Costa Rica Surfing 2008

Surf for everyone: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known in the world for its coffee, for its national parks and for its peaceful
contemporary history. Folks coming to Costa Rica seek first of all recreation. And adventu-
res, of course.
This Central American country is a very popular travel destination for in-
dependent travellers from the entire globe. Why? Well, one of the main rea-
sons to visit Costa Rica is the distinct mixture of natural environment, unso-
phisticatedness, exotic and adventure, paired with relative security and che-
ap living costs. Besides dozens of national parks, jungle excursions and trips
to volcanoes, the sea around Costa Rica is the main focus of attraction to all
travellers.
The ever growing surf community have discovered for her pleasure the
country in between the Carribean Sea and the Pacific. The beaches and
breaks receive rave reviews for the warm water, consistent surfing conditions
and great spots perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Surf fans will enjoy their stay in Costa Rica: surfing without limits, rela-
xing chill-outs in a hammock and a fantastic cup of coffee in their hands. In this brief eBook I
would like to give you some helpful suggestions for your surf trip to Costa Rica. This guide is a
first step in your planning and further investigation what to do in Costa Rica. Be aware that all in-
formation in this eBook is subject to change and may be invalid at the time you read this docu-
ment. Therefore, always cross-check your information sources before heading to your journey.
Mark Buzinkay, Zopilote Surf Camp
 Surf spots in Costa Rica - an overview
You can surf in Costa Rica at Following the coast south The Carribean coast ist
the Pacific coast as well as to Nosara, we will find the so very season-dependent (De-
at the Carribean Sea. There named playa
are so many spots that it is and a collec-
impossible to name and tion of smaller
describe them all in this e- spots, most of
Book. Well, first of all a them ‘undis-
simple overview for you. covered’.
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast At the
is one of the most consistent southern tip
surf regions in the world: the of the penin-
Pacific will throw swell all year sula, more
around to the beaches. That’s excellent surf
why we have so consistent spots lies a-
surf spots here. round Santa
Teresa, Mal
In the north of the Nicoya
Pais and
peninsula and at the border to
Montezuma.
Nicaragua, you will find one of
the well known breaks of The cen-
cember to March), but though
Costa Rica: Portero Grande, a tral Pacific coast ist mostly
it can be a challenge even for
break at a river mouth. known for its beaches around
advanced surfers. The best
Further south, the surf spots Jacó, a very popular spot with
spots are south of Puerto
of Tamarindo awaits with Ticos.
Viejo.
world-class waves as well as And finally, don’t forget
with sections, which are more Pavones at the Golfo Dulce -
suited for beginners. its long lefts are world-re-
cord.
 Your own waves in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is one of the remaining insider tips among surfers in Costa Rica. It’s a peaceful
place, with excellent surfing conditions in an exotic surrounding. A perfect place for pros,
but even more for surf beginners.
Santa Teresa is located at the southern end of the Nicoya
peninsula an enjoys a growing popularity. It’s not only the flair of
a ‘lost world’-village that makes Santa Teresa interesting. It’s the
consistent weather and swell, the great surf conditions especially
for beginners as well as the exotic environment.
The swell is up to 9 feet, depending on season and daily con-
ditions. There are different breaks to choose from as well as a soft
underground with very few rocks, That’s why Santa Teresa is an
interesting place for beginners as they can surf the entire year and
all day long.
All sort of accommodations can be found in Santa Teresa.
During summer it can be dusty along the road - look for a room
away from the road or ideally directly at the beach. Perhaps you
may want to consider a little bit outside of Santa Teresa so you
can totally enjoy some peacufl tranquillity to your surf vacation.
Public transport is available to Cobano respectively to Puntarenas
and San José, but is limited at the coast roads in Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa has everything you need for week-long vacations:
an internet café, a supermarket, a surf shop, a bike and quads rental as well as a first aid station.
While you can’t compare Santa Teresa and Tamarindo in terms of night life, you will have a lot of
fun in local bars.
Surf camps: Zopilote surf camp [http://www.zopilote-surfcamp.com]
 Once in Mal Pais
The tiny village of Mal Pais, close to Santa Teresa, lives for and from a small surfer commu-
nity. They may surf mostly in Santa Teresa, but love
the laid-back life style in Mal Pais.
Malpais is mostly known for two things: for the bor-
dering Cabo Blanco national park and for its hippie com-
munity. Mal Pais is actually a pretty inconspicuous neigh-
borhoud of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya peninsula, but
offers a 2 mile beach with everything a surfer loves:
swell, agreeabable water temperatures and no jam in the
lineup.
The surf conditions are very similar to those of San-
ta Teresa, although the sea ground may be more rocky.
This maybe why so many Mal Pais guests come over to
Santa Teresa.
While Mal Pais may not have all that Santa Teresa can
offer in terms of variety of hotels, restaurants and night
life, you will find plenty of hotels and smaller pensions
around the beach to choose from. Actually there are all
classes of accommodations, but you don’t get the feeling
that Mal Pais is a touristy place at all. Over the years, it
remained a tiny village with a distinguished atmosphere.
The best way to reach Mal Pais is to arrive via Cobano
or Montezuma. Public transport is limited to the bus
connecting these small towns, sometimes also via Santa Teresa.
The national park Cabo Blanco is 6 miles away and a good place to watch sea birds.
 Luxury in Nosara
Nosara is a very quiet section on the Pacific coast of Nicoya - and a very popular spot for
surfers who like nature as well as pure surfing instead of party nights.
Nosara is a typical Tico town which lies 6 km inbound. Some hotels and private houses are
found right at the beach as well and mostly run by North Americans. In Nosara, most accommon-
dation isn’t the simple hut but one of the higher
standard.
One of the distinguished marks of Nosara is the
lushness of the jungle. Some parts of it are protected
from logging, and in Nosara itself you feel like you
are truly in the midst of a tropical forest. The way to
the beach or to your hotel is sometimes hard to find!
The beaches around Nosara (Playa Pelada, Playa
Guiones) are quiet without beach crowds, and some
of them are suitable for swimming. The break is one
of the higher ones in Costa Rica and interesting for
pro surfers. You can buy surf equipment in town as
well as rent some. It is recommended to rent a car
due to the fact that the distances are little bit longer than in Santa Teresa.
The town itself offers a little more than its southern neighbours and has an own little airport
with regular connections to and from San José. You can also find a variety of markets, internet ca-
fés, banks (with ATMs) and some stores.
In close proximity to the town, there is a natural reserve at the Rio Nosara where you can hike
through the mangroves.