We've been sworn to secrecy on this one, but I suppose it's time to let the cat out of the bag. If you want a low-stress surf destination with few people in the water and absolutely no attitude from those that are, visit Phuket during the rainy season. Between May and October, the southeast monsoon starts to blow, creating storms in the Bay of Bengal and thus surf on Thailand's west coast. The waves are sluffers, long rolling three- to six-footers perfect for longboarding. Don't expect the North Shore of Hawaii, but it's a great place for beginners and intermediates, with little chance of locals claiming territorial rights and no one dropping in on you. A couple of surf shops line Kata Beach in Phuket, and a number of locals are now teaching the art of surfing. A two-hour lesson will set you back no more than 1,500 bhat ($37) and can be booked right on the beach. If you just want to rent a board and go at it, there are a number of shops, including Kata Surf at the south end of the beach, that offer boards.
Contact Info: www.phuketsurf.com