For surfers who dream of buttery-smooth walls and endless carving lines, right-hand point breaks are the ultimate playground. These waves peel predictably from right to left (from the rider’s perspective), offering long rides and stylish performance potential.
Top 3 Countries in the Western Hemisphere for the Best Right-Hand Point Breaks for Surfing
In the Western Hemisphere, several countries offer top-tier right-hand point breaks—but a few stand above the rest. Here are the top 3 countries for scoring world-class right-hand point breaks, along with 5 standout spots in each:
1. El Salvador: The Right Point Paradise
El Salvador has rapidly earned its reputation as a right-hand point break paradise. With consistent swell, warm tropical waters, and government support for surf tourism, this Central American gem is now on every serious surfer’s radar.
Top 5 Right-Hand Point Breaks in El Salvador:
1. Punta Roca
Often called the “J-Bay of Central America,” Punta Roca is a fast, powerful, world-class right that draws top surfers from around the world. Long, hollow sections and room for performance maneuvers make it a must-surf.
2. Punta Mango
Remote and pristine, Punta Mango is a barreling right-hand point break that breaks over reef. It’s for advanced surfers looking for power and solitude, and is often accessed by boat.
3. Las Flores
This gem in eastern El Salvador offers one of the smoothest and longest rights in the region. Perfectly peeling walls provide plenty of room for turns and flow. Accessible and consistent, it’s a favorite for both intermediates and seasoned riders.
4. El Zonte
A fun, user-friendly right with a rocky bottom and rippable walls. Great for intermediates and less crowded than its big brother, Punta Roca.
5. El Sunzal
A longboarder’s dream, this mellow right-hand point delivers long rides and is perfect for all levels. It rarely gets too heavy and holds swell well year-round.
Why El Salvador?
Few places combine consistent surf, safe and accessible travel, and high-quality right points quite like El Salvador. With a growing infrastructure and commitment to surf tourism, it’s one of the best-value surf destinations on Earth.
2. Mexico: Endless Rights in a Land of Contrast
While Mexico is famous for its lefts in Oaxaca, it’s also home to some of the longest, smoothest right-hand point breaks in the world—particularly in Baja California Sur and remote northern zones.
Top 5 Right-Hand Point Breaks in Mexico:
1. Scorpion Bay (San Juanico)
Arguably the most iconic right point in the Western Hemisphere. When all sections connect, it’s a leg-burning ride that can last for minutes. Ideal for longboarding and classic style.
2. Barra De La Cruz
A world-renowned, barreling right-hand point break, known for its long, perfect waves and powerful sections
3. Punta Conejo
A cobblestone point that lights up on long-period south swells. Remote and beautiful, it offers long rights with plenty of speed and carve potential.
4. Punta Abreojos
Rugged and wild, this remote right-hand point offers great shape on a proper swell. It’s far from the beaten path but worth the journey.
5. Salsipuedes
North of Ensenada, this classic right-hander breaks along cliffs and rocky shoreline. Best for experienced surfers due to tricky access and heavy waves.
Why Mexico?
Mexico’s diverse coastline delivers everything from cruisy walls to high-performance speed runs. Combine that with affordability and adventure, and it’s a top-tier destination for right-hand wave chasers.
3. United States (California): The Classics Never Die
California’s coastline is blessed with a variety of wave setups, but its right-hand point breaks are the stuff of legend. From Santa Barbara to San Diego, some of surfing’s most iconic rights call the Golden State home.
Top 5 Right-Hand Point Breaks in California:
1. Rincon (Santa Barbara)
Known as the “Queen of the Coast,” Rincon offers one of the longest, most rippable rights in North America. From Indicator to the Cove, it’s a dream wave when it’s on.
2. Malibu (First Point)
A historical right-hand point famous for its mellow, perfectly peeling walls. Ideal for longboarders, though highly crowded.
3. Swamis
A long, forgiving right that loves a West and North-West swell. Great for all skill levels and offers long rides with easy takeoffs. This wave breaks on a flat reef and holds swells of any size.
4. Trestles (Uppers)
Known more for its A-frame peaks, the right at Uppers is often overlooked but offers lightning-fast walls and technical rides. Lowers Trestles is even better but its more of a peak with a good left as well.
5. Churches
A playful right-hand reef/point that’s smooth, consistent, and perfect for style-driven surfing. Accessible and fun year-round.
Why the USA?
California is the birthplace of modern surf culture, and its point breaks are deeply embedded in surf history. While colder than its Central American counterparts, the wave quality speaks for itself.
Final Thoughts on Best Right Hand Point Breaks in the Western Hemisphere
If you’re chasing the perfect right-hand point break in the Western Hemisphere, your search begins and ends with El Salvador, Mexico, and the United States. Whether it’s the glassy barrels of Punta Mango, the endless walls of Scorpion Bay, or the legendary lines of Rincon, each country offers its own flavor of perfection. So grab your board and go—because the best rights aren’t waiting forever.
