Surf Forecast  Puerto Sandino

Puerto Sandino surfspot characteristics

More about Puerto Sandino surfspot

Touted as one of the Nicaraguas best waves and could also be the longest with rides up to 400m possible, when the reef anchored rivermouth sands pile up in the perfect triangle. Take-offs can be fast and vert straight into the first of multiple barrel sections, broken up by lip-smacking walls. Likes a higher, pushing tide when the outside peaks soften and the NE winds are dead offshore. Most local surf camps access via boat, otherwise it's a long, current swept paddle.

General: Puerto Sandino is one of the, if not the longest wave in Nicaragua. However, it can sometimes be difficult to catch it good, as it is way out in the middle of open water and very exposed to the wind from any direction. The initial takeoff zone to the end of the wave usually averages over 300 yards when it's on. It is mostly a sand-bottom break, however, there are rock/reef sections at certain points along this long wave. These intermittent areas of sand and reef allow for a variety of barrel and wally sections throughout the length of the ride. Boat access is highly recommended, as the wave starts in front of a large rivermouth almost a half-mile from the shore, currents can be strong, and having help if someone gets hurt. </br></br>Due to Puerto Sandino's location, it picks up more swell than the nearby breaks, often producing sets that are several feet bigger. Its magic size is around eight-ten feet on the face. Although, due to the consistency of the sandbars, it can hold more size with the right swell direction and winds. The best time to surf this wave is the incoming tide push and with calm or light offshore winds. The ideal swell direction for Puerto Sandino is SSW, but does fine with S or SW too. Located due west from the very top end of Lake Nicaragua, the Puerto Sandino area still enjoys the benefits of the lake effect offshores that Nicaragua is known for. Peak season is from April through September. Tides: Lower tide and incoming Size: Head high-3X overhead Wind: Calm or light offshore E to NE. Swell: S to SW, best on SSW Bottom: Mostly sand with some patches of rock reef Paddling: Usually lots of paddling, as the rides are long and currents can be very bad. Spot Rating: One of the best waves in Central America when its on.

Best suited for good to advanced surfers when it's on. When big and barreling, then advanced only.

You can paddle from shore, but best to take a boat.

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.

Crowd Factor: Usually mellow with mainly visiting surfers, but sometimes many boats will show up full of people. Hit or miss. Local Vibe: Usually mellow, but can get competitive when too many boats pull up.

Not for beginners unless it's small and the inside breaks softly. It's highly consistent with regular crowds and a bit of vibe on occasion between visitors and ex-pats.

You're surfing in the middle of a large rivermouth. More rainfall in the area means lower water quality.

Currents. Falling on the first wave of a big set. Debris floating out from river.