Liquid
Peace
5 Best Vacation
Destinations in April for surfing
Monthly
Report-April
"When, Where &
Why the waves are the best!"
The
determining factors 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 in the month of March.
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!
April
1) Brazil-Santa
Catarina-Florianopolis
2) Maldives
3) Australia-Queensland
4) El Salvador-La
Libertad
5) Pacific Islands-Fiji
Brazil-
Santa Catarina - Florianopolis
Santa
Catarina, Brazil surf pictures
A
surf vacation destination with phenomenal surf and a plethora of fun
filled nightlife make Santa Catarina, Brazil a supreme surf trek
for surfers and socialites.
Water Temp: 65-70
degrees, the "cold" water positively thins out the crowds.
Water Pollution:
Some
problems near populated areas but very clean otherwise.
Wave
Consistency: The southern hemisphere's of the Atlantic push consistent
4-6ft surf into the area. Not huge, but consistent and fun...
Overall
Weather: 72-77 degrees, extremely comfortable.
Suggested Gear: Spring
suit, Board
shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit vest or jacket, lots of sunscreen, sunblock
& lip balm. Pack duct tape, super glue!
The
roads to get to the surf are good but the surf can get
crowded. With a little resilience and patience you
can find surf to yourself or with just a few other people.
Can you get to the
waves? Yes,
the waves are accessible but be sure to ask about less crowded spots.
Are there places to
stay? Many,
from low budget to 5 star resorts are available.
Is
it crowded?
Yes, Brazil has a large "competitive" surfing community. Avoid the
popular peaks and scour the area for premier lesser surfed breaks.
Is there localism:
Yes, as a whole more competitive than spiritual surfers.
Are there Hazards:
Most of the breaks are
sandy bottom breaks but be sure to inquire about any rips or unknown
rocks etc...
The
surfing is fabulous and when the sun goes down the nightlife is equally
as good. Don't forget; there will be surf in the morning following the
night you stay out the latest!
Culture:
Things to do:
You name it and you
can do it...
Things to do out of
the water? The
area is loaded with activities day or night.
People: Very Friendly and enjoy their
nightlife.
Food & Water:
Plenty of options but always keep enough water on hand.
Nightlife: Some of the
best nightlife in the world, this destination is filled with places to
let your hair down.
Expense: Individual
choice; can be done on a shoestring or very expensive, depending on
what you desire.
Safety: Petty crime is
common, watch your gear and leave the expensive gadgets at home.
If
you don't mind donning some "rubber", Santa Catarina is an excellent
destinations for all levels of surfer's and the action does not stop
when the sun goes to bed.
Maldives
Maldives
surf pictures
Consistent,
tubular, warm water
waves breaking over a surfer friendly, gently sloping, reef
in a
tropical setting make the Maldives a fantastic surf destination.
However, you must have your lodging and travel arrangements booked
before arrival, tourism is monitored very closely in the region.
Water Temp:
80-85 degrees
Water Pollution:
None, some of the
cleanest water in the world.
Wave
Consistency: Storms in the southern Indian ocean push consistent,
3-6ft., glassy surf to Maldives in April.
Overall
Weather: 80-85
degrees
Suggested Gear:
Board shorts, rash
guards, booties, lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack
duct tape, super glue.
"We
know a place where no cars go", cars are of no use, but all waves are
accessible by boat.
Can you get to the
waves? If you are not staying on a boat you will need the services of a
boat or dhonis.
Are there places to
stay? Essentially
two options, one, in a resort on the islands or two, on a boat charter.
The boat charter, do your research-make sure they are a proper
organization, can frequent more breaks.
Is
it crowded? Yes,
the breaks are good but there are not that many to go around.
Is there localism:
Minimal!
Are there Hazards:
Reefs & currents are the main hazards, be sure to establish
your position with landmarks.
The
Maldives are presently wired for great surfing, but beyond liquid
activities you will not likely be overwhelmed.
Culture:
Things to do:
Surf, dive, snorkel,
fish and surf some more!
Things
to do out of the water? If you choose a resort whatever amenities they
offer. Less to do on a boat charter but they get you to more surf.
People: Very friendly!
Food
& Water: You can't bring it on the plane, plan on
spending money to stay hydrated unless it comes with
the
package. Dining won't be inexpensive and options are limited!
Nightlife:
Chill atmosphere, have
a drink and get ready for tomorrow's session, you won't miss much at
night!
Expense: Break out the credit cards,
this one will set you back a bit.
Safety: Safe, some petty theft.
Australia-
Queensland
Queensland,
Australia surf pictures
A
spectacular mix of surf breaks with consistently fun waves, friendly
inhabitants, and premium extra curriculum activities
make Queensland,
Australia a superb surf destination.
Water Temp:
65-72 degrees,
depending on where you are surfing.
Water Pollution:
Very clean away from
major towns and cities with some problems near populated areas.
Wave
Consistency: Consistently between 3-6ft waves.
Overall
Weather: 73-82
degrees, very comfortable.
Suggested Gear:
Spring suit,
Board shorts, rash
guards, neoprene wetsuit vest , jacket & shorts,
lots of sunscreen,
sunblock & lip balm.
The
road system in Queensland is excellent, allowing access to all the
breaks without a problem. Parking can be a problem in some areas;
Surfer's Paradise, well, you had to know...
Can you get to the
waves? All
waves are accessible; Australia has an excellent infrastructure.
Are there places to
stay? From
camping to 5-star facilities, something for every taste.
Is
it crowded? When
the waves roll in, it will get crowded, Australians love to surf and do
with a "friendly" competitive nature.
Is there localism:
Yes, spread out, be
humble and look for a peak with less testosterone. Head north if you prefer less
crowds.
