I was there in dec. Took an unplanned trip there while I was in Costa for a while. I was only in nica for 5 days, but wish I could've stayed longer. We went to San Juan del Sur, which is the closest decent town from the costa border. The border crossing was interesting to say the least! The town was pretty cool, even more laid back than costa. Not much surf in SJDS, but took a boat trip south to 2 breaks. One was tamarindo and the other might have been montana?? I went with a couple people I met at one of the main bars in town the night before. $20-25 for the boat trip (beats the heck out of the $100-125 witches rock trips...and we were the only boat at these breaks. Cheap food too...hit up the market in the morning for some cheap breakfast. Just stayed in hostels there...a littttle shady at night, but not too bad.
iguana I own a condo at Hacienda Iguana, the place is named Villa Rio Dulce. It's on the break named Playa Colorado. Happy to answer questions, fire away.
Stayed at a place called NicaWaves in July. Half way between Popoyo and Santanas. Santanas was firing. Going back SOOOON!!
lodging nica Lotta choices in Nica for the rack aspect. My place is 3br, 2ba. Unit is basically new (2009), perfectly maintained, fully AC'd, fully outfitted kitchen, elevator or stair access to second floor unit, 24-7 security, balcony overlooking the Pacific, dvd, cable tv, pool overlooking the Pacific, daily housekeeping, walk to Panga Drop & Colorado breaks, excellent local restaurants only 15 mins drive, 45 min drive to Rivas for more restaurants & supermarkets..... you won't want to come back to gringo land. 150 usd per night for the whole place & you're surfing perfection & living like a rock star.
Tamarindo, San Juan Del Sur, Playa Madeiras in May. Fun surf ... well overhead to double overhead... fun but never saw anything epic like in some of the magazines (a monster storm in the Caribbean messed up the off shores). Cool country. Mellow people. Hire a taxi or shuttle service because getting pulled over every 20 minutes for driving while being gringo sucks.
thanks for the input. I'm debating on renting versus bringing my board. If the airlines weren't gouging surfers I would bring, but since its 200$ round trip, I'm considering renting. Any places that rent out decent boards? Any thoughts?
When it is overhead and firing it is always nice to be on the right board, usually one you have already used often. Been to Nica, camped near Popoyo and had a great time, got there while the swell was peaking and left when it was gone. Place had no plumbing and nothing around so it was a magic experience.
If i went to Nica again, I'd bring my own board. In costa, theres a huge variety of decent boards to rent in most of the towns. However, it was mostly junk in Nica- lots of bics, softtops, etc.- at least in SJDS. Maybe someone can chime in about other towns, but that was my experience this past december.
ive contacted a shop who carries two 6'6 al merricks in both punchout and glass and that they are in great shape. He said he could register the board in my name for that date, but who knows I could be disappointed/pissed over the board i get and ruin the trip. I'm thinking of sucking it up and taking mine.
Pay the money and bring your own How often are you gonna get down there? Why are you going? to surf? Don't try to save a little money and compomise the real reason for the trip
http://www.lajolladeguasacate.com/ and besides boards, he rents all types of other equipment as well as rooms and a boat.
bring your own I concur ! Bring your own gear. You never know what you're going to get with rentals in terms of quality. Quality also equals safety. You don't want to be 500 yards out in Pacific Ocean rips & swirling currents & have a leash go because the velcro can't hold anymore. Happened to me in the DR. I figured to save on the airline fees, it was a short 5-day jaunt, I'd rent & surf & save money. Board snapped in 8' & I had to pay them 400usd. The next day, on a different board, the leash let go & thankfully a buddy helped me get out of the impact zone. Not a good time. In April this year, saw a guy in Nica snap a board paddling out at Madera (he got caught & went over the falls, backwards). That cost him a cool one grand to the place he rented the stick from. You can always make more money. Surf treks deserve the good stuff. Your stuff.
thanks for the advice. I think i'm going to bring my gear. now its b/t my 6'4 firewire or my 6'8 byrne. i'm leaning towards the 6'8 just in case. As far as i know airlines charge for each board.
tip I always utilize miles or upgrades to fly biz or first when going surfing. Reason being, I take a big-arse 10' global trek coffin w 2-3 various sized boards inside. In biz class, no hassles. But sometimes it sems that in economy ya don't get respect from the airlines & they look to nail you for every buck they can get. Open that coffin... da f***.....! Knock wood, when flying biz or first, I've never been asked by the airline agents to open the coffin & thus I've never paid for more than one board. This is especially true when coming out of Central America, where a biz class flier is treated with way more respect & props than you get in the USA. (Hope AA ain't reading this thread, lol.) Just be sweet as pie to the airline ticketing agent & you shouldn't have any issues. Turn on that Mook charm !
