recently. Deffo going places 🙂
Thank you so much Richard!! Getting super into it hahah and hopefully going to be doing it full time soon!! I ride a few different boards, always 5'9 thrusters, but riding a Sharp Eye Inferno 72 at the moment!!
Don’t forget Dakar Senegal! Epic surf on a peninsula so somewhere is always offshore. Clear water and friendly locals. Not crowded
Been eyeing that spot for a while!! Would love to go there!!
Don't forget to mention all the sharks,sea urchins and sharp reefs.
How is siargao??
I loved this video Dan! I like lefts because I'm goofy foot. What locations should I focus on to get great lefts?
Hey Kurt!! Stoked you enjoyed it!! And hmmm, good question! Bali definitely has it's fair share of lefts down on the Bukit Peninsula, but it' super crowded. Otherwise, Ecuador, has fun lefts. Or check out, New Zealand (Raglan), Pavones (Costa Rica), these could be great options!!
@@DanHarmon123 Peru!!
Epic review!
🙏
Thank You :))
Great review! Waiting for Indonesian destinations, except Bali 🤙
Thank You!! Yes, stay tuned, got so many videos to release but will get around to an Intermediate Indo version ASAP haha!!
Great stuff !
Thank you!! :)
Awesome video
Thanks Steve!!
Great video!
Thanks you!! Hope you found it helpful :))
southern Brazil is also very cool
Great shout!! Yeah I could have included it in this actually!!
Anyone have any tips for bringing boards on trips? Is it best to travel w your own boards, rent boards, or buy a board when you arrive and sell when you leave? How do you transport your boards from airport to spot? Should you bring soft roof racks? Any tips greatly appreciated 😤
Hey Austin! I always travel with my own boards but I guess it depends on how much surfing you'll do and whether good boards are available in the location (to hire). I always just put them under buses or tie them on taxis-usually fine in most places!! I always bring roof ties and tie boards directly onto roofs!!
Get a slightly oversized board bag and use a ton of half cut pool noodles around all the rails and top/bottom board. Some baggage handlers will do whatever they can to damage a board.
Great List.
Thank you :))
Camps and Guides are an excellent recommendation. I would be pretty bummed if I spend a lot of money to get somewhere and not get any waves. A guide/camp will you give a better chance of getting waves.
Yeah for sure!! Can be worth it in some places for sure!! Especially if you're tight for time!
For me with my natural flexibility. Surfing was easy for me as beginner. But after 15 years I am still considered Intermediate. To me 5% advance, 80% Intermediate, and 15% beginners.
Good one!How about a goofy foot video!❤
Thanks!! I'm not Goofy, so might be a tricky one to make ;)
No jbay? Choice of 5 world class take off zones with varying degrees of difficulty. Then another 4 or 5 world class point breaks within 50 km.
Hey mate!! Yeah to be honest I didn't think of it! I found J-Bay was really fast and difficult to surf in my experience! But yes, I know there's some other sick waves there too though!!
Jbay is definitely not suitable for inter.
Please don’t paddle out in j-bay as an intermediate. You won’t have a pleasant experience.
Dan the Man, surfing in Bali by myself at the moment. SIC 5ft left and right reef break. Just don't be a sheep and be adventurous.
Hahaha, good advice ;) Definitely a few uncrowded places out there still ...
10 days surfing alone Dan, just arrived in Bingin, back to hell. So much better in 1989. Feel for you dudes.
Quick question, is this your only source of income whilst you travel, or do tou have another online job to help support you?
Hey mate!! I do a few different freelance jobs while travelling, such as copywriting and teaching english online, but TH-cam is starting to become my full time job now :))
@@DanHarmon123 ok great to know, with the copywriting, is that for some sort of agency or do you sell that as a service to businesses?
@@TrueWrenhe’s made a whole video about this.
Thanks 🤙🏽
No problem 👍
The Philippines also offers lots of breaks for Intermediate surfers
Very expensive ...muslim dictatorship, being bought by China
Thats the Maldives...
Hey mate!! Thanks for the info.. I haven't been there so that's the only reason I didn't include it!!
Im sure you heard of Cloud 9 its right our province
northern atolls maldives near Male are terrible, i went to jailbreaks, 12 boats rolled up each one full of 15 brazilians at least 80-90 snaking dropping in hassling brazzos is not my idea of a good surf spot, you got that one wrong mate
Hahha!! Fair enough! I'm actually in the Maldives right now and although it's not as crowded as it sounded on your trip, it is busy!!
@@DanHarmon123 cokes was probably the best wave I had there one August, solid 8-10' and hardly any crew at that size, very memorable!!
A pal went to one in Indonesia. So many kooks, every wave was a cut off drop in experience.
Definitely happens out here!! Got to get off the beaten track to score uncrowded waves nowadays!!
Is this not blowing up the spots?
Hey mate!! If talking about the most crowded and well-known spots on earth is blowing them up then yeah maybe haha 😂
@@DanHarmon123 😂
Check out all year tropical magic Dominican Republic
Never been there, but would love to check it out one day!!
