Im a noob learning to surf. I get to galveston as much as I can; about 2x a month. I can get up and follow a line... but... its usually more like a washing machine out there. My reason for asking, is me and my girlfriend are going to Tamarindo for a week in April. Im hoping that Ill get more out of the conditions than I can in Galveston. Is is easier to surf in clean conditions; Galveston vs CR? Thanks for your time, Chad
The wave in tamarindo is very easy for noobs. Just a bit crowded. it is kind of slopey and breaks mostly over sand. My daughter surfed it when she was 13--during her first summer of surfing--and did fine. I like the break on the north end of town at the river mouth. There are tons of nice breaks within easy driving distance from tamarindo. To answer your question, yes clean waves are easier than choppy. However when the wind is howling offshore and the waves are freight-training, conditions are tecnically clean, but this presents a challenge, too. Howling winds shouldn't be a problem in CR during april, though. Costa Rica is wonderful. Walk a lot--there is a lot to see, and try to get on a day trip into the mountains for hiking and ziplining. Have fun!
Tamarindo is a great place, I've been 4 times, are you doing a surf camp or on your own? As Mikey said it is crowded, but there are lots of noobs there and a good vibe overall. I think practicing and learning on the waves in Galveston is good training, as when you are in good waves in CR you'll be amazed and stoked.
Surf camp for sure. There only 2hr lessons, so Ill spend the rest of the day working on what I learned. Glad to hear, Galveston gets frustrating at times... Going to only surf first 5 days, if I sprain my ankle, or (Ive had 3 rotator cuff surgeries w/in the past 18 months) shoulder doing something OTHER than surfing, I may drown myself! GF will do the other stuff, Im going to scratch this surfing itch Ive had for YEARS! Thanks for the info.
I've been with my non-surfing wife, she found plenty to do. One thing, try to get a ride to Avellanes, nice beach break about 20 minutes away. There is a bar/restaurant called Lola's on the beach your gf can hang out sun bathe etc. while you surf. I've done Witches Rock Surf Camp, but do their tours, always a good time. Their happy hours at sunset are a good time.
Are you suggesting stay at WRSC and do thier tours, or stay somewhere else, but be sure to do their tours? Thanks on naming go-to bars and locations, dont forget to name a couple "...dont waste your time with..."; Im open to the truth, it cant be THAT perfect down there... or can it?!? Im sure by April our list of places to see/do will fill up the week!
From my point of view, mushy waves are easier to get up on, you have time to decide when to pop up and generally the ride is slower. Offshore wind conditions you dont have time to choose a line down the take off as you do with mushy style. On the other hand once your up in mushy conditions you need to be more aware of what the waves doing in front of you to maintain speed and watch out for a close out on your head. Offshore conditions are nice for speed and playing a wave with consistency for manuevers/barrels and whatnot. I wish were had more offshore wind direction in Rhode Island.
'tis the plan! hnimo: Apprec the info. I think being around something consistant will help ALOT; hoping this to be the case
I 100% recomend staying at and doing the WRSC School or tour. Restaurants I like. Splurge, El Coconut or Nirvana. Good solid Tico food, Noigi and Pedro's. The pizza I've had there is not that great. If you see an older guy selling chilled coconuts on the street yelling, get one from him, they are refreshing and tasty. It's been almost two years since I last went. Depending on your ability, the WRSC tours are great, twice a day they will take you up and down the coast by boat of van to less crowded spots. One trip to Witches Rock and Olllies point. I haven't done the surf school, but know those who have and enjoyed them quite a bit. Twice a day you get in water instruction, land lessons, plus access to any of their boards. PM me if you are thinking of using them and have more questions.
