Where to surf. Surfing in winter Where is the best surfing
Warm sea, sun, sparkling spray and big waves are the perfect backdrop for surfing. It is a pity that in many regions of the planet the surfing season is not constant - hot months give way to cold ones, periods of rain alternate with dry ones, and on coasts with good waves there is periodically complete calm. Fortunately, athletes are not limited in their movements around the world and can choose surf spots depending on their preferences and capabilities.
We will consider two options for surfing destinations: warm countries where our athletes go during the frosty winter and countries where surfing is preferable in cold water.
Winter surfing in warm countries
The further a region is from Russia and the closer it is to the equator, the warmer it is during the Russian snowy winter. It is to the following countries that beginner surfers and professional athletes go in winter to enjoy the hot sun and warm water.
This South Asian island is located in the Indian Ocean and was formerly known as Ceylon. The subequatorial climate is unusual for us, but it is all the more pleasant and interesting to come to such countries in the winter months, because real summer reigns here: the air warms up to +31 °C in January-February, and the water reaches +28 °C.
The season is considered suitable for surfers from November to April, waves rise up to 3 m. Popular spots on the island of Sri Lanka: Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Galle and others.
One of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole world. Thailand enjoys favorable weather for swimming and surfing all year round, with our winter months here considered cool, with air between +21°C and 27°C - excellent weather for extended periods of outdoor and open water activities. Famous spots among surfers: Phuket, Samet, Tao, Samui, Chang. Consultation with a surf guide is necessary, as there are coral reefs on some coasts and beaches, which are especially dangerous during low tides.
Recreation and sports in Bali are a little more expensive than in Thailand, this is explained not only by the distance from Europe, but also by the isolation of island life. In Bali, the development of the tourism sector, including sports tourism, is proceeding at a rapid pace. This is also favored by the climate of the island: the average annual water temperature in the ocean is +26 °C.
The season is divided into dry (summer-autumn) and wet (winter-spring). In summer, surfers choose the west coast, and in winter, the east (spots Nusa Dua, Sanur, Keramas). Traditionally, tourists flock to Asian countries during the dry season, but in Bali the difference between the seasons is not very noticeable. Even in the rainiest January-February, showers occur mainly at night, but at this time there are many fewer tourists, which suits all surfers.
→ South Africa
It gets cool and damp here during our usual summer. But from September to April the real heat sets in (from +20 °C to 42 °C). During the Christmas and New Year holidays, the beaches of South Africa, especially in its large coastal cities - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and others, are filled with thousands of tourists.
The South African months of November–February are quite hot for Europeans, including Russians, but September–October and March–April are quite favorable for surfing. Among the disadvantages of vacationing in this country are the high crime rate in large cities and the presence of sharks in the ocean, but their appearance in coastal waters is monitored by rescuers and specialists. services, warning athletes and swimmers with red flags.
Winter surfing in cold water
What attracts surfers to water whose temperature is several degrees lower than comfortable? What makes them wear warm wetsuits, helmets and boots? The answer is obvious - stable strong waves formed due to cold ocean/sea currents or winds, as well as a complete absence of swimmers on the coasts and in the water, which cause inconvenience to athletes. Of course, such surfing can only be called winter surfing only conditionally, because when choosing where to go, athletes only look at countries where the temperature is always above zero, even if noticeably lower than usual and comfortable.
A distinctive feature of winter surfing in cold water is the need for equipment, light or warm wetsuits. Even a water temperature of +18 °C already forces you to wear a wetsuit, not to mention +12+14 °C.
The Portuguese shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean, which is turbulent almost all year round, which guarantees good or at least decent waves at any time. Thanks to the constant waves and short distance, Portugal is considered the most popular surfing destination in Europe among our citizens (the distance to Lisbon from Moscow is 3900 km, from St. Petersburg 3600 km).
For professional athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts, the value of this destination rises sharply in winter. When there is snow in Russia, and the reservoirs are covered with ice or the water temperature in them is “close to zero”, the ocean pushes waves above 30 m to the Portuguese shores. Such large sharp waves, wrapped in pipes, are observed from November to February, water temperature does not rise above +14 °C, which forces you to wear winter kit: not only a warm wetsuit, but also a helmet, boots, and gloves. If desired, on the Portuguese coast you can find spots with a small foamy wave suitable for training, but beginners rarely choose this direction due to the low temperatures.
