The sound of crashing waves fills the air at Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Beach) as surf curls and swirls into the sandy bay. Nobody dares get into the water as the red flag warns of dangerous undercurrents. But taking it all in their stride are those who not only brave the elements, but ride them. Indeed, a new wave is taking Malta by storm: it’s a fresh wave of surfers.

“Naturally, the first most important thing that makes a beach ideal for surfing is the waves,” says Valerio Cicconi, a professional surf instructor who is affiliated with the International Surfing Association and founder of the Malta Surf School.

“In the Mediterranean sea, the waves come from the wind and in Malta, we don’t have waves every day. Only if we have the right wind providing the right swell in the bay can we have waves. So, the beach needs to be properly situated towards the most prominent winds.”

Valerio, also known as Cicco, indicated the four main surf locations in Malta. And we also discover that another beach appears to be reserved for kite surfers.

1. Surfing at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

✱ NW wind ✱ sandy beach ✱ beginners & advanced

“Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is ideal for surfing when there is north-westerly wind, which blows strongly and is common in Malta. It tends to be very suitable for beginners to learn how to surf, depending on how forceful the wind is and how big the waves are. Bigger waves at Ghajn Tuffieha offer good fun for the advanced surfer.”

“At Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, you must be very careful of how strong the wind is blowing due to the rip. A rip current is a specific kind of undercurrent that occurs at beaches with breaking waves, and these strong undercurrents present a high risk. However, an experienced surfer learns to identify rips and work with them. In Australia, for example, rips define where beginners and advanced surfers enter the water to reach the waves suitable for their skill level.”

2. Surfing at Golden Bay (seasonal)

✱ SW wind ✱ sandy beach ✱ beginners & advanced ✱ winter only

“Golden Bay is only good for surfing in winter. This is partly because the southwesterly wind blows only in winter. The other reason is that in summer, the bay is very busy with swimmers. Golden Bay is good for beginners and advanced surfers depending on the wind force and the size of the waves.”

"Beginners learn how to surf close to the shore on breaking waves at hip depth, so Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha are both suitable for learning. When the wind is strong enough in the right direction, the advanced surfer can enjoy some good waves too. Care must also be taken for undercurrents rips also in Golden Bay.”

3. Surfing at St Thomas Bay

✱ SW wind ✱ reef break ✱ intermediate & advanced surfers

"St Thomas Bay is a reef break location that's good for intermediate to advanced surfers, depending on how strong the southwesterly wind is blowing and the size of the waves."

“Only a more skilled surfer can surf off a reef break such as the ones at St Thomas Bay and Pembroke; he or she will know where the rocks are and have the skill and confidence to manoeuvre the board. For a beginner, it is important to start on a sandy beach for safety reasons."

4. Surfing in Pembroke

✱ NE wind ✱ reef break ✱ advanced surfers & windsurfers

“Pembroke is a reef break surf location that comes with a north-easterly wind. The location is only suitable for advanced surfers and it is also popular with windsurfers.”

“While beginners learn to surf on small waves with 'white water' at belly bottom or max chest high depth, an intermediate surfer can venture further out into deeper water. An intermediate surfer is confident and can therefore begin to surf the ‘green face’ of the wave. A ‘big day’ condition - a large wave - will be only for advanced surfers, as such waves need more skills.”

5. BONUS: Kitesurfing in Mellieha Bay

✱ NE wind ✱ sandy beach ✱ reserved ONLY for kitesurfing

“If we are talking about surfing, the needs of a surfer and kite surfer are different. They are different styles of surfing, where one does acrobatics in the air and the other stays on the water, so they best avoid each other for safety reasons. Also, Mellieha only gets waves with a strong northeasterly wind. Overall, I would never recommend it for surfing.”

Valerio is always pleased to offer professional advice about surfing and invites anyone to contact him via the Malta Surf School facebook page to ask about surfing conditions or any other information related to surfing in Malta. Furthermore, Freeway Surf Stores provide surfing gear and equipment in Malta. 

Valerio Cicconi