"Stepping down from the foamy or mid-length" - I'm never gonna make an Intermediate surfer. I'm not bad on a bodyboard though.
Hhaha!! Boogie boarding can be more fun sometimes anyway ahahha 😂
Dan I love your vids but this one may be misleading, you mention things like 'this is a good place to learn how to do you first turns' or 'here is good to introduce yourself to a pointbreak' and thats not what an intermediate surfer is. Begginer-intermediate stage? Sure.
An intermediate surfer is someone who already knows how to make a turn, and is in the process of perfecting them, and also is fully aware of whats going on around themselves.
People nowadays think that just because they can ride a green wave theyre not a beginner anymore, or call themselves intermediates when they cant even do a cutback, or be fully in control of their board.
Guess no one wants to be a beginner, i just think we should just enjoy the process and enjoy what we do, regardless of our skills.
Hey mate!! Thank you :) I don't think it can be described as misleading because everyones definition of an Intermediate is going to be slightly different. But for me, this is an Intermediate! But I guess there's a spectrum of each level and if you think the definition is different than fair enough :) To be honest, the titles really don't matter, this video is more about giving people good places to practice the skills I mention!!
I disagree most of those places are so full of these dangerous so called intermediates (the worst type of surfers from my experience) and huge amounts of surf schools that they are now unsurfable if you want to improve Id go to a good beachie where you can find a bit of space and avoid points and reef breaks like those
Hey mate!! Yeah, you've got a great point there actually! empty beachies can also be super beneficial to your surfing, or better still, an empty point break!! But you've got to venture along way to find them nowadays hahah!!
Thats what surf travel used to be about finding empty waves not turning up en-masse and ruining other peoples surf at already overcrowded spots - I live at one of the point breaks you mentioned and keeping those so called intermediates in check is a daily issue they are usually just clueless and over enthusiastic but they are making surfing much more dangerous than it needs to be @@DanHarmon123
Was waiting for Morocco…
Yep, definitely coulda made it along with a few others! Maybe a second episode coming...
@@DanHarmon123 thanks for the reply. Nice video. Hello from taghazout
What about the Caribbean?...I would also suggest Barbados...Soup Bowl beach when there is a north swell....🙂
Hey Nick!! Epic suggestion! I've never been there, so that's why I didn't include it! Thanks for the heads up though :))
Ah ah that angry local in Mauritius ! 😅
Hahha I know!! How gnarly is that, I wonder how he'd react to a "Complete Guide to Mauritius" Video 😂
Blowin out spots so there's more novices in the water. That's what I see. Keep the tips to yourself. Show off knowledge about what you know about surfing. Your so cool man. Let people fiqure this out on Thier own. Everything that is.
Hey mate!! I think sharing (some) spots so others can enjoy what more advanced surfers do is a good thing! There are plenty of uncrowded spots out there (not on TH-cam Homepage) also :)
Yeah chill out will Hanley
The truth is, all of this information is now completely available on the internet. People will go to these spots whether or not surfers like Dan educate them on surfing norms, while giving valuable information on how to maintain those norms for people that don’t have outlets to understand that side of surfing. He’s educating people on what to expect, how to respectfully enter into the sport, and avoid confrontations. That is something I can get behind.
Bud if you go to these places looking for breaks for yourself you’re wayyyy behind and also a follower
I'm amazed Siargao wasnt mentioned.
Hey mate!! Yeah a few people have said that, the only reason I didn't include it, was because I haven't been there... would love to go one day though :)
I just got back from there. It's crazy, it's like the whole side of the island is just one big break. Had zero line up. It was like everyone had their own wave to themselves with about 70 people out there. Great for beginners. And if one wants to test themselves more...there's cloud 9.@@DanHarmon123
Quickly gonna become the most hated man in surfing. I'm sure the locals love you
Hey man that would be so awesome if you could do a surf guide in US surfing, maybe the spots on west coast of California or something like that. Would be very appreciated 🙌
Hey mate!! yeah wicked, stay tuned!! I'll try and make some more region specific guides in a similar style!!
I think Dan must promote his home break so that the entire world can descend upon his lineup and trash his whole reality.
Hahah, if you want to come and surf 2ft onshore slop in England, be my guest... 😂 Just bring ya 6mm, boots, hood and a good groveller...
Aussies are some of the most petty agro people on the planet, i would hate to surf next them
Just stay in France at bourdaines with the rest of the Kooks ...
Hhaha, yeah on small days, France can be good, but if it gets over 2ft I think its the rippiest, hardest place to surf ever hahah!!
🤙🤙
j bay
I found j-bay so hard to surf to be honest even as an advanced surfer, as it was so fast!! But that said I've only surfed it on a couple of swells...
Nica>CR. Playa Maderas
Talks about what an intermediate surfer is - shows clips of expert surfers?
Showing "The Goal"!!