Costa Rica Surf Report: February ‘10

Issue 12, Volume 5, February 2010
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

Costa Rica Surf Report By Greg Gordon http://www.crsurf.com FORECAST Caribbean Coast: This is another consistent month for surf, with waves mostly head-high plus, but reaching double overhead. Lots of rain showers as well, so make sure you have tread on the tires for the roads and something strong to clean out your ears after a surf session. Two major surf contests this month will bring out the locals, so show respect in the lineup. Pacific Coast: The Papagayo winds (from the northwest) really... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report: October ‘09

Issue 8, Volume 5, October 2009
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

Surfer: Luis Castro Costa Rica Surf Report and Forecast By Greg Gordon www.crsurf.com FORECAST Caribbean Coast: October usually means rainy season. This season is a little different since El Niño is in full-effect. That means more rain showers east of the Talamancan mountain range, but overall, less tropical activity for the Caribbean. No consistent swells coming until mid-November. Pacific Coast: This month is usually the rainiest of the year, but with El Niño, it won’t be as plentiful,... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report: September ‘09

Issue 7, Volume 5, September 2009
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

Costa Rica Surf Report and Forecast FORECAST Caribbean Coast: During September it gets rainy and very inconsistent. Tropical systems generally head north, not west, so any fetch is heading in the wrong direction. On the good side, it’s very inexpensive to eat and stay comfortably, it’s not crowded, and when the occasional short-period swell shows up, you have a number of reefs and sand bars to choose from. Pacific Coast: This month is tricky since many breaks are tide dependent —... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report: August ‘09

Issue 6, Volume 5, August 2009
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

Forecast Caribbean Coast: August is mainstream hurricane season, so expect some surprise surf sessions. They’ll come and go quickly, so you need to sit on it for at least at week. Pacific Coast: This month is one of the best for waves and weather. The first part of the month has an “Indian Summer” effect with offshores lasting later in the day and less rain. The second half is rainier, but when you’re in the water surfing 1- to 2-foot overhead peaks it doesn’t matter. Full... [Read more...]

Tortuguero – Costa Rica Less Traveled

Issue 6, Volume 5, August 2009
By: Vern Hobbs
Filed Under: Get Out Of Town

Tortuguero, my happy home… So goes the opening line of a song, seldom (if ever) heard beyond the banks of the Parisimina River in northeastern Costa Rica. Despite the tune’s anonymity, it holds a place in my heart. In contrast to the popular tourist destinations and expatriate havens of Tamarindo, Puntarenas, and Quepos, Tortuguero might be best described as “the Costa Rica less-traveled.” This village of 500 residents owes its relative obscurity to its relative remoteness.... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report July

Issue 5, Volume 5, July 2009
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

Group shot of International Surf Day at Hacienda Pinilla. Photo by Thornton Cohen at www.nomadpics.com A great children’s book that teaches why it’s important not to litter. FORECAST Caribbean Coast: July is generally a quiet month for waves, but as the hurricane season gets into gear, there may be a swell or two. The actual storms don’t hit the coast, but instead move north toward Cuba and the Yucatan. If it’s powerful enough, it can send overhead surf for two to three days at a time.... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report

Issue 4, Volume 5, June 2009
By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report

NATIONAL FORECAST The month of June is known for the consistent south and southwest swells that sweep the Pacific Coast. The average size of the surf is head-high to overhead, with a few stronger swells producing waves up to double overhead. The key is to surf early since winds turn onshore at about 10 a.m. on most days. On the Caribbean side there are rare days with a little size, but it’s mostly a serene sea — perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving, or just soaking in the sun. TRAVEL The... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report

By: Greg Gordon
Filed Under: Costa Rica Surf Report, Sea Level

After 10 years of sending out surf reports, I can almost say “mission accomplished.” That mission: To help travelers and locals find the best surf in Costa Rica. Report #466 had submissions from Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Playa Negra, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Jaco, Playa Hermosa, and Dominical. Tide charts for all of 2009 are posted to help plan trips. Local surf photographers have sent in the best photos each week, and contest videos are now up on our video gallery and on YouTube.... [Read more...]