Surfing in Kata Yai, Phuket

Beach Break

Kata Yai Beach – Surf Break Overview

Another one of Phuket’s most popular west coast beaches is Kata Yai, the northern bay of the two Kata beaches (Kata Noi is the smaller and southern bay). The first distinction you’ll notice here is a small island off in the distance, named Koh Pu, or AKA Crab Island. Unfortunately, there are no surfable waves out there but there are plenty of them along Kata Beach during Phuket’s surf season.

Kata Yai is known by locals to be Phuket’s surf capital with several surf schools offering lessons and board rentals for anyone interested in learning to surf. The southern end is where you’ll find three different surf shops right on the beach (practically on top of each other). They each have plenty of boards of various lengths to choose from and all of them have top notch friendly surf instructors ready and willing to get you newbies up and riding, then joyfully yelling yeewww!

The area directly in front of the surf shops and extending out from the Boathouse Wine & Grill is the prime spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike. On the inside section, beginners are able to get their feet under them as they practice in the safe, shallow whitewater shore break around the low tide. It does tend to get crowded and there are plenty of beginners still learning about surf etiquette. Be mindful of this to avoid dinging your board or running over a Barney. Towards the middle of the bay are also some surfable peaks that are slightly less crowded but it tends to be a little smaller here. This is also a great surf spot for beginners.

If you’re just giving surfing a try, rent a board for at least half a day to allow yourself plenty of time in the water. Or if you’re looking to improve, surf shops in this area offer weekly rentals and they will even let you keep your board with you throughout your stay. Go get your dawn patrol on! Avoid the crowds and experience the sunrise serenity that will guarantee to put a smile on your face.

Remember to practice good surf etiquette and smile in the line up! You’re in Thailand!

For a true surf town feel in Phuket, Kata Yai is the place to be. This is the area where you’ll see a good amount of skilled surfers in the line up. A number of surf contests have been held here including some that have been sponsored by Quiksilver. Rip Curl also has a store down the street from the sand.

There are plenty of other beach activities to choose from including parasailing, diving, riding jet skis and banana boats, and even snorkeling. When there aren’t any waves but you still want to feel the surf stoke, go check out Surf House across the street from the south end of the beach. You’ll be in for another kind of ride!

Typical Thai food stalls and beachside restaurants are located on the north end of the bay. Order fresh seafood as spicy as you can take it! The fresh fruit shakes are especially thirst quenching and refreshing after spending hours of surfing at Kata Yai.

The south end of the bay also has a number of sit down restaurants with amazing views that will surely have you gazing into the horizon of the beautiful Andaman Sea.

Kata Yai Beach, Phuket