Central America or Caribbean Surf in December

[Samaire]

Hello!

I'm new to the forum. I'm a beginner (but not novice) surfer and am looking for the best surf spot for mid-late December; I've been to SEA a few times and would now like to try somewhere in Central Am or Caribbean.

Three options came up: Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico. I cannot decide between the three and would appreciate some input - or maybe some alternatives as there may be other areas I'm forgetting about here. I've been to all three countries, however not to surf; other criteria are not so important, priority really is to where would likely be the best place for a new surfer with limited experience (but a lot of ambition ). Ah no, there's one more thing: ideally, I'd like to be able to surf without a wetsuit, i.e. water should not be too cold; and I'm a summer and sun person, so the better the weather the happier I'll be.

Thanks & cheers, S.

[Aqualife]

Good places to learn:

All along the coastline in Mexico - lots of beachbreaks, sheltered bays for slower, long rolling waves. Pick your spots, there are too many to mention.

Panama isn't a great spot to learn, the infrastructure isn't all that good and the waves are more of an intermediate to advanced level, would not recommend it.

Costa Rica is packed with surfers of all ages, has the infrastructure to boot and is fairly easy to get around, it does get crowded but the set up is good for board rental, surf schools and the like.

Caribbean - only place I can recommend for a beginner is the Dominican Republic, check Ali's Place or some such name, surf camp that gets good reports, just google it, all other island have gnarly reefs, heavy waves and are localised spots. Not suitable unless you can surf.

Southern Nicaragua around San Juan del Sur is a good spot for beginners but you have to be an intrepid traveller, as it's mostly a roughing it backpacking scene.

Hope any of this helps. if you choose a country and spot, I can tell you more about it, as I have probably been there.

[Samaire]

Hey Aqualife, thanks a ton for your response, very helpful.

If you say Panama is not suitable for beginners, I'll rule that out for now.

I'm slightly leaning towards Costa Rica by now. I've looked into Dominical but understand that it's not exactly a good beginners' spot...? How about Tamarindo or Playa Grande? I realize it's a bit touristy there, but would it be suitable for beginners? I'll probably take private lessons again and judging from previous experiences, that usually allows some flexibility to avoid the major crowds... Or am I missing out on any other good spots? As I'm travelling on my own, I don't mind a little bit of "infrastructure" in the place I'll be staying as well as the chance to meet other people.

I'll also look into Dominican Republic though, haven't done that yet. Will look into Ali's Place, thanks!

[Aqualife]

Hi there,
You will meet people wherever you are in Costa Rica, you virtually cannot get away from them, there are backpackers, hippies, tons of surfers and learners and eco-tourists and all other kinds of tourists and US kids doing their language abroad studies (and think they are locals) etc etc, so no matter where you go, you will have a good selection of crew to hang out with.
Dominical is a bit of a hole with quite a bit of partying (the worng kind for me, old men with young Ticas) and not very nice, so I would recommend ANYWHERE on the Nicoya Peninsula over the main coastline. There are some direct flights into Liberia from the US, so you don't have to backtrack to San Jose. I like Tamarindo, Nosara and anywhere south of Bejuco is really nice too and all places south of there, it's pretty, there is lots of jungle and a really nice crowd. Surfwise, the surf school will know where to take you, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Costa Rica is harder to get around than say flying to an island and being right there. Depends how much time you have got. If you have only got 1 week, take the shortest flight/transfer times and go for that.
ENJOY>

[cafeconleche]

Hey a good question!
I have surfed in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Dominican Republic. For all the spots I have been, I can say that the Dominican Republic is really great for beginner to intermediate. There is consistent swell on the North Coast of the island, particularly in Encuentro Beach where there are surf schools and rentals. Go to Chino Surf School where they have the best board selection. There are other breaks in the country and if you want to try a surf trip or surf camp, I recommend checking out some of the local companies like Flores Surf Camp which is located really close to the beach and has a great vibe for all levels.
Hope that helps!