Headed down for a one week biz related trip in April. Really wont have time to get over to the Pacific coast. Any swell on the Caribe side in early April? Any good spots to look for? I know about Salsa Brava, anywhere else I should look for?
there's an "airport" just north of Puerto Viejo that has a killer break. It was kinda accessible back in 98. prolly not now. definitely worth a try.
yep... its actually super consistent over there. Winter is generally the best time, but can be good all year. Coast Rica Caribbean Surf Forecast I've been to Puerto Viejo, but it was a long time ago. Salsa Brava is amazing when its on, and there are some punchy beach breaks around the area.
Jeesum Crow that's a nice F'n forecast. I feel like I remember folks on here saying the Caribbean side can be heavier too...
Surfed Salsa Brava many years ago (94 I think). We were there in late Dec/early Jan and it definitely can get big. The last day we were there it was so big and slightly out of control that nobody even went out, not even the locals. The reefs there are real slabby, so it breaks heavy as ****. I don't remember the name of the break just down the road from there, but there is a left that comes off the tip of a small island that is really fun. Take off zone is small though, so if it's crowded you won't catch many waves. The beachbreak that runs south of the island is good as well and can get really hollow. People were camped up and down the beach back then. Don't know if it's still the same now 20 years later. There are also a couple of reef breaks south of Salsa Brava that you can paddle to, but they are a looong paddle. Whatever size you think it is standing on the beach, you can pretty much double it and that's what it's going to be when you get out there. Edit: The beach and island is Cocles. http://magicseaweed.com/Playa-Cocles-Surf-Report/2476/
I know it is solid in the winter...I have heard that April can be "iffy". Guess I just need to think positive and check the forecast the week before.
Looking at the map, I've always wondered how CR gets such good reports from the east coast. There doesn't seem to be enough fetch between there and the Caribbean islands. I think about what size storm it takes to send waves our way and imagine that same storm east of CR. Wouldn't we see the destruction in the carib. islands on the news a lot?
The east coast of the US doesn't have the benefit of the easterly tradewinds pushing weather towards us. Costa Rica does. It also sits in the middle of a bowl, so whatever easterly swell is out there is getting funneled right into it.
You've got that right. Pretty solid 3'-5' waves rolling through all week. I think I'll pack my bags and head out there right now. Or is Belmar the better spot? I should probably just surf Belmar instead the more I think about it.
Great question, and, I mean, as nice as tropical water sounds right about now, it's still 50 in Belmar, it'll definitely be firing, so you're probly right.
