surf trip ideas for the upcoming two months

[NWshredder]

Getting tired of the Oregon winter. The surf has been inconsistent and the snow has been bad. I have the opportunity to take a few weeks away from work. I need surf destination trip ideas for late march/month of april. Im thinking 3 weeks. I want someplace relatively cheap to visit ($10-30)/day and not too expensive to get to and most importantly surf video quality waves.

I really like central america (particularly el salvador and nicaragua and panama) and wouldnt be opposed to going down there, however, Im concerned the swell wont be that good during the spring (am I wrong about this?).

How is indo during that time of year.

Also, another option is to buy a cheap van and do a road trip through oregon and california. How are cali waves? last year I was in Santa cruz for the first two weeks of april and got skunked. How is so. cal?

Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated. I really want to surf long point breaks not too crowded....like everyone else in the world.

[Long duc dong]

If you are going in April, Central America should work. That's what I would do if you can. I have done Costa Rica in July. I think it should work in April too, but I can't say for sure. Just do some research, and you should find what you need.

Start at wannasurf.com. There should be some info there. Central America should be working by the time you want to go.

If you have the choice, I would pick Cen. Am. over California. Orange County tends to get more south swell action later than the late March/early April period.

I should add that Costa Rica was very consistent. It's very rare for Playa Hermosa to be under head high. I'm sure it can happen, but at the very least you should get head high beachbreaks and warm water, which should be just what the doctor ordered after an Oregon winter.

[boltonoutlaw]

I really like central america (particularly el salvador and nicaragua and panama) and wouldnt be opposed to going down there, however, Im concerned the swell wont be that good during the spring (am I wrong about this?).

Depends on how soon you arrive in CA. Later is better than sooner. The very first Pacific Ocean south swells start rolling in around 15 April.
Surf may be more consistent in CR than in PA, but prices are generally fairer in PA, and transportation is MUCH better.
PS: Be careful at Hermosa if you go - way heavier than it looks. And if you are looking for real estate, this "surf camp" is FOR SALE.

[Long duc dong]

PS: Be careful at Hermosa if you go - way heavier than it looks. And if you are looking for real estate, this "surf camp" is FOR SALE.

I will second that. It's really punchy.

[NWshredder]

thanks for the feedback. CR is a bit too pricey. If i go I would probably just go to Pavones. Im not that stoked on the nicoya peninsula. too much of a scene for me. Im looking for a bit more solitude and tranquility.

[robnow]

thanks for the feedback. CR is a bit too pricey. If i go I would probably just go to Pavones. Im not that stoked on the nicoya peninsula. too much of a scene for me. Im looking for a bit more solitude and tranquility.

I doubt Pavones will offer the solitude and tranquility you are looking for. If there is no swell, then yes, but once it hits a lot of people show up there, and usually of more skill than than the other spots. The other side of the bay
should be quiet, can't remember the name.

I've been to Indo the last two years, first year over spring and last year over spring/summer. I think around April/May is a great time. Probably the most consistent of anywhere for conditions, but it won't get the big swells that Indo is famous for till more into June. Always busy but nowhere near as bad as when June/July/August hits. In my experience over the last two years, very consitent but medium size surf during April/May and then big swells/lulls over June/July.

[Hugh Conway]

I've been to Indo the last two years, first year over spring and last year over spring/summer. I think around April/May is a great time. Probably the most consistent of anywhere for conditions, but it won't get the big swells that Indo is famous for till more into June.

It can get real big swells in May. The 2 biggest swells in the past 3 seasons were mid-May and mid-June. March/April the issue will probably be winds and wind consistency. It's generally too early for the trade winds so you won't regularly get the offshores that make Indo barrels Indo barrels. Still fun as shit though especially with the substantially less people, dramatically less than the July/August shitshow. Check out the picture gallery at Bali Waves to make up your own mind though:
http://www.baliwaves.com/images-of-bali/surfing/

[boltonoutlaw]

The other side of the bay
should be quiet, can't remember the name.

Puerto Jiminez, Osa Peninsula. Also: Often overlooked is Puerto Armuelles, PA, east side of the same peninsula as Pavones.

