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Playa Maderas is the closest beach to San Juan del Sur, making it quite popular among surfers and a cultural hub for the Nicaraguan surfing scene. It attracts a mix of local surfers and tourists, and there are plenty of contests happening throughout the year. While the wave might not be the best compared to the beach breaks a bit further north, it offers a beautiful backdrop for those looking to soak up the sun and catch some waves.
The surf here can vary quite a bit. The waves are beach breaks that handle swell sizes from about 4 feet (1.2 meters) up to 10 feet (3 meters). It's known to work with swells coming from the south, south-southwest, southwest, and west-southwest. Generally, the best time to surf is during low to mid tide, and it can produce both right and left breaks. The wind is typically calm to light offshore coming from the east to northeast, which helps create better conditions. While it can get crowded, especially during good days, it's manageable for all abilities from beginners to experts.
Accessing Playa Maderas is relatively easy, as it's about a thirty-minute drive from San Juan del Sur, or you can take a boat ride. The local vibe tends to fluctuate from mellow to intense due to crowd density, so it's best to keep that in mind. The prime season for surfing is from April through September, though October often sees some rough conditions. Despite sometimes being just an average wave, Playa Maderas can surprise surfers with some fun days when the conditions align.