5 Best Vacation Destinations in December for surfing
Monthly Report-December "When, Where & Why the waves are the best!"
The determiningfactors
in the ratings for each month are water & air temperature, wave
consistency, overall weather conditions including precipitation
& winds, (offshore winds receiving a big plus). Break logistics:
Are waves accessible?, Are there places to stay near the breaks?,
Are the breaks crowded?, What are the hazards, rips, reefs, rocks,
& water pollution? Culture: Are there activities to do if the
surf goes flat? Other Liquid activities, kayaking, windsurfing,
canoing, fishing, etc...? Good hiking, site seeing, historical
significant activities? Friendly inhabitants? Overall Safety! Last, but
certainly of equal importance, expense, including lodging, airfare,
rental cars, taxis, food & water.
Of course, the list is subjective & only a guide for those looking
for ideas for a vacation destination. We won't list actual surf
spots for three reasons: 1) there are places that do a great job of
listing "most" of the good breaks in the area we mention, like-wannasurf.com.
2) We hope that you are forced to interact with the people that live
there, talk to them, ask them where the good breaks are, how to get
there & how to blend in. 3) Take a chance, do some searching on
your own, chill on the beach awhile & spot a peak for yourself or
go for a long walk & just maybe you'll find a place of your own to
borrow for a session or two. We will tweak the list as needed
&, hopefully, righteously to include unique spots, not just the
destinations that always get the best waves!
December 1) Kauai, Hawaii 2) Caribbean Coast, Panama 3) Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica 4) Madeira Island, Portugal 5) Jamaica
Kauai
is home to a few world class breaks, exceptional and surreal beauty,
including waterfalls, mammoth, misty mountains, tropical rain forests,
mystical caves and stunning beaches with only one drawback; winds!
Water Temp: 75-80 degrees Water Pollution: Very clean, some pollution after a big rain. Wave Consistency: 4-8 ft faces are common and consistent Overall Weather: 80-85 degrees Suggested Gear: Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, maybe some light neoprene for the winds,
lip balm, antibiotic cream, duct tape & super glue.
Lefts,
rights, beach breaks, reef breaks, barrels, every type of wave
imaginable but get your guns ready for some serious paddling and to
weather the winds.
Can
you get to the waves? Many are easy to get to, some can get a little
dicey, best to come in shape. Morning and evening sessions are the best
to avoid the trade winds. Are there places to stay? Yes, but not much in the "middle", lots of upscale and camping is available. Is
it crowded? Some of the breaks when conditions are good, get
ridonkulous but low-profile options are available with a little
determination. Is there localism? Yes, best to be patient and catch what you can. Are
there Hazards? Reefs, currents, sharks and trade winds. Always check
with lifeguards or knowledgeable locals about possible hazards, water
safety is paramount.
All
the islands of Hawaii are beautiful but to many "varsity" Hawaiian
tourists Kauai, 'The Garden Isle', rates out number one for
overall beauty and tranquility.
Culture: Things
to do: Everything in and out of the water, kite & wind surfing can
get epic, world class fishing, snorkeling and golfing. Things
to do out of the water? Hiking is stupendous with many options. Biking
the island is also a magical experience. Be sure to check out the
'Grand Canyon of the Pacific', Waimea Canyon! People: Friendly & hospitable, but don't drop in on their wave. Food
& Water: Pricey but tasty, stock up on water when going to remote breaks, even though the island is small. Nightlife: Mostly low key couples-type activities. Expense: If you camp, very reasonable, if you choose to lodge, pretty pricey! Safety: Very safe.
One
of a few under hyped and mostly undiscovered surf destinations left on
the planet. The northern wind and cold fronts causing havoc to the
north send swells sweeping smack into the Caribbean side of Panama.
Water Temp: 80-85 degrees Water Pollution: Clean, rain does cause pollution problems in congested regions. Most of the surf is no where near populated areas. Wave Consistency: With any swell activity from the north, 4-6ft faces are consistent. Overall Weather: It is the dry season but it is still hot and muggy; 80-90 degrees. Suggested Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, antibiotic
cream, duct tape & super glue. A legit 1st aid kit! Logistics
probably play a dominant role in the lack of popularity to the region.
Many of the breaks and places to stay are only accessible by boat and
certainly a local guide. Fly in Bocas Del Toro from Panama City, don't
hassle with the drive!
Can
you get to the waves? Very likely you will need a guide and certainly a boat to access the best breaks. Are
there places to stay? Options are limited as this is, for the most
part, an undiscovered and off the beaten path destination. Is
it crowded? Some, at the most popular breaks. Is there localism? Very little but don't shake the proverbial tree. Are
there Hazards? Sharp reefs, sea lice, alligators, and stone fish but the biggest problem is medical attention is miles away.
Culture: Things to do: You can find most everything to do near the liquid but you may have to research your options before arrival. Things to do out of the water? There is a lot to do but it will not be at your proverbial finger tips. People: Friendly Food
& Water: The options are limited depending on your location, be sure to always stock up on water and stay hydrated. Nightlife: If you dig nightlife this is not your place, bring some entertainment; music, cards, ax, etc... Expense: Very reasonable Safety: Safe
Yes,
thats right, Costa Rica gets world class surf on both coasts. In the
winter the best waves in Costa Rica are on the Caribbean side, but
beware it is hotter, more humid and the surf less forgiving.
