Surf: Rapid growth has hit Playa Guiones, attracting more surfers to the punchier peaks and a reef/sand right set-up at the north end. Plenty of accommodation, but this whole region does suffer from petty theft so keep your valuables locked up and hidden away. Surf: General: At Nosara's main beach of Guiones, the waves are easy and safe. Even at double-overhead, there really aren't any beatdowns to worry about: the thickest lips just give you a short spin-cycle, stuff some of that famous Guanacaste black sand into your crevices, and pop you out the back. 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. If you're looking for something a bit more challenging -- for an intermediate or good surfer, a few days of Guiones will get monotonous -- head north. There are a few beachbreaks lurking down dirt roads north of town that are much more hollow. Nothing death-defying, but Playa Hermosa-style barrels can be had. Tides: Mid. Size: Head high to a couple feet overhead Wind: E Swell: S, SW Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Medium. Spot Rating: Fun. Access: Walk down from one of the many access path in town. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Plenty of people, but it's a big beach. Little walking/paddling will get you some space. Local Vibe: Lost in the multitudes. But the locals will get their waves on the best peaks. Environment: Mostly clean but recent development and inadequate sewage system has been impacting water quality. Hazards: Stray boards, sunstroke. Season: Year-round, but biggest May-August.