Panama Surf Trip

[Richie]

Hi There,
I am looking to drive from panama City along the coast hitting up spots in San carlos/Coronado, Playa venao and then setting up camp in Cambutal. I was wondering if its possible to rent a camper van in Panama City and what the camping options look like in Cambutal/Playa Venao/San Carlos.

Also i heard its advisable to bring your own boards, is that still the case today

Any tips and info about these places would be much appreciated.
Cheers

[henrywing17]

Hi, I was in Panama for about a month from mid may to mid june 2014. There are 2 hostels in Venao, Venao Cove http://playa-venao-panama.com/ and Eco Venao, we stayed in Venao Cove for just over a couple of weeks. As far as the hostel goes it was one of the best we stayed in during our 5 months in central america, its run by an aussie dude called Leaf (top guy) and his Wife. Eco venao looked good too, we ate in there quite a few times (really good burgers and $5 local style lunch of the day) and made good friends with a few of the staff. If I was going again I'd go back to Venao cove hostel. Board wise I'd bring your own, as far as I remember the only rentals in Venao were soft tops, there might be a surf shop or 2 in Panama city. The surf was really consistant while we were there, in the region of 3-8ft. The best areas on the cove to surf while we were there was the far end - 10 min walk or next to the rivermouth - 2 min but I expect it changes a lot. Feel free to quiz me with any questions.

[Aqualife]

Hi,
Been to Panama a few times, never seen driving around in a rented van -it's not that kind of place. Seen a few Americans/Canadians who brought their own cars down. Mostly you rent a 4WD/jeep as the roads are so bad and it's hard to get around on the public buses. You need to bring your own boards. Surf Shops in Panama City and some boards available in Bocas del Toro and off traveling surfers in Catalina but that's it.
Panama is probably the least busy country surfing wise with the least surf infrastructure in Central America. Whatever you might, bring with you.

[Richie]

Hi There,
Thanks for the replies and tips. I Googled Surf shops in Panama City but turned up empty. Does anyone know the name of a Surf Shop in Panama City. I'll be Plane hoping a lot to get to Panama so I was hoping to pick one up in Panama City.
Cheers,
Erik

[Aqualife]

Hi,
Try Boa Surfboards, the head shaper speaks English.
http://www.boasurfboards.com/surfboards.html
You might have to get one shaped for you.