Jon Ruppersberg, who repairs boards at the Santo Loco surf shop in central Munich, said river surfing requires a different type of board.

BBC: Riding the wave of change on Munich��s Eisbach

Cabo Surf Hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, offers special soft boards for beginners and stand-up paddleboards for calm water, allowing even loyal sunbathers to hit the waves.

FORBES: Top Hotels For Surfing Vacations