"This wave has several fast sections that break over a rocky bottom. Best conditions with a large swell from the south at mid tide."more at :http://www.surf-costarica.com/break/pan_dulce.htmPan dulce is very infested with large tiger sharks. Beware surfing early morning that is their feeding time because they go in the bay the wave peels into and have been known to consistently attack surfers.
just park on the only road, and surf it during middle or high tideIt is for experienced surfers only. Matapalo is one of 4 point breaks there. Pan Dulce is the first you drive by. Very gentle longboard wave most days, hits at low tide. Next is Backwask: holds amazingly large swell. Next is Matapalo-it is the ultimate "critical" wave. Large group of rocks on the inside. Finally (and much less surfed, working only on high tide becvause of very dangerous rocks) "the Crack", which is basically the headland point of the Osa Penninsula. Starting at the Crack and working back, each break will be a bit smaller. These are all relatively rocky breaks BUT if there is a good south swell the place is amazing. It is true that there are a lot of ex-pats that live there that think they own it. Most can't surf and often say things like ''we've owned property here for years'' or other retarded things an idiot expat would say, like they discovered the whole place or something. Most can't surf for shit either. Don't believe the territorial crap some people right, it's just the locals trying to keep people that can actually surf out. Huge egos abound. VERY expensive lodging and very little of it. Only one cantina nearby. It is about 10 hours dive from SJ. You must drive through 3 rivers so if it rains hard you are not leaving till the water subsides. Puerto Jimenez is a laid back little town, safe and tranquillo. I have been there many times and have had some of my favorite surf trips there. It is very hit and miss but it is absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Monkeys and parrots in the trees everywhere. It is not a bad place just to be, surf is a bonus. So the skinny is: very expensive, few lodging choices, inconsistent rocky breaks with the potential for occasional "world-class" surf, territorial locals, lots of surfers, beautiful place.CHECK IT AT:http://www.costaricasurfguide.com/matapalo.htm
"This wave has several fast sections that break over a rocky bottom. Best conditions with a large swell from the south at mid tide."more at :http://www.surf-costarica.com/break/pan_dulce.htmPan dulce is very infested with large tiger sharks. Beware surfing early morning that is their feeding time because they go in the bay the wave peels into and have been known to consistently attack surfers.
The wave needs a BIG southern swell, as the set up is a long wrap around on a 'Raglan' like beach of boulders. This is a great wave if you catch it when it is working. It goes on forever, supposedly it is the second longest lefthander in the world.
just park on the only road, and surf it during middle or high tideIt is for experienced surfers only. Matapalo is one of 4 point breaks there. Pan Dulce is the first you drive by. Very gentle longboard wave most days, hits at low tide. Next is Backwask: holds amazingly large swell. Next is Matapalo-it is the ultimate "critical" wave. Large group of rocks on the inside. Finally (and much less surfed, working only on high tide becvause of very dangerous rocks) "the Crack", which is basically the headland point of the Osa Penninsula. Starting at the Crack and working back, each break will be a bit smaller. These are all relatively rocky breaks BUT if there is a good south swell the place is amazing. It is true that there are a lot of ex-pats that live there that think they own it. Most can't surf and often say things like ''we've owned property here for years'' or other retarded things an idiot expat would say, like they discovered the whole place or something. Most can't surf for shit either. Don't believe the territorial crap some people right, it's just the locals trying to keep people that can actually surf out. Huge egos abound. VERY expensive lodging and very little of it. Only one cantina nearby. It is about 10 hours dive from SJ. You must drive through 3 rivers so if it rains hard you are not leaving till the water subsides. Puerto Jimenez is a laid back little town, safe and tranquillo. I have been there many times and have had some of my favorite surf trips there. It is very hit and miss but it is absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Monkeys and parrots in the trees everywhere. It is not a bad place just to be, surf is a bonus. So the skinny is: very expensive, few lodging choices, inconsistent rocky breaks with the potential for occasional "world-class" surf, territorial locals, lots of surfers, beautiful place.CHECK IT AT:http://www.costaricasurfguide.com/matapalo.htm
