El Zonte surf guide
Surf: El Zonte is another point/rivermouth peak where long, predictable rights amble down the boulders that start to show at lower tides. When the swell’s big enough, there are some sucky lefts that can be ridden on the other side of the bay. Mellower vibe than other Libertad breaks, catering for all abilities that stay at the multiple surf camps in the growing town. There's beach peaks around the corner for beginners and the surf schools.
Environment: Driving west, the scenery gets dramatic with steep cliffs, mountain tunnels and winding roads. Most of the capes are inaccessible, but a boat trip around this area would undoubtedly be rewarding.
Surf: General: A rippable right-hander in the land of rippable right-handers, El Zonte is a combination river mouth/rocky point set in the sleepy town of the same name, a short drive from Sunzal. Accessible by surfers of just about any level, this right is infinitely shredable when it’s small but can get hollow as the swell gets bigger.
Tides: All tides
Size: Head high
Wind: Light North
Swell: SSW, SW
Bottom: Sand/rock.
Paddling: As with most points, there’s a bit of current to deal with.
Spot Rating: Unless you live at Rincon or Jeffreys Bay, this will be one of the better performance right-handers you’ve ever surfed.
Access: Walk from your hostel and make the short paddle to the lineup.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: El Zonte is a well-known stop on the El Salvadoran right-hand point tour, so expect there to be bodies in the water.
Local Vibe: Lots of local surfers in the area, but they are generally pretty welcoming.
Environment: River runoff can get a bit gnarly when it rains.
Hazards: Rocks, petty theft.
Season: March through October.