Canary Islands
They are under the jurisdiction of Spain, but significantly south of it. The warmer and milder climate and location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean help attract surfers even in winter. In addition, waves, thanks to underwater currents, are present in winter on all coasts of the islands included in the archipelago - both on Tenerife and Lanzarote or Gran Canaria. The water temperature in the coldest month is +16+18 °C, although in summer the ocean rarely warms up above +20 °C. The air temperature reaches +25 °C, but for surfing you need to wear at least light wetsuits.
Geographically located between Portugal and the Canary Islands, therefore the climatic features and conditions for surfing in winter in these countries are similar. Morocco's coastline stretches for more than 1.8 thousand km, and almost all of it is suitable for surfing and related sports that require wind and strong waves.
Surfing in cold water is possible not only abroad, but also in our country. The eastern coasts of Russia are suitable for this extreme sport, even in winter. Unfortunately, our surf infrastructure is not yet developed, schools and equipment rental points are rare, but there is no influx of tourists - in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and Primorye (Vladivostok) the beaches are almost deserted. They also go surfing on the Baltic Sea all year round (Zelenogradsk, Svetlogorsk). But in the Gulf of Finland from December to March it is impossible to do this, but the St. Petersburg surf school WSGS organizes surf trips to any country and point in Russia.
On the Black Sea coast, surfing is possible only in the winter months, when tourists leave and a sufficient wave rises (the best places are Anapa, Sochi, Crimea).
In Moscow and many Russian cities, surfing has become available in pools with artificial waves. Perhaps in the near future, surfers will be allowed to conquer wild rivers and streams, as, for example, the Eisbach stream in Munich was opened to surfers.
Insurance
Surfing is an extreme sport. Unfortunately, we are not always able to prevent injuries and falls. So, when surfing, cuts, bruises on the board or stones, and collisions with other athletes occur. If it is enough to cover minor bruises with ice and treat scratches with brilliant green, then more serious injuries often require specialized medical care or consultation with a trauma surgeon. In Russia, our fellow citizens receive medical care under the insurance policy, but in other countries, for a visit to the doctor or hospitalization, you will have to pay a decent amount, sometimes exceeding the cost of a trip.
To protect your wallet from this type of expense, all athletes traveling abroad or tourists planning to go surfing are advised to take out international health insurance that covers the risk of any sports injury. If insurance has not been taken out in advance, then when paying for a surfing course, you must take it out, at least only for the duration of the lessons.
November in surfing is one of the best months of the year, because at this time you can find excellent waves for surfing in combination with good weather in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.
At this time, frequent and good storms come, due to which powerful waves are formed. This means that whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, you'll have plenty of great options to choose from when it comes to surfing in November.
Surfing in November in Sri Lanka
The surfing season in Sri Lanka starts around mid-October, but the waves really start to “pump” the Indian Ocean in November. Therefore, November is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka if you are serious about mastering surfing. The most popular places among surfers are Hikkaduwa and Weligama, and in recent years the town of Unawatuna has begun to gain popularity, next to which is Devata Beach, which has a long coastline and good waves for beginners and intermediates. Unawatuna is also distinguished by its affordable housing prices, so if you are planning to save money during your trip, then choose a surf camp in Unawatuna.
Hikkaduwa will be more attractive to intermediate surfers as the waves here are generated by a reef. If you want to combine a good beach holiday in a hotel with learning to surf, then choose Weligama - a large selection of hotels from 3 to 5 stars right on the ocean, as well as excellent waves for beginners and intermediates make this place a real paradise for surfers. Our surf camp in Weligama offers a balanced program of surfing, yoga and excursions combined with accommodation in a 3* hotel right on the ocean.
The temperature in Sri Lanka in November is very comfortable - the air warms up to 29 degrees, the water - up to 27 degrees. There may be rain in November, as this is the end of the rainy season in Sri Lanka, but it does not interfere with surfing.
Surfing in November in the Philippines
November in the Philippines is the wettest month and also the month of big waves. In general, big waves come to the Philippines from about August to November, but the Philippines is at its best in October and November. So in November, surfing in the Philippines will be very interesting for intermediate surfers, but there are also places to surf for beginners. Surfing beaches are scattered literally all over the island, and while at one spot huge waves swirl into tubes, at another there are small waves that are convenient for beginners.
Instead of wasting days searching for the perfect surf spot just for our level, take surf lessons or a full surf camp package in the Philippines.
