Surfing Waves

I'd say Nicaragua. Surfing is more consistant and it is definitely a cheaper country to stay in. Both are beautiful but if you're looking for a good surf trip for cheaper your best bet is Nicaragua. Costa Rica is amazing too just a little more expensive.

Hey.. hmm.. quite easy

Costa Rica: True and tried, touristy, good living standards (best you will find in central america), relatively expensive, good surfing, crowded.
Nicaragua: Not so touristy, low living standards (people are poorer than Ticos), therefore cheaper, good surfing, less crowded.

So.. you decide which one is better for your personal traveling style / situation.

crankysurfer nailed it!

Costa Rica vs Nicaragua...First lets start with the waves and access to the waves in each place. Costa Rica has many places to surf on the Pacific and the Caribbean with general easy access. Some places during the rainy season you will need a four wheel drive but many surf breaks you can avoid the hard to get places. The waves are very good in the morning and evening which is very glassy and usually the wind comes up in the afternoon onshore unless you are in guanacaste region when the prevailing winds are offshore from December to April. Many great places to stay in Costa Rica with from luxury private homes to surf hostels.

Nicaragua has amazing waves... down to the south in San Juan Del Sur area the prevailing winds are offshore all day long! The best way to get the breaks are by renting a boat. There are some great places to stay a little more north like in Rancho Santana and the quality of waves are really good! http://www.SurfPostings.com is a good place to look. Good luck!

That is a tough one. The central Pacific coast of CR has lots of south swells and some good waves during that time. Nica land is a whole lot cheaper though. I do the border thing for the visa every 90 days. Have been to San Juan del Sur. You can get closer to the waves but am just using this beach town for price comparison. I stay in a nice little hotel. Has AC, cable, immaculately clean, wifi and breakfast for $35 in high season. For similar accomodations in CR beach towns you are paying a minimum of $85 per night.

Yes, Nicaragua seems to be good to move on.