Surf: General: Maderas is the closest beach to San Juan Del Sur, which makes it one of the cultural centers of Nicaraguan surfing. Local surfers flock here and there are contests happening year-round. The wave itself is kind of average -- not as good as the beachbreaks to the north, generally -- but it's a stunning setting and a nice place to relax. Tides: All tides, but best in the medium levels. Size: Chest high-couple feet overhead Wind: Calm or light to moderate offshore E to NE. Swell: S to SW Bottom: Sand Paddling: Can be a lot of paddling when good/consistent. Spot Rating: Often just an average wave but it has its good days. Access: Thirty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, over the mountain. Or by boat. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded with locals and tourists. Local Vibe: Can get intense, but often mellow. Environment: Usually always clean. Hazards: Crowds. Season: All summer. Prime season is April through September. Much of October typically sees onshore wind and heavy rain, while November is a sleeper month with late season pulses and good conditions.