Are there Hazards:
Yes,
many of the breaks are beach breaks but others have rocks &
reefs.
Ask about hazards at the local surf shops, lifeguards and
surfers in the water.
When
the sun sets on the surf, Queensland offers a variety of activities
sure to please anyone.
Culture:
Things to do:
Epic water activities
are at your fingertips, all day, everyday! Take a day to explore the
Great Barrier Reef, incredible.
Things
to do out of the water? Near the major towns and cities everything is
available from theme parks to natural wonders. Don't feel like surfing,
no worries; you are wired!
People: Very friendly
but they can be competitive and aggressive in the surf.
Food & Water:
The variety is immense
but always a good idea to have enough water on hand. There are plenty
of places to stay stocked.
Nightlife:
Yes, vibrant, world
class! More plentiful and a vast array in the Gold Coast
region. Less as you had north!
Expense: Personal choice, budget or
high end, many options for this destination.
Safety: Very safe, can't get much
safer...
El Salvador- La
Libertad
El
Salvador surf Pictures
Essentially,
all El Salvador surf breaks face to the south and in April the storms
far to the south push consistent surf smack into the southern
facing beaches of El Salvador. Average face heights
of 6ft
are common and consistent creating an ideal surf destination.
Water Temp: 77-82
degrees
Water Pollution:
Near cities and larger
towns, yes! In remote areas; very clean.
Wave
Consistency: The storms in the southern hemisphere send extremely
consistent surf to the south facing beaches of El Salvador, 3-7ft..
Magicseaweed
Overall Weather: Balmy, 85-90 Degrees!
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards, booties, lots of sunscreen,
sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape, super glue &
mosquito repellent.
The
infrastructure in El Salvador is well below average. However, the surf
breaks are accessible and the rainy season is not in session.
Some breaks require the services of a boat which are readily
available with little leg work.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, most are accessible with directions, a surf
guide and a rental car. Some remote breaks require a boat hire!
Are there places to
stay? Yes, options are not plentiful but there are places to stay right
near the best breaks.
Is
it crowded? Yes, it can get crowded at the popular breaks but if you
are willing to travel you can always find less crowded, quality
surf breaks.
Is there localism: Some at the popular breaks but as you get further
from the cities and towns, no.
Are there Hazards: Lots of rocks, bring the booties to save your feet
for the full vacation. Don't leave gear unattended!
Culture:
Things to do: Kayaking, fishing, Eco tours and the city of San Salvador
is not far from the surf breaks.
Things to
do out of the water? By day there is a lot to do, you do not want to be
traveling the roads at night!
People:
Very friendly for the most part, there are some actively looking for
trouble.
Water & Food: Easily done on any budget. Simple local dishes
are tasty and inexpensive. When you can buy water; stock up!
Nightlife:
Bring some tunes, an ax, or some bongos. Traveling the roads for
nightlife is not wise but dangerously attainable.
Expense:
Inexpensive, a bargain for the waves you will ride. Consider hiring a
guide to insure safety & maximize surf time.
Safety:
Moderately safe but this is a country with many people struggling to
make a living; petty crime is ubiquitous and understandable.
El
Salvador in April is an outstanding surf destination; inexpensive,
consistent waves, warm water and with a little bit of effort uncrowded
breaks. The area does impose inherent dangers and it is
recommended to have your
itinerary clearly planned with safe hotels and transportation or hire a
surf guide.
Pacific
Islands- Fiji
Fiji surf
pictures
If
you love lefts and big barreling crystal clear, warm waves breaking
over sharp, pristine, barrier reefs you have found the right place. A
helmet, extra boards and a trough of sunscreen products are,
all,
very good ideas.
Water Temp:
77-82 degrees
Water Pollution:
Crystal clear
& clean
Wave
Consistency: Extremely consistent in April, 5-8ft
Overall
Weather: 77-82
degrees
Suggested Gear: Board shorts, rash guards,
neoprene wetsuit vest, booties, helmet, lots of sunscreen, sunblock
& lip balm. Pack duct tape, super glue! Extra boards!
The
southern hemisphere kicks up consistent surf to Figi throughout April,
much like the Mentawai
Islands in Indonesia.
This is also Figi's dry season with light offshore breezes.
Can you get to the
waves? Most
of the waves are accessible by boat, beware the big name waves have
become territorial warfare with one resort claiming ownership!
Are there places to
stay? Yes,
not much on the budget end. Expensive, especially if you
would like to surf Cloudbreaks & Restaurants "owned"
by
Tavarua resort, which appears to have lost their "surfing spirituality".
Is
it crowded? Depends on how many boats show
up and whether your boat skipper knows of secret spots.
Is there localism:
Very
little but plenty of experienced , 1st rate, surfers. Ask your boat
skipper to take you to some secret spots for a soulful surf session.
Are there Hazards:
Very sharp reefs,
heavy pounding waves and intense sun. Beware of the currents,
especially on big days.
Culture:
Things to do: Water
activities are bountiful but beyond that there is a limit.
Fishing,
snorkeling, diving and hiking can be epic.
Things to do out of
the water? Plan
to spend most of your time in or near the pristine waters, other
activities are minimal.
People: Very friendly
Food & Water:
Very
pricey fish oriented cuisine unless you search out the local places.
Buy
water when you see it for night time thirst and enough for daily
activities.
Nightlife:
Not
much, whatever you can find where you are staying or at other resorts.
Take some tunes, movies, and musical instruments for self
entertainment.
Expense: The range
is expensive to very expensive.
Safety: Overall safe but crime is on
the rise, especially versus tourists.
The
straight dope: This not a place for beginners & most of the
waves
are beyond the intermediate level. Fiji is best suited, at least the
most popular breaks for seasoned surfer's.
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
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