I grew up
surfing in Texas gulf coast and San Diego, but now am 46 years old and would
like to surf clean quality surf. I don't want to surf by myself, so I am
looking at surf schools/camps. I don't want to be stuck with people who are
just learning how to stand up, however, I would not be able to keep up with
people who surf a lot or surf big overhead surf.
I am able to surf 3 times a year on small surf in the gulf of Texas. I now
surf a longboard. It appears I may be caught between people who are learning
and very good surfers. I don't want to drive a 4x4, so it look like the
various surf trips are out?? It appears Quepos requires no driving from me??
It says no food provided in camp, where does one get/buy/prep for meals? It
mentions only a morning surf session, what about an afternoon session also??
Would I be able to rent a longboard??
Most important, how does it work out finding other surfers to surf with??
Any help?
Sincerely,
Joel Ponton |
Hello Joel
I will be happy to assist you and address any questions or concerns you may
have.
Admittedly I maybe a little biased but I really like the Manuel Antonio are
there are some very big differences One is that the Guancaste area where
Playa Grande is located is very dry and is not Rainforest if you want to see
lots of wildlife and Rainforest which I think most people visiting Costa
Rica want to see Manuel Antonio Park is one of the most best in the world
Also Manuela Antonio offers a variety of breaks form a beginner to
Intermediate to Advanced wedgy hollow Peaks at the end of the beach and if
it gets big you can even surf the Pier in front of Quepos for perfect long
point break.
 The surf lessons are 3 hours per day so I think that will give you plenty of
time to get used to the break and because all our guides are some of the
best local surfers you will be welcomed to the breaks and feel very
comfortable are guys never watch the clock and at 3 hours they don't just
drop everything and go so you may be even have more time in the water but I
think after 3 hours you will need a break and as I said you will know the
break well enough that you feel confident especially at your skill level to
come back and surf by yourself or I am sure you will have met your guides
and some other local surfers you could free surf with for your second
session.
If you stay at the Sirena Hotel it is conveniently located in down town
Quepos there are pots of awesome restaurants within walking distance to eat
and if you would like some nightlife you can talk to your surf guides they
are always happy to tell you the best spots or even come along with you if
you like.
We now include a rental board with your surf session if you wanted to have a
board to surf after your session our Surf camp can set you up with a rental
board for about $20 additional per day (you can pay directly for the board
rental in CR)
The time of the surf session each day will depend upon the tides and we will
let you know at least a day in advance the pick up time for the next day's
session we try to surf Manuela Antonio at the High Tide.
We can also assist you with your International airfare if you like and also
we can arrange for you to either fly from San Jose to Quepos airport where
you will be met by one of our representatives and taken to your hotel or if
your flight comes in too late to do the hopper flight we can set you up with
a Van transfer form San Jose to Quepos.
Any other questions please don't hesitate to ask
SURFS UP!
Mike Brooks |
| |
Hi, I'm from
Puerto Rico. (only 4 years surfing.) I want to go to CR this year, but I
probably won't be able to go till August or September. I'm a beginner, but I
can manage pretty well in up to 4' (maybe 5') waves.
My questions are:
Which area do you recommend? I've been thinking about going to Pavones.
Is Pavones a good idea for me in these months?
Are there smaller waves there when the swell is not on?
And if it's way too big for me, are there other smaller breaks I could surf
at nearby?
Which season should I avoid (for rains, etc.)?
Thank you so much!
Glori |
Hello
Glori
Pavones is a great break but I think it might be a little too challenging
for the beginner to intermediate level surfer it can get crowded and it is a
very fast wave with a rock bottom plus in Aug and September is when they get
there biggest waves.
If I were you I would consider Manuel Antonio it is a beautiful beach and
has a nice sand bottom and the surf tends to be much more conducive for
perfecting your surfing skills.
The Sirena Hotel http://www.ticotravel.com/hotels/sirena.htm in Quepos is a good hotel at
a very fair cost and if you like we also have a surf camp http://www.ticotravel.com/surfing/sirena.htm that can provide you with
lessons and transfers to and form the beach each day.
I think you will find the weather to be better in August than September it
maybe a little more rainy.
