I’m heading to Costa Rica on Feburary 12 and I’m there for 9 days.
We’re gonna be staying in a house right on the beach at Playa Grande but I’ll have a car to hit all the spots depending on the tides. Avellanas, Negra, Tamarindo. Im taking down two board bags there fore 4 boards and wondering if I could get some opinion on what boards to take and if you have any experience surfing that area this time of the year I would love some input. On the list is a 9’3 board with a v-tail in the back and flat bottom all the way through. It has pretty moderate rocker through the tail and slows down at the nose. Also, the widepoint is a few inches forward for bigger waves and better turns so It wont have to pivot in big surf. The other 3 spots are pretty much open. I have a 5’11 blank sitting around that I’m thinking of doing something with but I feel like that might be a little small. I can make any board that you think will work within the next month before I leave so just let me know. Oh also, I’m 6’4 and 160 pounds. I was thinking of maybe doing an old mini simmons shape with a displacement hull in it instead of the step deck. Again, let me know what has worked for you in that area. Thanks a lot
I love Grande. Especially that time of year. It has to be the easiest place to get a dry, in and out barrel I’ve ever surfed. My advice to people is always take what you’re used to riding at home. And four boards is too many (IMO). I guarantee you’ll only use two of them. If the swell jumps up and you need something else, rentals abound in that part of Guanacaste. Go with the LB and what ever short board you ride. I love a fish in CR.
Well I’m going with a friend so thats what the other two boards are for. We’re both wondering. Does a fish work pretty well in CR? How big does it get that time of year? I have a 5’6 retro style fish but I don’t know if that might be a little bit wide for those waves. I’m thinking of making a quad swallow tail 6’1 by 21" by 2.75. Lemme know what ya think
I’ve always had fun riding a fish in CR. Expect waves in the waist to head high range. And if you’re lucky enough to be there during a swell then you’re stoked - winds could be offshore all day in Feb…
Negra is also a beautiful wave. Only problem there is small take-off zone and large crowds. I’d say don’t bother unless it’s macking and you wanna get a stand-up tube ride.
I would say take 1 big wave board and 1 small wave board - ones you’re comfortable with…
Seen it go from 2-3’ to 12-14’ faces in a day or 2 and last for days, depending on where you’re looking in that area.
Plus, if you’re driving to the break, you only want to take 1 board cause if you take 2, the other probably won’t be there when you get out of the water - whether it’s on the roof or locked inside. Breaking into locked cars at beach parking areas is like a national pastime - even if it’s just to steal a pair of flip-flops or sunglasses. In some lots you’ll even see a “Watchman”, possibly armed, who, for a fee, says he’ll watch your vehicle - no guarantees. Then if you do get ripped off it’s, “No Senor, I see no one”.
If you have a fish blank, build a fish. You’ll most likely use it more than anything else. A good small wave board is a MUST. Odds are, you won’t have anything much over head high, if that. Nine days is not that long, so if you plan ahead, check the forecasts, and limit the number of boards to the size expected. Tamarindo, Graande, and some other spots are beachbreaks, so a fast quad fish is a great idea. Negra is a reef break (at least the one in the North… there’s also a Negra in the South) that’s a real performance wave when it’s on, so bring a performance shortboard if a decent swell is expected. Something like a Flyer would be great as an all-arounder for waist to head high. A longboard would be my last choice, unless you’re a diehard longboarder, but if you’re bringing four boards for sure, why not…
Well, actually, we are still looking for a house. Its me, my friends, and my very luxury induced parents. Does anyone know of any villas right on the beach anywhere near Avellanas, Grande, Negra or Langosta? Between 1500-3000 a week. Let me know
Try Beach Grass Rentals in Playa Negra. My buddy own the house named, “Papaya Con Leche” - it’s right on the beach 5 minute walk to the main peak. Nice place, been there a few times.
Negra is a 10 minute drive to Avellanas. 30-45 mins to Grande depending on road conditions.
Another cool spot I’ve stayed at which is right on the beach at Avellanas is http://www.cabinaslasolas.co.cr/. This place has individual cabinas and a restaurant and bar. I hear a new Marriott just opened down the beach towards Little Hawaii but haven’t seen this yet. And I don’t think I could recommend a huge chain hotel to anyone going to CR.
