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Surf Pavones – If it were any Longer your Gi...
Surf Pavones – If it was any more remote you’d have to get a GPS to find it.
If you do go and Surf Pavones you wont be disappointed, IF the swell is running. Pavones is one of the premier locations in the world for left hand breaks. When its pumping and the swell is from the South, usually April to November, it’s ‘mucho gusto’.
Surf Pavones and you wont be disappointed by the quality nor length of the ride during this time, as long as there is swell but we’ll get to that later. And yes its very very hot.
Where do I go to Surf Pavones???
If there was an ass end of the world that was almost too impossible to get to, then this place would be further. Pavones is located way down in the ‘deep-south’ of Costa Rica on the southern side of Gulfo Dulce. The closest town is Golfito which is a six to eight hour drive from San Jose.
Pavoness is 2 hrs further south of Golfito. There is a bus service, car rental and 4WD taxis for approximately $70USD. If you want to get there fast then there is also air transport by Nature Air and Sansa flights from San Jose for about $100USD one way.
This is pristine Costa Rica, Golfito is blisteringly hot, the drive is amazingly beautiful. You will pass teak plantations, lowland rainforest’s and cross dozens of rivers. Its your choice whether you just want to get down there fast or experience more of what Costa Rico has to offer.
How Long is Pavones?
Well 3/4 of a mile and between 2 – 3 minutes makes it one of the longest left handers in the world. There are 2-3 sections usually when the swell is down but when it picks up the middle sections are exceptionally fast. This amazing ride will have your legs burning and head thumping from your heart pounding to keep up blood flow to your very very tired muscles. Did I mention its hot down there.
Surf Pavones on any tide but it will close out less on mid to high tides. On a low tide you can see all the cobble stones which make it more “exciting” getting in and out of the water. The rocks are smooth and are more a trip hazard than a place to cut yourself. However, like all reef breaks i strongly recommend some form of surf bootie or footwear.
Aside: I tried barefoot surfing in Tenerife, which has a similar rocky walk out and found that wearing booties/surf shoes made an inmeasureable difference to the bruises on my feet and the speed in which i was able to paddle out.
Ok i’ll stop with the hot comments. How hot is it you say? Hot enough to feel like your breathing mexican chilli’s every time you inhale. You sweat like a contestant on America’s Biggest Loser practicing Ballet. Seriously, the only time your not sweating is when your in the water.
If the swell is up and the surf is rolling in then you’ll be trying to get as many waves as you can before word breaks out how good it is… and trust me news travels fast. So before you know it PAvones is flocking with more people than student night at your local Pizza Hut.
Surf Lesson in Pavones??
There is only one place to go if you want a Surf Lesson and if you find another PLEASE let me know because i think this is it. Its called Pavones Surf School and Eco Tours,
The waves do cater for everyone from a beginner to extremely advanced surfers. Just depends on the size of the swell on the day. The place is remote and desolate. If the surf isnt up then you’ll be hanging out enjoying the rainforest views and south american culture.
So why isnt everyone going to Pavones??
Well because its about as reliable for surf as a teenager on crack. You can get weeks of pancake flat water without end in sight. The direction of the break isnt ideal for swells most year round and you really need perfect conditions to get any sort of rideable wave.
When the swell isnt huge or ideal you can still Surf Pavones but it’s broken down into several sections, so in theory its more like 3-4 smaller breaks rather than one monster left hander.
Accomodation at Pavones is not the Hilton
In Pavones dont expect a five star hotel to retreat back to. Actually, dont expect much at all. There are only a handful of places to stay that are all very modest. Most accomodation is like a B & B (Bed and Breakfast), family run and aimed at modest living.
- Esquina Del Mar: Closest to the break, has rooms upstairs with shared shower and toilet. Gets a bit noisy on the weekends with the party goers, if you cant beat ‘em join em. $10-$20 per person per night
- Cabinas Muchos Olas: Has a few rooms located above the Cantina albeit a bit loud. $15-25.
- Cabinas Las Ponderosa: As upmarket as you can get in this place. Right by the soccer field $20-$50
Places to Eat
Pavones is not a gastronome’s delight. Dont expect your Cordon Bleau or stuffed lobster out there. For a cheap and chearful meal you cant go past the Esquina del Mar cantina right at the point OR if you have to go really low budget there is a mini-mercado just east. (Mini-mart).
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Surf Chicama – The Longest Wave in the World
If someone told me to go and Surf Chicama I would have to ask where the hell is that? I’d never heard of it and I am imagining that neither have you up until now. After about 2 minutes research I was awestruck at the barreling series of left hand waves that I am accustomed to seeing in Indonesia or Hawaii. In case your wondering, Chicama is located in the South American country of Peru and is 560km north of its capital Lima.
Chicama Surf
Reasons to Surf Chicama?
Why am I telling you this??
We are so used to seeing endless pictures and reports from the ASP world tour on places such as North Shore Hawaii, Biarritz France, Indonesia and Australia that we forget that there are countless other less well known places that have almost equally as good surf but are most likely off the beaten track and not as easily accessible.
