Surfing at Karon Beach

Heading south from Patong, over the hills from Relax Bay, is the 3 kilometre long Karon Beach with its white squeaky sand. Karon Beach has not been built on directly in the same way as some other Phuket beaches, and the area has a good family atmosphere. Most of the resorts here are either back in the town centre or on the opposite side of the road from the beach, like the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort. There are plenty of places to stay at Karon Beach.

Karon Beach is very open to the conditions and mostly has people surfing here on the smaller light wind days. The sand banks are constantly shifting and if Karon has a wave you can be sure there are other places that are better. Best to try here on small swells with little, or no wind. See more surf pics of Karon.

When the winds drop and the sand banks line up Karon Beach can have some great surfing waves. One spot at the northern end is next to a large underwater pipe, the sand has built up around it and has nice left and right waves to surf. Further north in front of the Centara Grand Hotel is a small headland that can get quite good also.

Surfing at Karon Beach is definitely for those smaller days. At the beginning and end of the monsoon season the waves can get good. Although other beaches might be better, you have a 99% chance of getting waves to yourself.

There are often local surfers and surfboard rental operators around the southern end of Karon Beach during the surf season. If you are not sure where the banks are working, ask someone local before paddling out. The best spot can move around depending on the sand, tide and swell direction.

Karon can be suitable for beginners on small clean days, but it is an open beach and can be unpredictable. If you want a more protected place to learn, Bang Tao Beach is usually the easier option, especially around the southern end. There are also surf lessons available at Karon Beach and Kata Yai Beach during the surf season.