We know the world isn’t perfect. Potholes in the road, a zit on your girlfriend’s chin. It happens and we deal with it. But for surfers, perfection is worth hunting down and killing for. But that perfect ride is pretty elusive when your local beach break is cluttered with posers who think that dropping in is cool as long as they’re the ones doing the dropping in. You can leave the kooks behind at our Top Ten Surf Spots, but pack your nutsack, ‘cause any one of ‘em is where Eddie would go*. 

10. Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico’s version of Hawaii’s Pipeline, this is strictly for speed demons. Leave the nose-rider at home or you’ll take it home in pieces. Just be ready to deal with a nasty rip and the occasional jacking peak that can leave you shopping for a wheelchair.

9. Trestles, Orange County, California
It is nice that the U.S. Marines stationed nearby have recently given up firing warning shots at trespassing surfers. The water’s warm, but unless you are a true local, the reception on the outside lineup won’t be. Unless you are already missing teeth and do not mind a few knuckles in the mouth, surf the inside breaks for the first six months to prove you are worthy.

8. Rincon, Santa Barbara, Ca.
Easy parking access to some of the best winter season surfing waves in the world, but you’ll have plenty of company in the water. The crowd thins out on big days, leaving the waves only to serious pros and foolish amateurs trying not to drown. Cold water, rocky bottom and enough driftwood on the beach to make you do the “ow-ow” dance to get to the waves.

7. Teahupo'o, Tahiti
A great place to surf if you are among the world’s surfing champions. This is simply the most dangerous wave on the planet, breaking over a coral reef that can rear its ugly head to remove yours. A wipeout here is always heavy and life-threatening. And if the waves aren’t enough to intimidate you, maybe the tiger sharks are. If you paddle out here and survive, please tell us so that we can kneel before you and kiss your ring.

6. Cloud Break, Tavarua Island, Fiji
Not easy to get to (Fiji isn’t exactly close to anywhere), but if you want clean barrels that take your breath away, it is well worth the trip. Just keep your wits about you, because this is one of the most consistently complex waves with multiple breaks coming in several directions.

5. Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Timing here is everything. Paddle out between the wrong waves and you will get hammered. If you make it into the lineup, mind your manners, because these South African locals expect you to show some respect. That means wait your frickin’ turn, give the best waves up, and do not screw up the wave you take. This is the longest surfing wave in the world, so do not embarrass yourself.

4. Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
There are always good waves here, but bring plenty of surfboards for the trip and expect to leave some behind in pieces. Drop in on the locals and you’ll be going home with no boards at all. Bring a strong leash (or three) and watch the tides or you could find yourself swept out to sea and missing the flight home. And do not even worry about the sharks, because it really won’t help.

3. Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
More reef breaks than you can count here, crystal clear water and a tropical paradise. You will need a charter boat to get the best waves so whatever you think you might need, bring it with you, because it is a lonngg way to the nearest convenience store.

2. Superbank, Gold Coast, Austrailia
If surfing barrels is on your bucket list, you might as well start in the Southern Hemisphere. Superbank barrels are so clean you’ll think you are surfing in an optical illusion. You won’t be alone here; plenty of other men of all ages in the water scoring some of the best waves on the globe. Perfect waves that tend to jack and pitch you into oblivion, and when you come up for air you’ll get some serious Aussie heckling.

1. Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu
If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere…and this ain’t New York, brah. The Banzai Pipeline is where the pros find out who The Man is every year.  “The Pipe” is the one spot you need to surf before you die, and plenty have done just that on its shallow reef.  With that in mind, you might want to make this one last on your bucket list!

The best waves are not always down the street and the best spots can be highly seasonal so get yourself into shape, book some flights, grab your quiver and remember: Eddie would go.*

*The late Eddie Aikau was noted for taking off on waves any sane person would back away from. He was truly The Man.