Surfing in November in Bali
In November, the rainy season usually begins in Bali, which directly affects the surf spots. November in Bali is a transition period when the spots in the west of the island stop working and the time on the east coast begins. In November, Bali offers excellent surfing waves for both beginners and intermediate surfers on the east coast of the island. The most popular surf spots are Nusa Dua or Serangan as they are suitable for all surfing levels. Continuing surfers who are confident in their abilities will be interested in the Sanur spot.
Regardless of your surfing level, you can choose any of our surf schools in Bali, in November all of our schools organize lessons on the best beaches most suitable for learning to surf.
Surfing in November in Morocco
In Morocco in November, both beginners and intermediate surfers will find excellent conditions for surfing. In November, the Atlantic Ocean brings excellent waves to the entire west coast of Morocco from Sidi Ifni to Casablanca. One of the most popular resorts for holidays and surfing is Agadir, and in November there are good waves for surfing for both beginners and intermediates. For beginners in surfing in November, almost any sandy beach is suitable, of which there are a huge number along the entire coast. In order not to look for the best conditions for surfing and not rack your brains over how to ride the wave, it is better to turn to professionals. Our schools in Sidi Ifni, as well as in Taghazout and Agadir will be happy to help you master surfing.
For intermediate surfers, it will be interesting at Anchor Point (reef spot) or Imsouane (point break with a long right wave, the dream of everyone who rides a longboard).
The climate in November in Morocco is also very comfortable. By November the heat has already subsided, but it is still very warm (an average of 25 degrees during the day). The water is quite warm - about 19-20 degrees; a full 3/2 wetsuit is enough for surfing.
If you want to come to Morocco in November to go surfing, contact us and we will organize the best surf holiday in Morocco for you.
Surfing in November in Portugal
Surfing in November in Portugal will be very good if you prepare properly for your trip. November in Portugal is a fairly cold month with an average air temperature of 13-18 degrees and water temperature of 16 degrees. It can also rain in Portugal in November.
But at the same time, November in Portugal is one of the best months for surfing. At this time, there are excellent waves both for beginners (good powerful foam and small waves) and for confident surfers (at some spots there are powerful big waves that wrap into tubes).
Therefore, in order to enjoy surfing in Portugal in November, you just need to properly prepare for the trip with clothes: a raincoat, tracksuit, warm jacket and hat will save you from all bad weather. For surfing, you will need a full 4/3 wetsuit (preferably with a hood), as well as water shoes to avoid freezing in the water. If you go to a surf camp in Portugal or take surf lessons at a surf school, you won't have to think about surfing equipment in advance. Everything you need will be given to you at the surf school.
Believe me, the moment you step into the water and ride the Portuguese waves, any memories of bad weather will immediately disappear.
Surfing in November in Goa
November brings joy to everyone who decides to try surfing in Goa. At this time there is a high probability of catching good waves. Local waves differ from ocean waves: they are smoother and smaller in size (average wave height is about 1-1.5 meters). The waves in Goa are convenient for beginners - learning to surf on such waves is easier than on ocean waves. True, the next time you go surfing on the ocean, you will most likely be very surprised by the size and power of the ocean waves. In any case, if you have already decided that you are going to Goa, then in November you will definitely be able to go surfing here. Surfing in Goa in November, as in other months, is mainly distributed in the northern part, for example, on the beaches of Arambol and Ashvem. There are surf schools and surfboard rentals here.
If you want to study directly on the ocean waves or small waves have not been interesting to you for a long time, then it is better to choose Sri Lanka, Bali, Philippines, Mexico, Morocco or Spain in November. In November, the season there is in full swing, and the waves will be much more powerful than in Goa.
Surfing in November in Cuba
The infrastructure for surfing in Cuba is practically undeveloped. There are no conditions for beginners in surfing in Cuba yet, since there are no surf schools. You should only go to Cuba with your surfboard, leash and wax, since it is almost impossible to get these things in Cuba for sale or rental. But if you are a trained surfer and are traveling with your surfboard, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the absence of people on the lineups. On the busiest days, you can hardly count about 10 people at the Cuban spots. This is due, firstly, to the lack of infrastructure, and secondly, to the fact that surfing is not yet very developed among the Cubans themselves.
In November in Cuba, waves come to the south and east of the island; these are quite large waves, since they are formed by strong hurricanes far in the ocean. The most popular surfing spots in Cuba in November are Cayo Coco, Playa Costa Verde, Playa Caletones, as well as several beaches in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo Bay.
