need ideas for a summertime trip im dying...not central america.

Tofino bc would be different. Cold though.

 

Hey Blasters, just picking up on your tread.

So, I've gone several times to Playa Guiones over Labor Day wknd. The gringos aren't there, it's nearly effing deserted. Reason being kids are back in school and that time of year is considered off-season in CR. The rainy season. Anathema for skin-cancer-seeking pasty white northerners.

I counted 15 surfers out on most mornings; we're talking 4 miles of beach break, many, many peaks & almost no one out in mid-day, then it gets a bit more crowded at sunset for touristas/after work for locals.

There were mornings when I wished there was someone to nod hello to. No joke.
I love it that time of year.
btw, no night life - - everyone is surfed out & crashed out.

Sure, the rains are deluges but tropical downpours are awesome & not that long lasting. Plenty of hotel rooms at lower rates. Most restaurants are closed, but that's ok because there are enough restaurants open along with the little markets - - they serve the locals. You go to good restaurants & it's really a cool vibe. Everything is low-key & cool. Friendly, and real. Makes you think, whoa, this must have been what it was like before the invasion. Pura vida.

Hey, I've been to Guiones in the holiday season (xmas, new years). Never never never again, you couldn't pay me to go back there at that time of year. 0700 it's like the kook bus rolls up & disgorges hundreds of maniacs with surfboards & they come trotting through the jungle towards the beach, the surf schools (26 at last count) unload in the shore break or worse they paddle out the back, I'm not kidding it's a depressing sight & instant massive fighting for waves, drop-ins, collisions, barking in the line up.....stress central eff that.

My favorite times in Guiones have been off season. But, I like storms & rain & stuff like that - - fits my personality lol.

 

How about San Diego? Very consistent surf. Inexpensive flights. Crowded but not always crowded. Lot to choose from in terms of surf breaks.

 

I'd go to Peru... See Machu Picchu and try guinea pig, oh and the surf is supposed to be solid.

 

How bout Dominican Republic or Panama?

 

Someone on here has been to Peru multiple times....can't recall who. Cool dude. Always seemed wiling to share info.

I'm headed to Chicama & other breaks in Peru but not until May 2016. Happy to share info upon return.

I've always thought Ecuador would be fantastic. Blasters, they use the US dollar as their currency....it's inexpensive...warm water...low crime....uncrowded waves.....no localism....that's what I've heard anyways. It's on my list.

 

Baddy with the Trailer aka wombat I believe

 

DR is ok. Been there over 20 times. North coast. Fly into POP. Bring your board. Scams exist here with boards that are not glassed heavily & thus break easily; the locals knock off the name shapers, so guess what that's not a Rusty or a Weber or a CI or a ...Lost that just broke as you duck dive a wave. And now you gotta pay $1,100 usd wtf & the guy will follow you to the ATM for his cash, oh yes he will.

Surf Playa Encuentro or Playa Grande. Encuentro is consistent. But! Crowded, and you better back off when locals are going for the wave. Yes, they rip, yes they snake, yes they back paddle, yes they drop in..... & they have friends on the water & on the beach so you best not say much. Encuentro gets blown out mid-morning by the trades; you have to get on it at first light. Night life is incredible. Lotta pay-for-play. Playa Grande needs N swell to turn on - - can get big - - about an hour's drive from Encuentro. Usually empty cause it's outside of town.
Lodging: stay in Cabarete (Hotel El Magnifico). Many restaurants & bars. Janet's SuperMercado to stock up.

Panama: haven't been, want to go. The norte. Before it gets ruined by crowds. Sounds amazing. On my list!

 

Definitely bring your own board, big fan of that anywhere, hate rentals. I personally haven't been to either but next on my list. Actually just found out that next year's company pinnacle trip is to Panama, so if I stay with the company my trip will be paid for.

 

I've been lucky, mine doesn't have a scratch on it, but it's a Coil so that's probably why, practically bullet proof. I also fly Jet Blue, they have been great at customer service and respectful with my sh*t, and I wrap the rails of the board in plumbing insulation foam wrap in a blanket and put in thick board bag.

 

Pipe wrap taped on the rails, buy from More Depot. Do NOT use the self-adhesive pipe wrap, that black adhesive crap is brutal to remove from your stick.

Use blue tape to secure all pipe wrap & all padding - - bring roll of blue tape for return trip.

Tail & front s/b padded with those impact pads designed for just that.

Utilize a padded bag from Curve or wheeled coffin by Dakine.

Cover the top deck of top board with layer or two of cardboard: this mutes the impact of the corners of those heavy ass suitcases flung into baggage hold. Lotta damage is from heavy ass suitcases corners hitting the deck of board.

Spray paint 'Top Load Only Please' on both sides of the bag.

Be really pleasant to all airline personnel.

 

I love you too blasters.

da info hui 4 lyfe

the apb contest in at Arica was just absolutely pumping. I want to do the spain/portugal thing too in the winter.

#9/12 stylee

 

Cabo?

http://www.cabosbest.com/cabo-surfing.html

 

second.

 

Stay here and tell us how it was. Can you do some fishing out there, too and send us pics?

http://cabosurf.com/