Shaping connections in C. America & Brazil?

General Discussion
1

Hi,

I’m looking for any shaping leads that any of you swaylockers out there may have for Central America or Brazil. I’m a shaper from Australia who is craving the dust. I have an open time frame, a good work ethic and speak basic spanish (though i’m improving day by day). Any tip offs would be greatly appreciated, even if they are just interesting factories to visit or characters to meet…

Cheers.

2

Guatemala has great surf and no board industry. Like most of central america most of the boards if not all are imported. I lived in Guatemala for a couple of years in the mid 90’s at the time there where only a total of 30 surfers in the whole country. You had to be rich to be a surfer. Most of the guys would buy boards in Florida and bring them home. I don’t know what it’s like today? You may have better luck some place like Peru? Good Waves and a surf Culture. Plus the food is amazing!

3

Thanks surfding,

I’m actually currently in Guatemala and am quite excited to get onto the coast. The idea of thirty surfers to a whole coast is bliss coming out of ozzie, must have been a good period for you. I’ll be shooting down to the coast in a couple of days. Did any spots stand out in particular for you? I hear what your saying about the board industry in Central America but have also heard whispering of factories through Costa Rica and a couple surrounding punta rocas in El Salvador. I think Brazil will end up being a much better option though I might as well put the feelers out now…

4

Sipacotay

Lefts

North coast

5

I Think that Chile (perhaps at Vina del Mar) will be the best place for you to make a little buck, pretty good economy (better than Brazil), great surf… Brazil is very competitive for boardbuilders.

6

thanks mate, i might just end up on that coast. i hear chile pumps too! i surfed peru a few years back and was scoring long lefts to the point of discomfort.

ta jonno.