Liquid
Peace
5 Best Vacation
Destinations in May for surfing
Monthly
Report-May
"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 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!
May
Indonesia, Bali
Costa Rica, Pavones
Panama, Santa Catalina
Mexico, Cabo San Lucas
Pacific Islands, Samoa
Bali, Indonesia
Bali Surf
pictures
Although,
June through September are the peak season for larger waves in Bali,
in May, the beginning of peak season, one
can expect 3-6ft consistent, warm water, surf and enjoy a diversity of
breaks from beginner beach breaks to world class reef breaks.
Water Temp:
78-83 degrees, nice...
Water Pollution:
The accelerated pace
of tourism to Bali has caused pollution issues. Precipitation will
increase the risk.
Wave
Consistency: Southern swells, the roaring 40's, send
consistent,
well-groomed waves to Bali. Usually you can find some surf with some
offshore winds.
Overall
Weather: 80-85 degrees, frequently humid.
Suggested
Gear:
Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit vest, booties, helmet, lots
of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape, super glue!
Extra boards!
Bali has
waves for all different levels of surfer's, including reef and beach
breaks suitable for all surfer's desires.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, and most are easily accessible!
Ask
about the more remote or secret spots to surf with less crowds.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, Bali is a well known surf destination with
multiple lodging options from camps to five star resorts.
Is it
crowded? The popular breaks can get very crowded but there are breaks
to be found with lesser crowds.
Is
there localism: Some, exceptional waves, growing numbers of local
surfers in a densely populated area does tend to increase localism.
Are
there Hazards: Shallow reefs mixed with enormous close out waves, be
sure of the tides and your ability. Ask about inherent risks at every
break you visit.
Bali
can be overwhelming with the charm of an island and the demographics of
a big city, but this unique mixture allows traveler's a choice
in what
they want to experience; chill or rage, it is up to you!
Culture:
Things to do: There
are a vast array of options, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and
hiking.
Things
to do out of the water? Bali, unlike many islands in Indonesia, has a
variety of activities at your fingertips. Be careful when navigating
the roads, Bali is infamous for horrendous traffic.
People:
The Balinese people are friendly and hospitable.
Food
& Water: Plenty of options; inexpensive to very expensive.
Always stay stocked with water. Depending on your location, buying
water
should not be a problem.
Nightlife:
Bali hosts a decent amount of places to "test your chemistry" and move
"off center".
Expense:
With all the options available, the expense will match personal taste.
Safety:
Some petty theft, but
overall safe.
Costa
Rica, Pavones
Pavones
surf pictures
Pavones
can be epic with a powerful southern swell and during May there is a
good chance that strong, southern swell will arrive for what could be
the longest left in the world providing 2-3 minute rides.
Water Temp:
78-83 degrees, very
comfortable
Water Pollution:
Clean but with the
rains pollution does increase.
Wave
Consistency: Needs a southern swell and May is a great month to expect
it. There are other waves in the area and a surf shop to ask questions
about where to surf.
Overall
Weather: 80-90 degrees and humid.
Suggested
Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit vest, booties, lots of
sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape, super glue
& plenty of mosquito repellent!
Getting
to Pavones is no picnic, especially during the rainy season. Plan on
renting a solid 4WD vehicle and get explicit directions. Don't try the
trek at night! Better
way to get there from San Jose is to fly with Nature Air or Sansa and
grab a taxi for the final leg.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, not all are easily accessible and for some
of the remote breaks a boat hire will be necessary. There are several
breaks just across the bay.
Are there
places to stay? Yes, but the focus is on budget to mid-range lodging.
Is it
crowded? Pavones is no secret, and the reputation draws a crowd. Other
near-by breaks will be less crowded.
Is there
localism: Yes, be humble & gracious and charge what the locals
don't want.
Are
there Hazards: There is a local surf shop in town to ask questions
about all potential hazards, especially about the rip currents. Spend
some dough in the shop for sharing the "dime".
There
are places to stay, eat and throw back a drink but overall the options
have limitations. Not much going on that would be considered
upscale accommodations & restaurants.
Culture:
Things to do: Most
beach activities, snorkeling, wind surfing, diving, fishing are
available.
Things to
do out of the water? The hiking is epic and tours are available.
People:
Very laid back & friendly.
Food
& Water: Costa Rican food is simple and delicious and fairly
priced. Buy water at the market to keep at your crib.
Nightlife:
A few places to mingle and down a Bavaria Gold but bring some
entertainment of your own.
Expense:
Very reasonable, especially for the opportunity to surf one of the
premier surf breaks in the world.
