Hello all.
I’m a stay home dad of two kids and the wife is giving me a surf vacation. Where should I go?
My only limits are are non-stops from Portland International Airport and a shuttle from the arriving airport ,as I don’t want to have to rent a car.
I also need to stay at the break so I don’t have to rent a car. Warm water would be nice too.
I’m an experienced surfer so the more juice the better.
Being from California, I’d recommend Mexico. You should hit up the mainland (La Ticla, Pasquales, Rio Nexpa, Puerto Escondido, etc.). Warm water, early season South swells, barrels, what more could you want? Hop a flight to Manzanillo, Ixtapa, or Guadalajara and take the bus to wherever you decide.
Anywhere in Central America wouldn’t be a bad choice either.
I’m struggling with the same question myself at the moment, although on the other side of the world. I’m currently in Israel (with no surf at all)… I’m trying to decide between Morocco or the Maldives (the downside being price…expensive airfare and limited time)…
Have fun and get barreled for those of us who are stuck without waves…
boat trip
Thanks Noah.Either Mexico or Hawaii. What would be better in April North shore or south shore or Nexpa?
Why non-stops only?
If you’re going for the no car trip, then I’d suggest Nexpa. Never been, but have friends who go there, and other mainland Mex spots, and just “camp” at the spot. Looks like three long periods bumps in the next week down that way.
April is a tough transitional month for most the places you mentioned. Is this why you asked about the board for S. v. N. shore? (Which, by the way, I certainly didn’t mean to imply you were going there to make a trouble, negativity, what ever - mostly just curious about another Oregon surfer.)
Good on ya for paddling out on the tow contest day - how was it at that size?
Don’t do Morocco in April, liable to be onshore. Better to go there in winter.
No worries Taylor.I think I have my boards covered for april. I was just curious about design. This trip just came up because I’m turning 40 and I’m losing my marbles with the kids at home. I just want to get somewhere warm quickly-easily and get some fun surf. I’m thinking Nexpa would be a good call.Probably just stay at the surf camp. Anyone have info on that place chime in. Anyone in Oregon want to go?
How about zihuatanejo?
It seems like quicker access from the airport . It’s off season so the crowds might be light. Could anyone recomend it in April?
Oh, the tow day at Boyscouts was crazy big.We were the only ones on the beach, it was foggy and huge.We walked out on the rocks to the takeoff zone as the sun was setting.First wave we went for was just too big & steep for are boards.We got wrecked and then walked back up in the dark. FUN time.
Howzit ekim, There is lots of surf in the Z area and some surf orientated resorts that will not only have good surf where they are but will also offer boat rides to other spots. I know there are places to rent at Saladitas and places to eat so once you get there you don’t need to go any where’s else. It use to be known as the secret left and very hard to find but those days are long gone but the wave is so much fun and very long. I think I heard that Corky Carol owns a place there and may rent rooms but i can’t really say that’s true. Look into surf resorts in that area and it’s not far from the Ranch which is always a fun place to surf. Aloha, Kokua
Go to Hawaii.
Kids will love you, wife will love you. safe food, safe hotel. most people speak english. Still some North Shore surf. Go to Turtle Bay. it will be empty, you can have the run of the place. Hawaii is on spring break right now, so when you get there the kids will all be in school.
Wave potential is always potential, I’ve been there in April and gotten skunked, and i’ve also scored? swells are short lived, and they come up fast. I’ve been out in perfect Sunset at 5-8 ft with no one out except a bunch of japaneese tourists. I’ve also had to hide from the wind and surf Pinballs for 3 days straight.
no transportation…that could be a problem …HAWAII that time of year can yield souths as well as norths…if your on the north shore of any island and a south starts pumping well your screwed and visa versa…mainland mexico is traditionally a summer hot spot…your kinda dependent on mother nature…i like the suggestion of a boat trip…how fun would that be??maybe check out swell models of differnt areas ie…HAWAII, MEXICO,INDO… and see if you can time a swell…hope you score…ALOHA
HERES AN IDEA…contact someone like global surfers, or wave hunters on the web…they make a living out of getting people to pumping surf…see what they suggesst…i wish i had your problem…
I do Santa Cruz for my tropical vacation…but then again, I like to keep my money here in this country.
And whats with the spot naming?
Sorry highsurf. I think I’m avoiding Global surf tours. That’s why I’m asking you guys. Hey kokua , How would Hanalei be in April?
Since you didn’t mention why you’re held to non-stops only (maybe frequent flyer miles??) Im thowing Bali out there. Its only about $850 right now on China air and board bags are free. You could be paying $400 just for boards depending on who you fly to Mexico.
Stay out at Uluwatu. 20 bucks and 20 minutes from the airport and stay for $20 a night. You are almost guaranteed some solid sized surf there and glass or offshores in April and fewer crowds. Otherwise goto Pasquales if you want some juice.
this is the deal you can ask all you want…know one has a crystal ball…get a map look at it…hanalai is the north shore of kauai…if thats cookin. .chances are all north shore breaks in HAWAII are pumpin…the problem you encounter is the month you are going…april is a transistion month in HAWAII…go there but get transpo…i live on maui i wouldnt want to be stuck in LAHANIA…while its crankin at hohokipia…thats why i suggested going with a professional guide service…you have limited time…no transportation…and want to score waves…ALOHA BRAH
“then walked back up in the dark”
Classic - I hung out on the beach one fine, day years ago, “relaxing” after a good session, enjoying the setting sun, figuring there’d be enough twilight to make it back up… just use the switchbacks, not the cuts… Well, about half way up it’s black, some guys catch up to me, and we slowly make our way - one slide out area… Ha! A few grown men w/surfboards practically crawling along to find the other side… then we missed the trail to the parking lot, which I finally notice a few hundred yards out the head…"Hey, we shouldn’t be able to see all those lights from the trail… Ha! Ah, for the old days when you could park a mile down the beach and walk in that way…
Feel free to PM if you ever come down Newport way…
Howzit ekim, April is the month we usually hold our annual longboard contest at Pine trees and there is surf. This is spring time and that means usually clean but short and not big swells. I am going back on Friday then it's back to Oahu on Sunday then Back to Hanalei on Monday for good. I think my room mate is going to call tonight and I will ask him how the surf is, but be it big or small for one thing it will be crowded. Have some friends coming over on th 19th and hope they get some.Aloha,Kokua