Surfing in French Polynesia

Surfing in French Polynesia
Image: surfline.com

Accomplished real estate professional Jim Knell has served as chairman of SIMA Corporation in Santa Barbara for more than three decades. In his free time, Jim Knell enjoys attending plays, traveling, and surfing. He lists French Polynesia among his favorite travel destinations.

Situated in the Pacific Ocean between South America and Australia, French Polynesia consists of a group of five sunny archipelagos that offer great surfing conditions. Although French Polynesia features many excellent surfing locations, the most well-known are found in Tahiti, which is home to a live coral reef and powerful waves that combine to create giant tube breaks that rival those along Hawaii’s Pipeline.

With its big waves and dangerous coral, Tahiti can be hazardous for novice surfers, but the island offers several surfing spots for people with little or no surfing experience. The two best times for a surfing trip to Tahiti are from November to March and from April to October, but waves are there to catch any time of the year.

Four Great Surfing Spots in California

Surfing
Image: santacruz.com

Jim Knell is the chairman of SIMA Corporation, an investment company based in California. Living up to its legend, the state is home to some of the best surfing spots in the country, with thousands of surfing aficionados, including Jim Knell, calling it home.

There are at least four sites in California known for the quality of their beaches and waves. Among the most popular is Santa Cruz, otherwise known as “Surf City.” It offers waves that suit any skill level. Capitola Beach and Pleasure Point are great places for starters, while intermediate surfers fare well at Cowell’s Beach. Steamer Lane is particularly popular among the more advanced set.

Another town popular to surfers is Malibu, just a short drive from Los Angeles. It has a well-preserved strip of uncrowded and unspoiled beaches perfect for a relaxed surf. It is home to Surfrider Beach, which, true to its name, is a haven for surfers, with its consistent 3- to 5-foot waves.

Other popular surfing areas in California include San Clemente, known for its strong Hispanic influence and for hosting the World Surf League, and the vibrant coastal town of Encinitas, a popular summer destination that is known for its stunning reefs as well as its surfing.