Water Temp: 78-83 degrees Water Pollution: Clean, except after big rains, that occur often, near populated areas. Wave Consistency: 3-6ft surf is common and consistent. Overhead surf is present with any decent swell. Overall Weather: 80-90 degrees and not much cooler at night. Suggested Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, antibiotic
cream, duct tape & super glue. A legit 1st aid kit! The
best breaks in the area are juicy, barreling coral reef breaks and many
require seasoned experience, fortitude, a guide, boat and a
helmet. Check out Puerto Viejo even if you decide not to partake, 'The
Caribbean Pipeline', awesome powerful surf break.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, some will take some resilience, effort and a
good map. Finding a local guide is recommended to find and access the
breaks. Are there places to stay? Yes, but most are budget places, high end, nicer cribs are minimal. Is
it crowded? The best breaks get very crowded and often have only a few peaks to charge the wave, patience will be rewarded. Is there localism? Yes, from locals and many seasoned, transplanted, surfers from the States. Are
there Hazards? Sharp coral reefs, sharks, crocodiles, and mosquitoes.
Costa Rica exemplifies a dichotomy of two coasts and the Caribbean Coast definitely has a Caribbean feel.
Culture: Things to do: All things liquid are available, including exceptional, diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Things to do out of the water? In the major towns like Limon, there is plenty to do but use your noggin, theft is ubiquitous. People: Friendly, but there are many sketchy characters in the mix. Food
& Water: Inexpensive and tasty Caribbean dishes. Be sure to buy water and always keep it within reach. Nightlife: Yes, but driving and walking around at night in some places is very risky. Expense: Very reasonable Safety: Below average
Madeira
Island is geographically located 350 miles west of Casablanca, Morocco
in the Atlantic Ocean and ideally situated for any North Atlantic swell
generation.
Water Temp: 58-63 degrees Water Pollution: Very clean Wave Consistency: 8-12 ft faces are common and consistent with any swell from the North Atlantic. Overall Weather: 65-70 degrees Suggested Gear: 4/3 full suit, 3/2 on the warmer days, booties, neoprene cap or hood, duct tape,
super glue, sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Majestic
Madeira Island is a volcanic mountain sitting six thousand feet above
the bottom of the Atlantic that effortlessly catches any swell sent
from the North Atlantic.
Can
you get to the waves? Most of the waves can be found but getting in and
out can be sketchy, this is a destination for experience, strong
swimming surfers. Are there places to stay? Plenty of options on the high end, budget accommodations are less plentiful. Is
it crowded? The bigger it gets, the less crowded the breaks. Is there localism? Very little, but if you are not prepared to charge, your chances of catching anything is diminished. Are
there Hazards? 15ft waves, boulders, & shady oceanic topography.
This is not a surf break for beginners or the inexperienced.
Madeira has a broad base of cultural activities set in a mild, comfortable climate and wonderful landscapes.
Culture: Things to do: Most liquid activities are available, including fishing, sailing , diving and whale spotting. Things
to do out of the water? If you have the coin; horse riding, golfing,
balloon rides, helicopter rides are available. No money; the hiking is
fantastic. People: Friendly Food
& Water: Excellent variation and budget cuisine available. Take plenty of water to the remote surf breaks. Nightlife: The weekends offer decent nightlife but during the week be prepared to entertain yourself. Expense: Above average Safety: Very safe
Although
Jamaica is blocked by neighboring islands, cold fronts and help from
the omnipresent trade winds still pump consistent swells through to the
east end of the island.
Water Temp: 77-82 degrees Water Pollution: The surf breaks have very clean water. Wave Consistency: 3-5ft glassy surf is common and consistent. Overall Weather: 80-90 degrees and high humidity. Suggested Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, antibiotic
cream, duct tape & super glue. A legit 1st aid kit! There
are not a ton of breaks in Jamaica but the breaks they have are fairly
consistent during the winter. Finding some local surfers with the
knowledge to get you to the breaks safely is recommended.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but a local guide is strongly recommended. Are
there places to stay? Surf lodging is minimal but you can base yourself
in some nice bed & breakfast hotels near the surf. Is
it crowded? Thin when compared to most surf destinations. Is there localism? You are sure to get the odd look as Jamaica is still off the beaten path. Are
there Hazards? Sharp reefs, mosquitoes and 3rd world infrastructure.
The Jamaica music scene and unique cuisine blends may be worth the trip alone; bring your dancing shoes and antacids.
Culture: Things to do: With a little resolve you can find all things liquid. Things
to do out of the water? 1st class hiking into the beautiful topography
of the island, world class fishing, &, off course, all things Reggae.
People: Friendly, but use common sense, there are some sketchy characters waiting to take advantage of negligence. Food
& Water: Tasty and inexpensive, load up on the water at the markets, especially for the day trips. Nightlife: It is Jamaica, and it is all things Reggae. Expense: Depends on your standards but the trip can be done on a budget or can get expensive. Safety: Location is the key, safe, well below average depending on where you hang!
If you are lucky enough to go to any
of the top 5 vacation destinations for surfing, have a blast, be safe, take it
all in, you never know if, or when, you will get another chance to visit
again.These places are spiritual gifts from nature, walk softly, environmentally
friendly & embrace any opportunity to lend a helping hand. Be righteous,
humble & appreciative, you are representing yourself, your family & your
country! Liquid Peace