The Advantages of Surfing Chicama:
- Empty Waves
- Excellent Weather
- Extremely Long Rides ( 2- 4minutes)
The Disadvantages of Surfing Chicama:
- Only Left Hand Waves
- Extremely Long Walk to Start point (up to 20 minutes)
Surfing Chicama offers a wide selection and range of waves for a wide range of skills. You can get your first surf lesson here or find a barreling haven over reef. Chicama has it all.
How Good is Surfing Chicama Really??
Google Earth Maps shows that the distance between the Cape to the Pier is approximately 2.61 km. There are 4-5 sections during this ride. If the surf is large enough, between 6 -8 ft, there will be enough volume of water to transition between the sections giving the ultimate 2-4 minute left hand ride. The downside is the 20 minute walk back to the cape but its a small price to pay for the longest ride of your life.
Chicama can cater for all sized and shaped surf boards ranging from short to long. In smaller conditions the thicker and more buoyant the board the greater the chance of transitioning between the sections.
Chicama Surf Break
Plenty of Chicama Waves for Everyone
The million dollar question your waiting for is, how many thousand people are all going to be running over each other to get onto the same wave?? We if I said 20 to 30 … people … along the whole stretch of coastline I would not be joking.
Chicama could cater for 100 plus but on your average day you will have 5 people surfing, on 5 separate waves. 5 people lining up and about 12-15 people walking back to the line up. No need to drop in or cut off anybody here and it is not taken lightly either.
“My motto is Courtesy is king whenever I surf in other countries or locations”.
Chicama Surf Break
Local Chicama Surfing Contacts
If your starting out or need a Surf Lesson then here’s a place I’ve found helpful and caters for all levels of experience:
However, if you do want to go all out and splurge on a give star surfing extravaganza then this is the place for you:
If you have been to Chicama lately I’d love to hear your experiences below. Surf Chicama and tell us all about it. I do not edit or change comments so if you have something to say then lets hear it.
Images Courtesy of Global Surfers.
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Free Surf Lesson’s in Tenerife
Free Surf Lesson in Tenerife? Too good to be true?
Well if I hadn’t had seen it with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it. I would have thought here’s another internet marketing scam or typo. But seriously its true. Free Surf Lesson, ask inside.
Like everything in life you get nothing for nothing and this still holds true for your free surf lesson. So yes in some regards there is a catch but only a small one. The place where you get your free lesson you’ll have to hire a board from them … is that all you say .. yep, so realistically if you came on holiday to Tenerife without your surfboard anyway you would have to hire from someone anyway.
A Small Price to Pay for a Free Surf Lesson
And don’t be scared about the price. As of November 2009 a board, booties and rash shirt package on average was 15 Euro per day or less if you hire for more days. I also hired a short wetsuit, not that I really needed it after I realized how warm the water was but you learn these things, for an extra 5 Euro per day. My total was 18 Euro per day for 3 day hire.
Rash Shirt & Booties a Must at Tenerife
And before you ask why you need booties I suggest you read my previous article on surf conditions around Tenerife. 95% of the surf breaks are on reef so trust me when I say you need then to walk out on and to save your feet when you come off. I’ve cut myself quite badly on reef in both Australia and Hawaii and then vowed never to surf bare foot again on it.
The rash shirt is an obvious choice for avoiding a seriously red and itchy chest, plus the added bonus that the rash shirt gives you that extra bit of grip so your upper body doesn’t slide off the board when you are paddling.
Tenerife Surf Break Map
Where to go for your Free Surf Lesson
Before I can tell you where to go to get your free surf lesson lets show you Tenerife on a map so you can see for yourself. On the Tenerife island map above you will see the names of some of the local surf breaks. The best and easiest place to surf in terms of both accessibility of beach and equipment is at Playa de Los Americas. This place is not specifically on the attached map but is located in the South West Corner of the island (bottom left for you non-geographical types) where La Izquirda is shown.
Playa del Los Americas has 4 surf breaks. La Izquirda (left hand break as name suggests in Spanish), Las Americas (reef break), Derecha del Cartel (right hand break) and El Conquistador (reef break). All these breaks are located in the same area of Playa de Los Americas which is easily accessible via the motorway. As a reference, approximately 15 minutes from the airport heading west.
Playa de Los Americas
Once you enter the town weave your way towards the beach and car parks adjoining. The street you are after is right in front of the beach. There is a burger king on the corner and opposite it is an Aberdeen Steak house, which i might add does pretty cheap 2/3 course meals. (no I don’t get any money to advertise from them. I will go as far to say that you can have a beer with your meal at the burger king which is a nice change).
If you stand facing the water with these two buildings behind you you will be in the right place. There are 3 places to get your free surf lesson from.
- Behind you to the right. A store with many surfboards perched up in front of it. Extremely friendly staff and this is where I got my gear from. Very friendly and helpful staff with an excellent grasp of English.
- Behind you to the left and slightly further from the beach, slightly more expensive and less surfboard range then first choice.
