Costa Rica or Nicaragua?

If your wife is really ok with staying in a place that is not super clean or up to date.

If you like surfing lefts.

Go to Nicaragua

Last time I was in Costa Rica it was really becoming Americanized and touristy- that was like 10 yrs ago , I couldn't image what it's like now...

Panama is also good bet, just research a bit before you go

 

check out santa teresa in costa rica. much more remote - we flew into san jose, drove across to the gulf, took a ferry across w/ the car and then drove to the peninsula. fantastic way to see the countryside and santa teresa is still a very, very pure and undisturbed place. roads arne't paved, most ppl get around by foot/motorbike/quad/etc rather than car. very raw place. my wife and i went for our honeymoon. i dream of going back

 

**** never take anyone to tamarindo

 

Then go to Kauai. A friend of mine goes there every year, says it is great place to surf, to chill, etc.
Someday I will go there.
As for Europe, due to money exchange and strength of dollar versus Euro, now is a "cheaper" time to go. If you have not been, it is worth it, imho. And it will be a real treat for your wife. It will be my next trip, but not for surfing--England, for a history trip (I am an avid reader of medieval times history--much to see around London).

 

Myrtle Beach Castle
Myrtle Beach Castle. 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach SC 29579 ...

Barry,
Save some money! If you are into Medieval Times, There is a sweet one in Myrtle Beach! You can boogie board with Kenny Fu(kin' Powers!

 

Thanks, but that is not for me, frankly. When we go to anyplace at all, it is usually by ourselves, no tours, no guides, no fantasy anything.
Just real places. Real historic places.

When we go to surfing destinations, my wife usually, but not always joins me. But Europe? Never go by myself, which is why, getting back to OP, kid rock should consider a surfing trip in Europe (France, et al). I have yet to do THAT particular trip, but my wife is always pushing for us to do so.

 

Man, I was trollin' and didn't even get a nibble... lol

 

I nibbled. Good troll. Ya moron!! lol

 

Never been to Nica, my worry there is the off shores can be crazy. I've made a habit of going down to Playa Negra in Costa. Rent a 4WD, get a bungalow at the hotel on the beach, and you will be set. Avellenas, Marbella, and a few other waves are within 30 minutes, not to mention you have a 30 foot walk to the world class Negra wave. Hotel is great, restaurant/food is great, and there a few restaurants in "town" that are great too. 30 minute drive to Tamarindo as well. You'll surf the best waves of your life, and your wife will love the trip as well.

 

I've done both. costa rica is more tourist friendly, and in my opinion has much more variety of surf. Popoyo was awesome but I didn't have a car and popoya reef was an absolute MOB scene in august. Playa Santana was not anything great. A good beach break, sure but you can find that anywhere in costa rica.

If your wife wants more options then go to CR. If she doesn't care then toss up a coin. If you go to Nicaragua make sure you have transportation and you don't just stay in popoyo.

 

Anyone remember the 'bandits in nica' thread?

 

Yeah, that was an SI Instant Classic!

 

Jan/Feb is also a poor surf time for CR, or any place that relies on southern-hemi swells. But there's often ridable waves most days, and you might get lucky.

 

There are a lot of spots that haven't been listed for Costa. Lived there a bit and wife is from there, been to Nica, which is more rustic and good for 'surf only' or sittin around doing nothing trip. Offshores can kill it, especially in the winter (same as North Costa). Dec-Feb generally are 'flat' in both places (ie less often head+ swells -1 per month instead of weekly).

Want a fun trip that both will enjoy, go to costa and rent a car. Check out various spots on the Nicoya (South of Tamarindo). PM me for more info if you want some detailed spot info on Costa. Caribe side of Costa is great in winter too.

 

Just watch out for bandits amigo, we need you here.

 

Exactly...


It will still probably be at least chest hi or so but if you want waves in Central America there you gotta go in the rainy season in the summer.


Also- do yourself a favor if you choose to go to Costa Rica with your wife- stay out of Jaco. Go to hermosa. Stop by the pig farm or what ever.. Just stay out of Jaco, specially after dark..

 

Probably the best advise yet.

Belmar gets great winter swells. 23ft to be exact.

Plus the waters always warm (due to the laboradors)

And the hotel is cheaper in the winter

Although - sorry- but Djais will be closed, so you can leave the gold chains at home