Colorados
Surf Guide
Colorados is a very good and consistent beachbreak that works best on SSW-SW swells and during medium tides (depending on swell size). A river flows out here and keeps the sandbar replenished. The surf tends to always be best from just on the north side to right in front of the river mouth. The south side of the river mouth is usually always walled out. Colorados' perfection size is typically from around chest-shoulder high to 2-3 feet overhead (depending on sandbar quality and tide) -- anything bigger will usually wall out. Incoming sets will first bump up some on a reef way outside (which will even break on larger swells), before sinking back down then rising again at the lineup. The wave/peak can be quite shifty (which spreads out the crowd a little bit) with a fast peeling right, quite often with a hollow barrel. The lefts are usually a little less hollow than the rights, but still very racey, ripable, and hollow enough.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced - Pro
Intermediate to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Depends on conditions and size of the crowd. Always show respect though.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Thick when good at Colorados, but usually pretty spread out, as there are a few different peaks to choose from.
Spot Rating
Fun
One of the best waves in Nicaragua when it's on and it's on lot -- certainly one of the best beachbreaks. Long draining barrels are not uncommon here.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on size and consistency, but typically not so bad.
Water Quality
Fair
Usually clean, unless the river is flowing with farm runoff, which then can be quite dirty. The river is usually flowing heavy in October.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Can be fun on any swells, but best on SSW to SW.
Wind
Calm or offshore from north to east, with NE as straight offshore.
Surf Height
The shoulder high to 2-3 feet overhead zone is typically best, but can occasionally hold a little bigger, depending on sandbar and tide. Tends to usually close-out once it crosses the double overhead mark.
Tide
Medium tides are typically best, but can be ok on peak high and low depending on size.