Panama in August

[ale k]

Hi folks,
going for a solo-surftrip of about 3 weeks, next August.

My level is beg/intermediate. I am thining about Panama.

Can anyone give some suggestions from pesonal experience??

From my research I spotted a few areas but still have some question marks here and there:

1. Santa Catalina: I've heard of world class waves on reef. Dont mind the reef, but this time of the year the Pacific is pumping, so I dont know if there are chances for intermediate surfing, or just expert-only breaks.
2. Playa Venao: almost same situation as Santa Catalina..the risk is that it's gonna be too heavy for my level..
3. Bocas del Toro: should be great (maybe "too great", meaning too big for my level..) in dec/jan, but from what i've read size will be fine in August. The problem seems to be consistency though.
4. West of Panama city: honestly didnt research much about that, as I wouldnt stay near the city, I'd move in more remote areas instead... But if there's anything good, i am ready to consider also this area....

I know surfing is always about luck, but dont wanna head to Panama if it's too uncertain...

I really have no idea what to expect. If anyone has been there in august and is willing to share their experience, that would be super appreciated.

Thank u and keep surfing!
k

[NeverTooLate222]

I'm sorry no one replied to you, because I have the same exact question! Did you end up going? How was the surfing?

[jaffa1949]

Some times, sadly, no answers are given, often in areas no one in the forum knows about,.
So when you go, please post what you find out, for the next enquirer!

[jaffa1949]

I’m also curious after being on for 15 minutes only on the day you posted, have you returned to check replies!

[ale k]

hahahah
hi Jaffa, how s going?? Are you tracking my activity???

well to be hones, since last year, i ve been using the forum many times, both for private messaging and for research..
the thing is that I didnt get any email to know that there was a reply to my post.. so i didnt noticed until today, that by chance i saw your reply while going through some research.. Otherwise I would have answer you earlier!

sooo...I ve been to panama! and absolutely loved it!
was a solo trip in august for about 3 weeks on the pacific coast.
I chose to skip santa catalina for a variety of reasons, but I managed to know pretty well the other areas, Morrillo, Venao and San Carlos.
Will tell you a few basic things, just ask me if you wanna know more.

Surfing-wise, one of the coolest things about panama is that you can move reasonably fast (by car) among these 3 areas to find best conditions according to your level.
I reckon Morrillo and SantaCatalina is always 2-3ft bigger that Venao, which is always 2-3ft bigger than San Carlos.
The thing you have to work out the most is tide, then of course wind. But tide impacts really a lot.
There is a great variety of spots, the most are BB, but u also have a few good reef and points. Few people in the water, cool locals and relaxed vibes. Met very nice people, both foreigners and locals. One of the best trips of my life!
Totally recommended.

Just ask me if u need more info!
ciao
ale k

[ale k]

Jaffaaaaaaa .. where are youuu???

[jaffa1949]

Im in Salzkammergut in Ober Österreich, hunting and videoing river surf, making occasional surf trips to Portugal and Spain.
Getting near the finish of our Austrian house and unpacking the last of our entire goods and chattels here in Austria.
Counseling my eldest son going through tiebreak up of a 10 year relationship and the property involved.
Learn to drive and survive driving on the other side of the road.
Improving my schoolboy German into Upper Auszrian dialect German ( which at times seems to be entirely another language).
+ heading the final aspects of health misadventures , for my wife and me in the last few years.

So in a one sentence summary, it’s all happening in Austria

[ale k]

Im in Salzkammergut in Ober Österreich, hunting and videoing river surf, making occasional surf trips to Portugal and Spain.
Getting near the finish of our Austrian house and unpacking the last of our entire goods and chattels here in Austria.
Counseling my eldest son going through tiebreak up of a 10 year relationship and the property involved.
Learn to drive and survive driving on the other side of the road.
Improving my schoolboy German into Upper Auszrian dialect German ( which at times seems to be entirely another language).
+ heading the final aspects of health misadventures , for my wife and me in the last few years.

So in a one sentence summary, it’s all happening in Austria

Wow .. that looks like what they call "en plein" .. really wish you the best of luck !
as u r in Austria, well if you ever come to Milan, let me know .. we ' ll get a few beers and a "spoked-surf session" !
YO!!

[jaffa1949]

A Beer in Milan Sounds doable! Will PM you if a date appears possible

[NeverTooLate222]

Thanks for replying, Ale. I'm going in early July and I think I've narrowed it down to Playa Venao (and maybe Guanico--has anyone been there?) Any thoughts on whether this will be suitable for me as an advanced beginner during that time of year? Thanks in advance.

PS: I'm hitting "Notify me when a reply is posted" this time!

hahahah
hi Jaffa, how s going?? Are you tracking my activity???

well to be hones, since last year, i ve been using the forum many times, both for private messaging and for research..
the thing is that I didnt get any email to know that there was a reply to my post.. so i didnt noticed until today, that by chance i saw your reply while going through some research.. Otherwise I would have answer you earlier!

sooo...I ve been to panama! and absolutely loved it!
was a solo trip in august for about 3 weeks on the pacific coast.
I chose to skip santa catalina for a variety of reasons, but I managed to know pretty well the other areas, Morrillo, Venao and San Carlos.
Will tell you a few basic things, just ask me if you wanna know more.

Surfing-wise, one of the coolest things about panama is that you can move reasonably fast (by car) among these 3 areas to find best conditions according to your level.
I reckon Morrillo and SantaCatalina is always 2-3ft bigger that Venao, which is always 2-3ft bigger than San Carlos.
The thing you have to work out the most is tide, then of course wind. But tide impacts really a lot.
There is a great variety of spots, the most are BB, but u also have a few good reef and points. Few people in the water, cool locals and relaxed vibes. Met very nice people, both foreigners and locals. One of the best trips of my life!
Totally recommended.

Just ask me if u need more info!
ciao
ale k

[ale k]

[quote="NeverTooLate222"]Thanks for replying, Ale. I'm going in early July and I think I've narrowed it down to Playa Venao (and maybe Guanico--has anyone been there?) Any thoughts on whether this will be suitable for me as an advanced beginner during that time of year? Thanks in advance.

PS: I'm hitting "Notify me when a reply is posted" this time!


Hey!
yes, i reckon we are same level. Panama should be a good choice.
Had lot of fun in both venao and guanico!
Could be that I come to panama again this year!!! )