Board Meetings

You

can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf, as the saying goes. Of course, it can be a humbling sport when you start out, but the experience of being able to balance on a board, with water surging uncontrollably around you, can pay almost mystical dividends. It need not be expensive either: a rented surfboard, a lick of sunscreen, some advice from the local beachboys (and beachgirls), and a lot of gung-ho spirit can have you lining up alongside the pros.

With surfing beaches in Europe, the U.S. and the Pacific coast becoming crowded—and "surf rage" an all too frequent hazard as devotees fight over precious waves—consider hitting the beach in Asia instead. Until recently, surfing had relatively few followers in the region, but more surf shops and surfing schools are now emerging, offering beginners everything from laughably cheap board rental to all-inclusive (and very reasonable) deals on accommodation, meals and instruction. Most guarantee that you'll be riding the waves after a second lesson.

Bear in mind that a longer board offers better balance, and don't forget to stretch your muscles and hydrate well before hitting the swells. After Day One, you might not be ready for the "green room," as U.S. surfing legend Gerry Lopez termed the experience of skimming through a tunnel of water, but you'll be able to use words like "Stoked!" and "Dude!" with much more conviction. Check out our pick of Asia's finest learn-to-surf beaches:

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HIKKADUWA, SRI LANKA: Located 98 km south of the capital Colombo, this is one of the country's top three surf beaches, with bungalow accommodation, rental-board outlets, and sumptuous curry houses for postsurf refueling. There are five surf spots to choose from, but Beach Break, with its sandy bottom and consistent waves of up to 3 ft. high, not to mention idyllically warm water, is ideal for beginners. Surf season runs from November to April.

PHUKET, THAILAND: It might not rate a mention on the world surfing circuit, but Surin beach's smallish swells generate plenty of enthusiasm among novice wave riders. Local outfit, Saltwater Dreaming, tel: (66-76) 270 549, offers a two-hour lesson with board rental for $12, covering board-riding basics and tips on safety and reading sea conditions. The best waves occur from April to October.

BALER, THE PHILIPPINES: The classic surfing scene in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now was filmed at this little seaside town. Possibly as a result, it is now home to a small but fanatical community of around 50 surfers. Recommended is Sabang beach with its easy-to-manage left and right wave breaks. Inquire at the beachside Bay's Inn resort, tel: (63-42) 410 0643, about lessons and board rental. October to February see surfing conditions at their prime.

KUTA BEACH, BALI: The island's best-known strip gets hectic from July to October when beginners and veterans alike line up for its 6-ft. waves and long barrels. A deep sandy bottom cushions those inevitable wipeouts, while nearby Legian beach offers bigger waves for the more confident. The Bali Learn To Surf Co., tel: (62-361) 761 869, ext. 8116, runs a two-hour beginner course for $39, covering basic paddling, board mounting, water safety and surf etiquette.