Hey all, I'm heading to CR for the second time. Last time around I was traveling with other surfers and we were in the middle of no where (Camaronal) so it was a no-brainer to bring our own boards. This time I'm staying south of Malpais but I'll be the only one with a board since it's a family trip. Given that we'll be closer to an area with surf shops, would it make more sense to rent or buy once there rather than pay $300 for US Airways/United for extra special "board handling"? Anyone know what rental rates or new boards cost in Malpais/Santa Teresa? We'll be there for 10 days.
Im sure that renting would be cheapest. Buying might be an option. I think to answer your question- you have to ask yourself how serious/ or how much will you be surfing since this is a 'family' trip. more so then money: 1. if your surfing a lot: there is nothing like having your own board. Your aready use to it and know how it handles and your be comfortable in big surf - if it gets big. (btw- that waves are bigger and better in Belmar, NJ... just sayin) 2. rent a board- if your only going to be surfing like an hour a day in the morning or something. I have stayed at places that have board rentals right there. be prepared to ride a junker! 3. buy a board- if you happen to see one you really like. I made this mistake in Hawaii. I went with the plan to buy a board- and spent my first 2/3 days going around looking for the right board (since I didn't have much cash, it had to be used). anyways, you might waste a lot of time. If you go this route, just rent a board until you see one you want to buy. I don't think you'll get much of a better deal on a new board, and the board will be shaped for their waves, not where ever your living now. Anyways- this is what I have learned, hope it helps.
lol a rented a board one day i was down there heading to a reef break and i ended up ramming into some reef take that into consideration it was inside the nicoya pen..which i reckon your going?
I always took my board. It's the only thing that'd float my bigazz. In 01 I camped at playa carmen. People would ask to rent mine. I'd tell them they'd have a better chance riding my wife. Other campers were renting their boards. There was a surf shop on the field where they made a mal across from frank's place. There also guys willing to sell their boards cheap to get back to the airport faster.
It can get big there. I would rent a board, depending on conditions you can rent a semi gun in case it gets big, and then leave it there, unless you live at the B....Belmar that is, then bring it home and use it on the inside reform.
i took my own board to malpais. It was a while back (in years). It was never under head high when i was there. I was very glad i brought my own equipment. Only trip i ever went on that the ticket agent guy let my board bag fly for the standard baggage fee.
sometimes a little too easy. Once, a newlywed couple was at playa carmen when we were . The wife was the surfer. The husband was riding a red board with OHIO written on it. they'd pass my camp and, of course I'd say "OHIO? hows the waves there?" He'd smile and she'd give stink eye. If they were out when I was, it'd seem he'd always be in front of me when I'd turn to go. I'd yell "Take it back to Ohio!" One day it was huge. She came in and was asking about if we saw her husband. Who? I asked. OHIO! You seen Ohio? I told her he prolly couldn't get out and was at her room. she came back in a panic. no one saw him. a half hour later he came around the north point. He said he got out, got scared and was trying to get a wave in. when one was small enough for him came, he was in front of rocks down around mazanillo. A big one came and luckily washed him over them to the beach. this is what it looks like at low tide.
Thanks for all the info, we'll be staying near Playa Malpais about 15min south of Playa Carmen. At the moment my daily driver isn't really geared for anything more than OH+1/2 but the forecasts (for what they are worth) seem to be calling for nothing more than head high for the next week. In general my plan is to get up early and surf in the mornings. If it was a dedicated surf trip I'd probably bring my board no question. Is it possible to rent decent boards in Malpais or are they all junk?
The first beach I surfed in MP area was at Zanaeidas Lefts. 15 min N of PC. One of the best times I've ever had in CR. Of course there's never been a schitty time there for us. The worst time there was 100 times better than any time away.
It was definitely more than I was expecting. No beginners were making it out the days i was there. Unlike Chich's story. But it was all beach break where i was surfing.