If you are just a beginner surfer, then not far from Cuba, in the Dominican Republic there are excellent waves for beginners and intermediate surfers. There is a Russian surfing school in the Dominican Republic, where you can take surfing lessons or a package of surfing lessons with accommodation.
Surfing in November in Phuket
Photo of our client Mikhail Goncharov
Phuket is considered the surfing capital of Thailand. Of course, it is necessary to clarify that conditions for surfing in Thailand are changeable and do not always exist. If the purpose of your trip is surfing, then it is better to choose destinations with more stable waves, such as Sri Lanka, Bali, Philippines, Morocco, Spain, Portugal or Mexico.
If you have already purchased a hot ticket to Phuket and dream of trying surfing there, then read on.
Waves usually arrive in Phuket from May to October. Of course, there are waves not every day, but you can ride several times during your vacation. In Phuket, waves can reach 2-3 meters in height, but since they break quite quickly, the average wave length reaches about 50 meters. This is enough for beginners, but most likely it will be a bit boring for those who continue. The waves mainly come to the southwestern coast of Phuket. The most popular due to the stability of the waves is Kata Beach, where you can find surfboard rentals. Waves also come to the beaches of Surin, Kalim, Patong and some others. Before heading out for a wave, check with locals or other surfers about where it is best to enter the water, as there may be pitfalls in some places.
In November, the likelihood of surfing in Phuket is extremely low, since the waves come here very rarely during this month, if at all. But if you are determined to try surfing in Thailand, there is an artificial wave on Kata Beach. Let's be honest, an artificial wave bears little resemblance to real surfing, but for those who are bored lying on the beach, it will definitely be to their liking.
Fans of wave boarding know that the opportunity to find the “right” wave is available all year round. And there are countries that are ideal for autumn and winter surfing. Among them, experts highlight Sri Lanka, Fr. Bali, Portugal, Maldives, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, France, and, oddly enough, Russia.
So, surfing in November - where to go?
Surfing in November in Sri Lanka
An excellent place for both professionals and beginners, who have access to dozens of surf schools with the best instructors and equipment rental. The surfing season begins in November, so there is no need to worry about where to go surfing in the cold, dank autumn month. Among the places especially popular for lovers of wave riding are
Hikkaduwa (Hikkaduwa) is a place for active recreation. The wave height in November reaches 1-3 m. Accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses. There are places ideal for beginners (Hikkaduwa South) and suitable exclusively for professionals (Bennys) familiar with dangerous waves.
Weligama – located south of Hikkaduwa. During the New Year holidays it is especially popular among Russian beginner surfers. For them, the Russian surf school SurfDiscovery organizes training in Weligama by Russian instructors.
Surfing in November in Bali
From November to March, the best waves will be on the east coast. Surfers during this period choose Nusa Dua in the southeastern part of Bali (the most popular spot for athletes of any level is Nusa Dua Grand Hyatt, or for expert level - Geger beach and Nikko beach), or Serangan (spots for athletes of all levels), Sanur ( Sanur reef – for advanced).
Surfing in November in Portugal
Guincho is located near the town of Cascais. You can get to Guincho from Lisbon in about an hour. The kilometer-long beach, surrounded by beautiful cliffs, is an excellent place for beginners and surfing enthusiasts. Wave height – up to 1.5 m. In the morning, Guincho is almost empty, while in the afternoon it is maximally filled with surfers. The most popular surf spots: Sao Pedro, Sao Joao, Carcavelos, Santo Amaro, Parede.
Surfing in November in the Maldives
In November, the weather in the Maldives is good, the wave size ranges from small to medium, the water temperature is about 27 C. Features of surfing on the islands: all the atolls are separated from each other and getting from island to island is more problematic than anywhere else due to the tides and low tides. In addition, it is quite difficult to find a Russian-speaking instructor in the Maldives. There are also problems with renting equipment. This is why it makes sense to use a surf safari service. Yachts with Russian-speaking instructors and the necessary equipment will deliver surfers to the desired surf spot - fortunately, in the Maldives you can find waves for both beginners and professionals. “Cokes” is for those who prefer speed and racing. Ninja is a great surfing for beginners. Laamu and Huvadhu are atolls that, with the arrival of the monsoons, turn into a paradise for lovers of high waves. When skiing near the rocks, a helmet is required. You should ask in advance, especially for beginners, about strong changing currents.