Safety:
Lock and stow
everything you want to keep, but other than fingertip theft, very safe.
Note:
Pavones
is nestled inside a bay and when it does not get a swell it
can be
flat, and stay flat without the southern swell. When it's on, it's epic
& crowded! Here is a great description of Pavones.
Panama, Santa Catalina
Santa
Catalina surf pictures
The
small village of Santa Catalina has some of the most consistent waves
in Central America including one of the top right hand breaks in the
world, rock- reef point
breaks, a beginner beach break and
uncrowded, nearby island breaks.
Water Temp:
81-86 degrees
Water Pollution:
Very clean-award
winning, the rain can cause some small problems.
Wave Consistency: Very
consistent 4-8ft with some decent offshore winds.
Overall
Weather: 85-90 degrees, balmy, better get lodging with AC.
Suggested
Gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, neoprene wetsuit vest-morning sessions, booties,
helmet, lots of sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape,
super glue, 1st aid kit!
Santa
Catalina offers a nice variety of waves all within close proximity of
the village. Several are walking distance, a few are a short car ride
or longer walk and others require a boat hire.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, there are two main breaks that one can walk
to the waves. For more remote breaks, to the surrounding islands, a
boat hire will be needed.
Are there
places to stay? Yes, all fall into the budget or extremely reasonable
priced categories, forget the 5 star resorts.
Is it
crowded? Santa Catalina can get very crowded but there are plenty of
other choices
Is there
localism: Yes, and Panama has some excellent surfer's but as a whole
they are very chill.
Are
there Hazards: The lava reefs are sharp, some of the breaks are plain
dangerous at low tide, small village with no medical facilities,
alligators. Ask about others at the local surf shop in town.
As
a small village the surrounding activities will not dazzle you but the
consistent surf and amazingly low prices for lodging, food &
beverage will.
Culture:
Things
to do: Surfing is the main attraction. Fishing is world class and
diving and snorkeling near the Isla Coiba is epic. Hiking, but...,
dude, it
is hot!
Things to
do out of the water? Very small fishing village, bring your own
entertainment.
People:
Very friendly, mostly fishermen.
Food
& Water: Very few choices. Load up on the agua every chance you
get.
Nightlife:
A few local restaurants to have a drink.
Expense:
Inexpensive, upscale is not an option.
Safety:
Petty Theft,
but safe, it is a very small village.
Santa
Catalina, Panama is still a very underrated surf destination,
particularly for hard core surfers that like to surf all day and
"chilax" at night to prepare for the next day's surf. Additionally,
with a little resilience you can hit Pavones, Costa Rica on the same
trip.
Mexico,
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo
surf pictures
Southern
swells frequent Cabo in May providing consistent, moderately cold water
surf. Although the winds can create a problem for the surf, the crowds
are down and there is always a wave breaking somewhere.
Water Temp:
67-74 degrees, pack
plenty of neoprene, the
water temps. can be tricky.
Water Pollution:
Very clean, except
after a rain, particularly at the river mouths and estuary.
Wave
Consistency: Southern swells are frequent in May. You may have to
search for the best spots but there will be surf somewhere in the
region.
Overall
Weather: 78-83 degrees but it does get nippy at night. Bring some
warmer cloths for late night activities.
Suggested
Gear:
Spring suit or a 3/2 full suit, board shorts, rash guards, neoprene
wetsuit vest, jacket & shorts , booties, lots of
sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm. Pack duct tape & super
glue!
There
are three towns to choose from when selecting the trip you desire from
a mellow artsy town to a decadent party town. Decide which region suits
you taste or try all three for a couple of days! Each area also offers
a distinctive variety of waves from point breaks, rock reef breaks and
beach breaks.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, you will need to rent a car or hire a taxi.
There are buses available but confer with a local to check times and
destinations.
Are there
places to stay? Everything and anything, camps to 5 star resorts.
Is it
crowded? Yes, many locals and more live-in Californians.
Is
there localism: Yes, respect the people that surf there frequently and
charge what you can without disturbing the tranquility.
Are there
Hazards: Rocks, urchins, reefs, ask at a local surf shop about all
potential danger.
The
biggest challenge will be deciding which area meets your vacation
destination needs and how to get around to experience all of Cabo. It
may look small on a map but can be a logistical nightmare if you don't
know where you are going and don't have a plan.
Culture:
Things to do:
Everything associated with liquid is easily attainable.
Things
to do out of the water? The area is essentially a beach on a desert but
anything man made is available. