Surf Forecast  Salsa Brava

Salsa Brava surfspot characteristics

More about Salsa Brava surfspot

Full of power and menace, the notorious Salsa Brava holds any size Carib swell in cylindrical uniformity. Air drop first peak into the pit and race for the shoulder, possibly linking up with the shiftier second peak where mere mortals are allowed to take their turn in the competitive line-up that some call the ‘Caribbean Pipeline’. A short, intense left can appear and low tide will be sketchier over the salivating coral. Needs the mid-winter NE to SE swells or a July hurricane to really get going and early morning slack winds to reach it’s fine potential.

General: This gnarled Caribbean reefbreak in Costa Rica has been called Costa Rica's heaviest and best wave. Pound for pound, it's as intense as any coral reef double-up right (and left) tube in the world. There are two general takeoff areas at Salsa. First Peak is a very round bowl section that offers the occasional left tube, as well as occasionally allowing you to backdoor Second Peak (but you have to be going really fast and be a proficient tuberider). First Peak's takeoff zone is tight and generally reserved for experts. Second Peak is just north of First Peak and can shift around a little, allowing for a less condensed and frothing pack. You've still got to take off under the lip, though. In general, the waves aren't really facey -- you're either in the tube or on the shoulder.</br></br>A mile or so south of town is Playa Cocles, a consistent beachbreak, and a few miles south of that is Punta Uva, a semi-fickle right point. There are a few reefbreaks around the port town of Limon, 50 miles to the north. Tides: Mid going high Size: Head high-double overhead Wind: South or Southwest Swell: E, ENE, NE Bottom: Shallow, sharp coral reef. Paddling: Dig deep to get in early. Spot Rating: Heavy barrels.

Experts only

Park at the south end of town.

Summer and winter best when strong trade winds blow over the Caribbean; tropical cyclones are a bonus.

Crowd Factor: Heavy, especially when it's good. Local Vibe: Heavy. Humility and respect expected.

Beware of the reef, urchins, locals, expats and some pollution. Watch the locals for where to paddle out. The outer reef, Long Shoal, has steep, fast take-offs into short shoulders, perfect for experienced surfers willing to make the long paddle/boat ride to escape the SB crowd. Beginners peak El Barco is just down the beach for high tide easy waves next to the beached barge.

Pretty good.

Powerful lips, shallow coral, territorial locals/expats.