- The third place, on the beach slightly to the right. Its a beach shack that double up as a bar. I had many a nice Mohito there while watching the sun set and the locals at La Izquirda weave there magic on the waves.
Want more places to Surf in Tenerife?
Now if you want more than just the four break at Playa Del Los Americas and you have a car at your disposal then your in for a treat. The second map below shows the surf break locations all over the island, there are many more but this is a good start.
However a word of caution, they’re not as easy to find as it seems on the map and secondly, the roads aren’t well sign posted so unless you ask a local you may not be able to get to half of the breaks, trust me I’ve tried.
Tenerife Surf Breaks
I wish you luck, safety and good surfing with your free Surf Lesson in Tenerife. Share your experiences and frustrations below so we can all learn together.
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Surf Lesson in Tenerife – A Great Surf Vacat...
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A Surf Lesson on reef doesn’t sound appealing except when the water is of tropical proportions and there is almost no offshore winds. Couple this with gentle rolling breaks and you have a fantastic combination in which to learn on.
Having said this its not for the feint hearted.
Surf Lesson on Reef not for the Feint Hearted
You have to be committed. The entry and exit of the water is the most dangerous with slippery uneven rocks to walk over, not to mention balance and carry your longboard surfboard through all this.
I traveled all the way around the island of Tenerife for good surf conditions for both a surf lesson and larger waves. The early November conditions brought with them a NE/NW swell which meant that the best conditions were in the SW of the island, namely Playa de Las Americas.
Surf Lesson at Playa de Las Americas
The Surf Lessons are taken usually in the wash at Las Americas. You can get surf lessons from half a dozen places in the town and even from the beach kiosk, they also do a pretty mean Mohito but i’ll save that story for another day.
Wherever you do decide to go you can expect to have wetsuit, surf shoes, a rash shirt and longboard surfboard included in the price. To be honest, in November, the water is so warm that you really don’t need anything else other than your shoes so you don’t slice up your feet.
Hiring Surf Equipment
Many places offer free surf lessons as long as you hire the equipment from them. Longboard surf hire (with everything above included) is approximately 15 – 20 Euro per day and this is reduced the longer you hire.
I hired for 3 days and it cost me 12 Euro per day.
For the best surf lesson experience i thoroughly recommend you go and speak to one of the surf shops and ask them how the swell is and what the conditions are like for a surf lesson. If the weather is not good they will tell you and usually give you a good estimate of how many days until the conditions improve.
You cant beat local knowledge so don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
El Medano not for Longboard Surfing
Of note, not every person on the island can distinguish good surf lesson conditions and good windsurfing conditions. The reason i mention this is that some will say to head to El Medano for great surf conditions but the only thing you’ll find there 99% of the time is 20-30kt offshore winds and dozens of kite and wind surfers. I’ll save you the drive and time right now.
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Surf Spots: Jeffreys bay for your first surf lesso...
Surf Vacation at Jeffreys Bay
Your imaging your first surf lesson is pristine water with small waves and wash that lap at your knees. You gently mount your board and with a quick paddle are up and away on your first wave. You’ve practiced your stand up technique a hundred times on the beach so this will be no problem. The muscle memory kicks in and Whala you’ve done it… Your catching your first wave.
So why am I telling you this AND including Jeffreys bay in the same breath?
The world knows Jeffreys bay, or J Bay because of its series of barrelling right handers from the point of Supertubes. J Bay is on the ASP tour, the J Bay Billabong PRO. The likes of Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and this years 2009 winner Joel Parkinson are regulars.
So why am I still talking about surf lessons? Have I gone completely mad or am I the type of guys that enjoys watching people get beaten within an inch of their life on the rocks learning to surf.
The last time I checked I wasn’t crazy, just don’t ask my wife.
Jefferys Bay Secrets
Surf Lesson Accommodation
Your closest majot airport is Port Elizabeth. From there your within a short drive to most lodges and surfing beaches. The majority of courses can include accommodation, meals, activities and all equipment hire.
J Bay as I have already mentioned has more than one surf break or beach to surf at. In fact that bay itself has eight.
Jeffreys Bay Water Temp & Swell Size
Jeffreys Bay Surf breaks
2. Tubes – this is a short, perfect and hollow wave. You’ll have to master this before you attempt Supertubes
3. Magna Tubes – A well kept secret. Almost devoid of surfers so you’ll have the waves to yourself. A powerful and well shaped wave, as good as anywhere else.
4. Kitchen Window – A peak that breaks both left and right. The perfect place to learn how to ride waves and ideal for your first surf lesson. This is near Main Beach Island accommodation.
5. Boneyards – You cant miss it. This is right next to Supertubes but with only one or two surfers out there. This is a locals only break and they take it very seriously. You have been warned.
6. Salad Bowl – Suitable for experienced surfers only as the water is shallow and the waves are short and hollow.
7. Point – the waves here tend to be smaller then Boneyard & Supertubes but are AWESOME. Plenty of sections for cutbacks and anything else you could possibly want to do on a wave. The main difference here is that you’ll have a much longer ride.
8. Albatross – in the same class as the Point but very few surfers.
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