Just let me know what you think I would be happy to book whatever you need
accommodations, transfers to and from the San Jose airport and or surf camp
or just offer more free advice.
Surfs Up!
Mike Brooks |
| |
| Hello Mike, I
am going to Costa Rica for the second time. Last August I was up by Playa
Grande but this time we are staying at the Hotel Fiesta in Punterenas. I am
wondering if we will be in a good area for surfing and how long the drive in
from our hotel to other surf spots like playa hermosa? Could you also give a
couple recommendations about some good surf breaks in our area?
Thank you
Brandon |
 Hello
Brandon, there is very good wave behind the Hotel Fiesta called Boca
Borrance a long left point. But I will warn you the area is not very pretty
and the water is pretty dark due to all the nearby but it can be an awesome
wave. It is about 1 hr plus ride to Hermosa and other breaks like Playa Jaco
, Esterillos and Bejuco the surfers guide to Costa Rica also is a great
guide if you need a handbook of breaks anther good place to stay that is
all-inclusive is the Jaco Beach BW if you wanted to stay a couple of nights
some where closer to other breaks.
Regards
Mike Brooks |
| |
Howzit,
Mike...
I'm planning my first surf trip to Costa Rica, and was hoping you might be
able to offer a little assistance. We will be 3 travelers in all...one is an
experienced longboarder, and the other two are shortboarders and, although
somewhat less experienced, able to hold their own in a variety of surf
conditions. It looks like we will probably be staying at the Marriott Los
Suenos Resort at Playa Herradura. I was curious to know about the surf spots
in that area....where should we go?! Also, we plan to rent a vehicle out
there so we can travel around a bit and surf a variety of locations...any
recommendations (on car rentals AND places to go)?? And last but not
least...airfare! We''ll be flying out of Miami, FL. I've been checking all
the airlines, and it appears that Martinair is still the cheapest way to get
to Costa Rica.
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and expertise, and I look
forward to hearing back from you.
Stay
groovy...
Brandon |
Hello Brandon
my name is Mike I am the surf travel planner for Tico Travel I will be happy
to a assist you.
Airfares have gone up substantially because of the rise in fuel and unless
the price of gas goes down you will probably not see the prices on airfare
to Costa Rica drop either it would be best to call one of our agents or go
directly to our online airfare page at www.costaricaairfare.com
There are lots of great breaks in the Marriott
los Suenos area like Escondido, Herradura bay, Jaco, Hermosa and Bejuco they
are pretty easy to find http://www.ticotravel.com/surfing/intro.htm
If you are on a budget I would recommend
having a rental car meet you right at the airport when you arrive so you
will have some wheels you can check out our rental car prices at http://www.ticotravel.com/costarica/car.htm
Regards
Mike Brooks |
| |
Hey Mike,
I'm trying to plan a week trip for me and some friends and would like to
know where we could find the best right breaks around Christmas time.
Thanks
Trevor /
Orange County, California |
 Most of the
people would say the Tamarindo area. Time of year in Costa Rica is pretty
consistent anywhere you decide to go I like the Central Pacific for he first
trip and even the Caribbean side could be big at that time. But I suggest
you book your trip ASAP that time will sell out fasttttttttttttt the Diria
Hotel is good for the Tamarindo area or you can check our hotel section for
other options in other areas of the country. You can check airfare at www.costaricaairfare.com You
can checkout our rental vehicles at http://www.ticotravel.com/costarica/car.htm (Europ car is my first
choice)
Talk to you soon
Mike Brooks |
| |
Mike, I'm
wondering how long does it take to drive to Pavones from Quepos? Is it
practical to plan a one week road trip all the way down the coast to Pavones
and back?
Ron |
| Hello Ron
Sure you could definitely get down to Pavones in
back in a week and not be pushing it too much
The drive form Quepos is not nearly as bas as it once was at least once you
get past Dominical the stretch between Quepos and Dominical along the
coastal highway it still like a wash board but not dangerous.
How are you getting to Quepos? A hopper
flight would be great but you may have a problem getting your boards on
especially if they are over 7ft long so I assume you are driving or getting
a transfer?
Regards
Mike Brooks |