Surf: The long, black sand, zooed-out beachbreak at Playa Hermosa exudes serious power and scares plenty on double overhead days when close-outs rule. Ultra reliable, favours high tides and is less-crowded further south towards Tulin’s. Environment: Rips are legendarily strong, sand is stupidly hot. Needless to say, good surfers only. Scores a 6 for consistency and an 8 for crowds. Surf: General: Often referred to as the most consistent beachbreak in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa is indeed a classic setup: four miles of scalloped black sand, fairly deep water offshore, and open exposure to just about any swell except northwest, though it shows its true face on a solid south. It's also one of the closest and most accessible beaches to San Jose, so you can expect crowds. Fortunately, four miles is a pretty long way -- especially with shifting A-frames and a strong side current -- so you can generally find an uncrowded peak somewhere on its stretch. As you head south toward Tulin, the crowds start to thin out. This is where you can go to escape the glamour-seekers at the main beach. Drive farther toward Esterillos for more of a wide open experience. Tides: Mid-high Size: head high to a few feet overhead Wind: NE Swell: S, SW, SSW Bottom: Sand Paddling: When it's pumping, be prepared to paddle especially at lower tides. Spot Rating: When things align it can get epic. Access: Easy-schmeezy: a two-hour drive from the airport and you're right there. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Local Tico kids have grown up quick -- they can rip and know the sandbars and tide better than you, so it pays to give 'em a little space. There's also a hearty expat community that surfs well, and when it's best. There is still plenty of space to find your own peak and spread out. Local Vibe: Costa Rican surfers are polite but can get very amped, especially if there's some jockeying. Humility and respect will go a long way. Environment: Water surprisingly clean being near such a populated area. Hazards: Getting caught inside around the lower tide. Season: Rainy season May-Oct