Guiones

Surf Guide

Like many of the black-sand Costa Rican beachbreaks, Nosara can look a bit intimidating when it's overcast, bigger, and way outside -- but paddling out, you realize how easy it is to duck-dive these waves. Once on the wave, you'll realize that this place is like a skate park; enough speed and juice at good size to get you going, with minimal consequences.When it's smaller, the place erupts into a happy chaotic mess of various characters that such an easy wave attracts. Enjoy gentle takeoffs, long walls with the occasional critical lip, plenty of roundhouses and closeout rebounds. Anyone and everyone could surf this wave, and thankfully it is a big beach to spread everyone out.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Beginner to advanced.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Lost in the multitudes. But the locals will get their waves on the best peaks.

Crowd Factor

Mellow

MellowHeavy

Plenty of people, but it's a big beach. Little walking/paddling will get you some space.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Fun.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Medium.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Mostly clean but recent development and inadequate sewage system has been impacting water quality.

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S, SW

Wind

E

Surf Height

Head high to a couple feet overhead.

Tide

Mid.