Get Your Surf On

Guys and gals alike have been flocking to Costa Rica for years now for the surf spots alone. Currently, surf tourism makes up approximately 20 percent of the countrys annual touriststhis means about 200,000 surfers visit the country each year just to ride some of the worlds most incredible waves.

Surf spots are easily found up and down Costa Ricas Pacific (west side) and Caribbean (east side) coastlines. Waves on the North Pacific Coast are generally a bit smaller than ones youll see in high season (December through April) and during tropical storms on the Caribbean. But the waves are consistently good year round. During rainy season (April to mid December), youll find the best swells on the Pacific side, but during the dry season on the west coast (December through April), youll continuous well formed waves.

The Caribbean Coast on the east has a notoriously shorter, less reliable surfing season, but the frequent tropical storms and hurricanes often equal killer swells. In general, the surf is best during the hot and dry season (October until April).

Water temperatures dont vary that much on either side or throughout the seasonsthe water is more than comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) all year long.

The more than 800 miles of Pacific and Caribbean Ocean coastline are home to many of the top international surfing competitions every year. This past August, Billabong hosted the ISA World Surfing Games 2009 in Playa Hermosa. A seemingly endless volcanic, black sand beach just 5 minutes south of the popular tourist destination of Jac (10 minutes south of Los Sueos), Play Hermosa is the ideal location for more experienced surfers. Playa Hermosa is an especially ideal location because its waves break only 13 feet from shore. With steady, 4 to 8 foot high waves and warm Pacific waters, you can catch quality rides all day long.

Beginner and intermediate surfers dont fear. The nearby town of Jac offers surfing lessons for all levels taught by local and international experienced surfers speaking a variety of languages. Spend a day or a week in the water, many different surf packages are available and can be organized in advance or on a day by day basis. Surfing is so appealing in this area that Jaco is now known as the Land of Adventures and City of Surf. Surf by day and take advantage of all the nightlife, restaurants, and convenience of a bustling, small town during your time out of the water.

For an even more chilled out vibe, try Mal Pais and Santa Teresa located on the tip of Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula and just an hour boat ride from Jac. This very small community is tucked away along golden beaches with a breathtaking backdrop of green vegetation. An ideal location for surfers looking for a remote, individual surfing experience with no frills and just good waves in a beautiful atmosphere. Here you can find your surfing zone and get away from it all.

If you want a true surfing adventure, travel to Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava) on the Caribbean side. This Hawaiian style reefbreak is known around the world for its size and power. When there is a swell, the biggest waves in Costa Rica break right here. You need to paddle in and out through a small channel in the reef. Experienced and adrenaline seeking surfers only! If you want more variety, a mile or so south youll find Playa Cocles, a consistent beachbreak, and a few more miles south of that is Punta Uva.

Wherever you and your board go, dont forget your rash guard and lots of sunscreen to protect yourself against the Costa Rican sun.