Costa Rica surf trip

Spent three months there back in 98 but I imagine it's changed a lot since then. You've really got to get down to Pavones.. An incredible wave that'll burn ya thighs. Back then Tamarindo was quite touristy so I imagine it hasn't changed much. I also had a couple of good weeks at Playa Negra, there are some great waves in that region. If you're staying up north then see if you can find some time to cross the border into Nicaragua - some great waves up that way and it doesn't appear to be quite as busy as CR.

heympow89,

I've just been hanging with a guy that does boats to witch's etc. he told me there are always crocs about, always have been, but generally they're not a concern, well as little a concern as crocs in the line up can be.

but interestingly he said this year the problem has been sharks, apparently an abundance of tiger sharks hanging around, which I thought was kinda coincidental considering the recent activity in australia. he put it down to a localised ncrease in sharks reaching breeding age. who knows maybe it's the moon. apparently they're not overly large which is comforting, but a shark is a shark, and tigers are known to be a little aggressive, waves sound good though. costa rica sounds kinda busy too, every second euro I've met has been through there recently

Yeah crocs were a problem at rivermouths when I was there. Didn't see any myself but I recall there being two attacks (one fatal) and it was common knowledge that you had to keep an eye out for 'em. No shark issues at the time though.

There is a wave called Salsa Brava on the Caribbean coast which is worth a look if its the right season in May. I was there early '03 and got some great swell more by good luck than actively searching. Some fun beachies nearby too. No crocs but sloths in the trees on the way to the beach. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a pretty nice place to visit if you are on that side. A long way from Witches Rock though.
Nicaragua is at least a day travel to Popoyo and may not be as uncrowded as you think. Google Earth showing at least a dozen surf hostel/camps on that stretch alone but a great waves. Colder water than Costa Rica. I surfed in boardshorts but only as i didnt have a vest/springsuit. If you only have 10 nights I would stick to Costa Rica. Its a long way to go for only 10 nights though mpow!

Ah yes the Caribbean! I did two seperate weeks at Puerto Viejo but didn't get any surf. Unreal spot though, well worth checking out regardless. Only need 20kts of trade winds through the Caribbean Sea to whip up something worthwhile. And Bocas del Toro is just over the border too.

I didn't get his details mpow89, but he'd be easy to track down with interweb as he's a pro snow boarder. he does full tours, accommodation, transfers and boats etc. but pretty sure they do just boats too, probably not as cheap as local boats, but apparently local boats supply all the usual frustrations. I don't make a habit of googling people but after a few days I crumbled and he has quite an internet presence, so you'd have to mine down a bit or facebook him to find out about boat services. google spencer whiting, pretty grounded dude for a 20 year old with the world at his feet