[robnow]

It can get real big swells in May. The 2 biggest swells in the past 3 seasons were mid-May and mid-June. March/April the issue will probably be winds and wind consistency. It's generally too early for the trade winds so you won't regularly get the offshores that make Indo barrels Indo barrels. Still fun as shit though especially with the substantially less people, dramatically less than the July/August shitshow. Check out the picture gallery at Bali Waves to make up your own mind though:
http://www.baliwaves.com/images-of-bali/surfing/

If I remember correctly, the first BIG swell of the 2009 season came first week in June. I was at Lakey's at the time. The first week was the smallest it had been all year and then when that swell hit, mothafucka!!!!!!!!

Even a lull in Indo offers some waves and doesn't last long so chances of getting totally skunked are minimal.

[Hugh Conway]

If I remember correctly

you don't

[NWshredder]

thanks for all the feedback. I am really thinking that indo may be the answer.

[robnow]

NW - you won't be disappointed.

Hugh - Are you one of those kook douches that took part in the Russian Surf contest held at Balangan. I sure got a kick out of you guys.

[Sluff]

Just got back from Costa Rica two days ago. Stayed in a house 1/2 hr south of Tamarindo right by Playa Negra. It was a great trip to say the least. I wish I knew how to embid pic's and vids. We went through WaveHunters and stayed at the "Wave House" It was a great trip. Surf was consistent chest head high with lots of overhead stets all week long (there was a south and north swell working the entire time). Many rides are in the 40-70 yard range. Tides swing 8-9 ft and best surf is +/- 2 hrs of high tide. Low tide it kind of junks out. Spent most of the time at Alleyannas (about 5 min north of Playa Negra). There are about 5-6 breaks along the beach. All sand breaks, 80 F water, off shore winds, and hot. Also took a boat up to Witches Rock one day which was super clean and tubes to be had. Now is their dry season. It will not rain. June - Oct is the rainy season and it rains every day. I'd recommend the WaveHunters trip as the guide picks you up at the airport and drives you around to where ever you want to go each day. He was super nice guy and you get a good local experience. Pura Vida.

[Hugh Conway]

Are you one of those kook douches that took part in the Russian Surf contest held at Balangan. I sure got a kick out of you guys.

They took away your crown for biggest Northern Latitude petro-town douche kook? Or just pissed you couldn't hang with the standard great German surfers all by your lonesome at the kookiest break in Bali?

Sorry to point out that the biggest swells in recent history were may 07 and june 09. God forbid I ruin little travel guide rules of thumb

[robnow]

Sorry to point out that the biggest swells in recent history were may 07 and june 09.

?????????? June 09 is EXACTLY what I said. A kook and no reading comprehension Hugh??

Whatever, ending this now so we don't take this thread off course

[Hugh Conway]

?????????? June 09 is EXACTLY what I said. A kook and no reading comprehension Hugh??

Whatever, ending this now so we don't take this thread off course

you said

but it won't get the big swells that Indo is famous for till more into June.

which is bullshit, so take your dildo and go home because there was a decent "big" in Canuck, medium in Haole, and tincy in Behasa in May '09 as well.

throw kook all you want out canuck

[gavkm27]

17.5.07 Uluwatu-

Jake getting stuck in-

Me another day that season-

[Dose.]

That pic of Jake is rad.

[ill-advised strategy]

which is bullshit, so take your dildo and go home because there was a decent "big" in Canuck, medium in Haole, and tincy in Behasa in May '09 as well.

throw kook all you want out canuck

I swear to God I will post your email bitch.

I'll do it!

[NWshredder]

So I bought my ticket. Going March 25th through april 16th. Super stoked.

Couple more quesitons:
What is the availibilty of afforable boards like? Should I bring my own or buy one. Im not sure my PNW boards are approapriate for bali waves.

Also, Ive seen this hostel on the internet, $275/week for lodging, breakfast, transportation to waves and a photog. Is this a good deal? My buddy and I are thinking about this for the first week to get a feel for the place. However, im thinking that the price must drop once you arrive. any thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any suggestions, tips or places to go, see, mini trips please let me know. Any knowledge is much appreciated.