Surfing in November in Morocco
From November to February, the Atlantic Ocean delights surfers with especially high and beautiful waves, so November is one of the best months for surfing in Morocco. The most popular places for learning and boarding are in Agadir, Tamrakht, Taghazout. In the surf spot Tamraght, which is located 15 min. drive from Agadir, there are Russian-speaking instructors, which is especially important for beginners who want to learn to surf. Another advantage of boarding in Morocco is the full package of training camps, where you can receive lessons from an instructor, live in full board, and communicate with surfing enthusiasts. Such conditions are offered for students of any level.
Surfing in November in South Africa
The summer season from October to March (given that the country is in a different hemisphere) is famous for its soft waves, ideal for learning to surf for beginners and intermediate surfers. The air temperature at this time can reach 40 degrees, while the water will be much cooler depending on the currents, so surfers are recommended to surf exclusively in wetsuits that protect against cool winds and sunburn. KwaZulu Natal – the wave height in this spot reaches 3 m, so it will be relevant for professionals. Apart from its gentle waves, Buffalo Bay is also famous for the fact that whales swim there from May to November.
Surfing in November in Spain
The northern coast of Spain is one of the most popular surfing spots in November. The water temperature fluctuates in the range of +16-+17 degrees, so for boarding you will need a 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm wetsuit. The high wave season lasts from November to March. Tarifa is a place where there are good waves all year round, so professionals willingly come there. For beginners, Roses Bay is more suitable with soft waves and little wind.
Surfing in November in France
The best places for surfing are Hossegor, Biarritz, Laben. In November the waves are quite strong, so only professionals can afford boarding in Laben, while Hossegor has a milder wind and wave pattern and is perfect for year-round training for beginners. You should take into account the water temperature, which in autumn and winter does not exceed 13-14 degrees Celsius, and get good equipment in the form of a full wetsuit.
Surfing in November in Russia
Russia is characterized by low air and water temperatures in the autumn-winter period, so not all spots are suitable for skiing in November. Surfspot Pionersky in Kaliningrad, surfspots on the Kamchatka Peninsula, where the temperature in winter drops to +4 C and a winter wetsuit with a thickness of at least 6 mm is required.
Surfing in November, where the waves are high - there are quite a few such places on earth. Each of them is unique and differs from others in bottom topography, water temperature and wave height. One thing is for sure: November is a great month for boarding for both beginners and professionals!
The beaches of the Kamchatka Territory are popular - in summer they are crowded. However, they are not like beaches in warm regions: there is no usual abundance of retail outlets and rental offices, and therefore no excitement around them. Most come here to simply relax on the shore and enjoy the wind blowing from the ocean. Not everyone dares, because the water temperature, even in summer, rarely rises above 15 degrees. Therefore, there is freedom here for surfers!
Vladivostok: Sea of Japan
Even residents of Vladivostok itself have not heard of many places suitable for surfing. Surfing here is just gaining popularity, and you can enjoy the pristine nature and secluded atmosphere. One of the stages of the Russian surfing championship takes place here every year.
- Spots: Russky Island (Cape Akhlestyshev), Reineke Island, bays and gulfs.
- Season: May - October.
- Schools: Swell, vlBarrel, Surf Bro.
St. Petersburg: Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga
Just an hour and a half drive from St. Petersburg there is the opportunity to go surfing. The waves here are special: from the shore they seem small, but this is a mistaken impression - surfing is quite possible. The beaches are safe: sandy, suitable for beginners. True, in winter the reservoirs of the Leningrad region are covered with ice.
- Spots: Cape Flotsky, Solnechnoye village, Priozersk city.
- Season: April - November, but sometimes the weather allows you to ride until mid-winter.
- Schools: SurfHolidays, “Russian surfing”.
Kaliningrad: Baltic Sea
This place is right behind Kamchatka in popularity among surfers in Russia. There are all types of waves and many spots for different skill levels. The most stable waves are in Zelenogradsk, which is easily accessible from Kaliningrad even by public transport.
- Spots: Zelenogradsk, Rybachy, Svetlogorsk, Khmelevka.
- Season: all year round.
- Schools: König Surf Club, SurfHolidays, RussiaGoSurf.
