Surf Pavones – If it were any Longer your Girlfriend Would Get Jealous

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).

Gear & Clothing

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