The site combed through 300,000 social media posts from July 2016 to July 2017 to find out what surfers had to say about their local break.

The towns generating the most buzz are including on a “Top 16” list, with Merimbula coming in at number 13.

Batemans Bay, Ulladulla and Kiama also share a place on the list, showing just how much South Coasters love our beaches.

For Merimbula it was not just the local surf, but also as being the best place to stay while exploring the greater Sapphire Coast.

Expedia credits the coastline as “perfect for beginners, whether you pick up the gentle breaks of Tathra Beach and ride them straight into the sandy banks, or head south to Pambula Beach for a bit more of a challenge”.

Craig Ryan, president of the Sapphire Coast Boardriders said he wasn’t surprised Merimbula gets a run.

He credits the clean beaches, expansive national park areas, uncrowded waves and a wide variety of surf breaks to suit all comers as the main drawcards.

“There are longer reef breaks near Tathra and Green Cape, some good hollow waves and big wave spots for the more experienced,” Mr Ryan said.

“Merimbula bar is a world-class wave – and that’s not being biased, pro surfers come to ride it.”

He said the Sapphire Coast Boardriders is among the largest in NSW for good reason and the region is deservedly on the radar for surfers as well as kite surfers, stand-up paddleboarders and Malibu riders.