It seems like every couple of years a publication that knows next to nothing about surfing decides to throw in their two cents on what the best surf towns are.  Outside Magazine, a mixed bag of outdoorsiness and yuppiness all packaged in a publication aimed for middle-aged men trying to hold on to whatever remnants of youth they still encompass, once named Tofino, British Columbia as the best surf town in the entire North American continent.  The same Canadian town that is extremely expensive, has average surf, is freezing cold, has zero breaks within walking distance, and rains most of the year.  National Geographic is in a different boat than Outside Magazine.  They’re actually credible.  So when they recently released an online story titled, “World's 20 Best Surf Towns,” it was necessary to offer a critique of their list.

The article is written by Tetsuhiko Endo, a freelancer perhaps best known for being the only writer who gets paid by The Inertia.  His work can be found in various publications, and while he’ll rarely if ever impress, he has yet to publish an article that leaves a taste of disdain in the reader’s mouth.  So immediately this list has earned more credibility than the last attempt by a non-surf publication to label a great surf town.

In  this humble writer’s opinion, the criteria for whether or not a town is not just a surf town but a good surf town is the quality of surf, weather, women, mellowness, accessibility, and breakfast burritos (yes, the breakfast burrito factor plays heavily into this decision).  Here is the complete list of the World’s 20 Best Surf Towns, with added critique on whether the town should belong on the list.

Tofino, British Columbia

As the best surf town, absolutely not.  However, Tofino does belong on the list provided there are 19 other alternatives.  The town itself is pleasant and the people are nice.  The weather for maybe half the year is good, not great.  The surf is incredibly underrated but in no way world class.  Major sausage fest.  Probably ten men for every woman.  Really expensive.  We’re talking one of the rare beach resort towns in the entire country of Canada, and unless you have a lot of money it is really difficult to enjoy yourself here.  It’s also one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Taghazout, Morocco

Don’t know a thing about this town.  The story says, “Couples and serious surf adventurers who want to wander through the labyrinthine corridors of some of the world’s oldest cities and also catch the waves of their lives.”  Whatever.

Encinitas, California

Obvious choice for every reason.

Bundoran, Ireland

Don’t know much about this place, however Ireland is blowing up on the surf map for the great experience the country provides, and great waves.  It’s cold however, very cold, and most of the waves are for experts only.

Florianópolis, Brazil

Absolutely yes.  A lot of waves stretching all along this vast peninsula barely attached to the Brazilian coast.  Amazing weather, plethora of waves, and the women.  The women!  Yes, Florianópolis definitely belongs on this list.

Byron Bay, Australia

One of Australia’s premier surf locations.  Australia deserves at least one surf town on this list, so it’s fitting that their selection would be Byron Bay.

Biarritz, France

A bit of a reach given the fickle conditions here.  When it’s on, it’s firing.  When it isn’t, well you’re in France so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be enjoying the finest things in life.

Shonan, Japan

Don’t know much about anything in Japan outside of what was shown in the film Lost In Translation and all the horrible news coverage from last year’s earthquake and tsunami.  This may or may not be a good surf town.  The description in the National Geographic story states that Shonan is best for, “The intrepid surf traveler who wants to experience the culinary and cultural delights of the Far East while learning about a new and vibrant surfing culture.”

Muizenberg, South Africa

Unlike South Africa’s most popular breaks Jeffreys Bay, Muizenberg is known more for gentle, beginner waves.  Considering how beautiful South African women are (think Charlize Theron), this is probably worthy of being on the list.

La Paloma, Uruguay

The story literally has this description of La Paloma.  “The waves may or may not be epic, but you will never forget Uruguay.” Epic fail, definitely not worthy of being mentioned as a great surf town.

Montauk, New York

New York receives way too much hype for its surf scene given how crappy the surf is and how urban the city is.  If there is an exception to the NY rule, it’s Montauk.  This is as close to a surf town as you’ll get in the area.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

You’d think that if a town in North Carolina would be considered a surf town, it would be located on the famed Outer Banks, which Wrightsville Beach is not.  According to the description on the National Geographic website, “The whole family can enjoy Wrightsville’s trademark mix of sleepy southern beach town and growing metropolis. Think catfish with caviar or barbecue with Beaujolais.”  Pass.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Unless you want to include Kelly Slater’s hometown of Cocoa Beach on this list, nowhere in Florduh should be included in a list of the world’s Best Surf Towns.

Santa Cruz, California

As worthy as a town gets on this list.  You could argue with absolute ease that Santa Cruz is the greatest surf town in the world.  Perfect waves, weather is great most of the year, hot women, easy access, and amazing breakfast burritos.  Santa Cruz is the real Surf City.

San Sebastián, Spain

One of the greatest cities in the world, and just for that reason it belongs on this list.  A beautiful cove outlines the city’s coastline, and while it can be hit or miss with the waves, there’s more than enough to do when you’re not surfing.

Nosara, Costa Rica

You’d think there would be other towns in Costa Rica that would make the list ahead of Nosara.  Santa Teresa, Dominical, even Tamagringo could be considered better surf town.  Still, you could make a case for Nosara, so no objection to its inclusion in this list.

Paia, Maui, Hawaii

Unlike the majority of towns on the island of Oahu, it’s all mellow and easy in Maui.  While it can be too slow here, any of the towns on the island of Maui are worthy of making the list.

Raglan, New Zealand

Can’t argue for or against any town in New Zealand being included in the list.  According to the description on National Geographic’s website, "The whole family will love the plethora of outdoor activities, from surfing and mountain biking to whale-watching."  New Zealand has an amazing reputation so the town will receive the benefit of the doubt here.

Bukit Peninsula, Bali

Natural choice.  Bali is paradise.

Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

Another easy choice.  The Garden Isle has plenty of beauty and surf.