Learning to surf in CA or SA

[rumguzzler]

Hi

I want to combine a learn "surf n spanish" experience next winter (early 2011, feb-apr is the period i'm looking at).

I've googled a whole lot, but i have an inkling most places on the internet are probably tourist traps, and when you get to your destination, you can probably find a cheap deal right there on the ground. I have never tried surfing, so i want to devote six weeks or so to learning properly, surfing in the afternoon, and learning spanish in the morning.

I'm hoping you guys can tell me where my best chances are, given the following preferences:

underdeveloped - ie. cheap and as few tourists as possible (to minimize the possibility of speaking english with anyone)
sunny - so ecuador is not a good choice, as it's always cloudy
close to beach - so i can practice surfing daily and take surf lessons
spanish schools around - so i can take classes

i guess a spanish school and no tourist preference is an oxymoron, but i'm hoping you guys can tell me where my best chances are.

But it's important it be cheap and no-touristy, so i really can the most bang for my buck.

Thanks all!

[lolafargo]

Have you thought about Nicaragua? My friends have a small B and B in Masachapa about 1 hour outside Managua. Small fishing village. No Gringos. Great Waves. Cheap! I am sure you could make a deal for long term stay with Spanish school.

[Liquid Peace]

3) Ecuador, Central coast, Montanita
Ecuador Pictures
When you go to Ecuador, fly into Guayaquil. The price is right for good quality waves with plenty of variation for surfer's of all different levels. Montanita is a great base camp to search out your breaks & realize your Liquid Peace.
Water Temp: 74-79 degrees. Very comfortable.
Water Pollution: generally no, but with heavy rainfall near towns, then yes!
Wave consistency: very consistent, with waves in the shoulder to head high range with some slight offshore early in the day. magicseaweed
Overall weather:74-80 degrees, near the beach, if you go to higher elevations away from the coast it gets cooler quickly!
Suggested gear: board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket, vest, shorts, cap, sunscreen, sunblock lip balm, duct tape, super glue. If you plan a trip to the Galapagos islands, effected by the Humboldt current, bring a 3/2 full suit.


Ecuador's infrastructure is "rough & tumble", it does reduce the crowds. Give yourself plenty of time to get to outer breaks, get lucent directions or hire a guide!
Can you get to the waves? Yes, but can get bumpy and sketchy to some places, get solid directions or hire a guide.
Are there places to stay? Yes, limited range but plenty of options.
Recommended Lodging: Jardines de Olon, "A tropical dream come true!" Montanita spanish & surf, "Lodging, surfing & learn spanish".
Is it crowded? No, but if the waves are really good, moderate.
Is there localism? Some, but nothing to be concerned with if you follow proper surf etiquette.
Are there Hazards? Minimal at the beach breaks but always check, ask & look around.
Learn to surf: Montanita spanish & surf, "Learn how or get wired on where to go"
"Montanita is well known as the most unfailing surf break on the Ruta del Sol coast of Ecuador. The closer to La Punta you go, the bigger the wave sets are. At highs a barreling right hander, at lows are righteous hot dogs, perfect for all levels and abilities. Crawling distance from the Ecuafriendly beach house. Due to its Humboldt current location, Montanita is the right place to have as home base, central to all hot spots up and down the coast.” Todd, Jardines de Olon


Culture:
Things to do? The town is very cool, has a hippie kind of feel to it. You will need a 4x4 to really be adventurous.
Things to do out of the water? Limited by the small town & infrastructure but the town is very entertaining.
People: Very friendly. Learn as much Spanish before you go, most people that live in Ecuador are not bilingual.
Food & Water: Load up on the bottled water, food options in town are plentiful, tasty and inexpensive (arepas, choclos and ceviche ).
Nightlife: Enough to get into trouble or have fun but it is still a small town, save your energy for the surf & keep a low profile.
Expense: Inexpensive! Absolute bargain for a righteous surf adventure in a laid back artsy, culturally entertaining town.
Safety: Safe, but petty theft is always a mistake away; keep your gear stowed safely out of sight. Leave the "bling-bling" at home!

Very cool place, & very nice people.

[perusurf]

you can try peru, around here is summer then, warm weather and water, waves are smaller in summer here too, i can make you a deal on accomodation, i can help you find a spanish teacher, hanging around with the locals will help too. if need more info let me know, check out our webpage...oh yeah, around here is not too touristy