Playa Maderas Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S to SW.

Wind

Calm or light to moderate offshore E to NE.

Surf Height

Chest high-couple feet overhead.

Tide

Medium-high.

Playa Maderas Surf Guide

Maderas is the closest beach to San Juan Del Sur, which makes it one of the cultural centers of Nicaraguan surfing. Local surfers flock here and there are contests happening year-round. The wave itself is kind of average -- not as good as the beachbreaks to the north, generally -- but it's a stunning setting and a nice place to relax.

Local Vibe

WelcomingIntimidating

Can get intense, but often mellow.

Crowd Factor

MellowHeavy

Crowded with locals and tourists.

Spot Rating

PoorPerfect

Often just an average wave but it has its good days.

Shoulder Burn

LightExhausting

Can be a lot of paddling when good/consistent.

Water Quality

CleanDirty

Usually always clean.

Hazards

Crowds.

Access

Thirty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, over the mountain. Or by boat.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

All summer.

Do you have local knowledge about Playa Maderas?

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