Matapalo Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SSW, SW
Wind
E
Surf Height
Head-triple overhead.
Tide
Low to mid for most, but some spots prefer high tide.
Matapalo Surf Guide
Unfortunately, Matapalo does not enjoy the consistency that Pavones does, but can offer righthand bliss. There are a few different options at Matapalo: Playa Matapalo, Backwash and Pan Dulce. Each are moody righthanders that vary in quality and size depending on swell. S-W is the ticket.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect expected.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
It's an hour crawl over potholes and through flooding farm ditches from the nearest town, and that helps to keep the tourists away. Many times you'll be surfing with only one or two other board-riders. It does get packed on holidays, when the San Jose crowd flocks there to camp for the week.
Spot Rating
Perfect
This is actually a series of waves scattered around. Inside are the points which are fairly tame. The outer breaks are for well experienced surfers.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on where you are surfing, the inside points are pretty mellow but out around the corner you better be in good paddling shape.
Water Quality
Clean
Beautiful water.
Hazards
Underwater boulders at the outer breaks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Gun
Access
The 4x4-only road leads to a beachside campsite, and there are sparse accommodations in the area.
Bottom
Sand, rocks.
Best Season
May-October.
Do you have local knowledge about Matapalo?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]