Krasnodar region: Black Sea
Surfing on the Black Sea is very different from ocean surfing - it is more difficult. After all, the wave here is exclusively wind-driven and much less predictable. But you can still catch it during stormy days, give or take a couple of days. The surf season on the Black Sea falls in the winter months - an additional plus for those who miss salty water in winter.
- Spots: Anapa, Sochi.
- Season: November - March.
- Schools:“Pearl”, “Anapa-Surfing”.
Kuril Islands: Pacific Ocean
There is surfing in the Kuril Islands, and what else - the waves are sometimes even steeper than in Kamchatka! But getting to the place is difficult: you have to fly, drive, take a ferry and hope that the weather will allow you to land at the planned place the first time. Of course, the Kuril Islands are not an option for beginners. But if you are attracted to romance, then your dream can come true here.
- Spots: Iturup Island.
- Season: all year round.
Murmansk: Arctic Ocean
Surfing in Murmansk is the most extreme option. This is the real north! Last year, participants of the Surf in Siberia project made a surfing expedition to the village of Teriberka. It’s worth watching the adventures of these desperate guys - and other surfing spots will seem heavenly and quite accessible.
Surfing is not the most democratic sport if you live in Russia. In this case, to learn something, you will have to travel. Of course, this also has its advantages - if you decide to take up surfing seriously, you can forever forget about boring tourist trips to Turkey or Egypt - from now on you will determine the location of your next vacation by the height and shape of the waves and the strength of the wind in a particular region.
Not all surfing spots are suitable for beginners - it is useless to go to study where the waves are several times higher than the average human height. But believe me, all those spots that are ideal for “barnies” and “cukes” (as newbies are called in surfer slang) are fantastically beautiful and truly unique. I won’t be unfounded - here is a small selection of the best places to discover surfing, compiled solely on the basis of my humble personal opinion.
1. Waikiki Oahu, Hawaii
Pros: Let's start with the fact that this place is the birthplace of surfing. There are waves here all year round, so you can safely come whenever you want (unless there are storms on the south coast between June and August, and you obviously don’t need that). You can rent a board and sign up for a course right on the beach—surfing schools, naturally, are plentiful here. The atmosphere is most relaxed and pleasant. There are always enough newbies like you, and in this case this is also a plus.
Cons: Flying to Hawaii is incredibly far, long and expensive. Jet lag will have a significant impact on your ability to coordinate your movements for some time.
2. Byron Bay, Australia
Pros: In general, I would put this “spot” in first place, if not for one “but” - it’s worth planning a train to Australia only for the period from March to May. At this time the weather is warm, the waves are stable and ideal for beginners. Although, on the other hand, if the waves are too big somewhere, you can always find a beach nearby, where the situation is more conducive to learning, so you won’t be standing on the shore anyway. Yes, and, of course, a big plus is the local girls.
Cons: Flying to Australia is definitely not the easiest. There are also plenty of surfing schools and camps here, but they cost an order of magnitude higher than in Hawaii. But they are worth it, believe me.
Pros: From May to September, Bali has almost ideal surfing conditions. Renting boards and training are cheap, as are all sorts of nice “extras” like yoga or alcohol (whichever you like best). The reefs break up large waves very well, so that closer to the shore they acquire a size suitable for beginners.
Cons: With very cheap service on the island itself, a round trip flight will still cost you a pretty penny. With strong waves, underwater currents can become a real headache - in this case, it is better for a beginner not to take risks.
4. Lagos, Portugal
Pros: The flight to Portugal from Moscow will only take a few hours, the time difference will remain almost unnoticeable, and the waves here are simply ideal. It is best to go in spring or autumn - there will be few people and prices will drop. Two weeks of training in the summer will cost you somewhere from 800 to 1000 euros (the price includes accommodation, breakfast, all equipment and, of course, the training program itself under the guidance of an experienced mentor).
Cons: There are no particular disadvantages. The only thing worth noting is the fact that the water here, even in summer, is unlikely to warm up above +22C. Sometimes there are periods of almost complete calm.
5. Taghazoute, Morocco
Pros: If you come in autumn or winter, the place is simply excellent. There are a huge number of schools and camps for surfers here. A large selection of courses, living conditions - and, accordingly, a wide range of prices.
Cons: For complete beginners, it is better to come in September or October - the closer to winter, the larger the waves and the more difficult it is to cope with them. Another minus, perhaps, exists only in my head, but I warned that this is a subjective rating - Africa is Africa, in principle you can expect anything. So I'd rather go to Portugal.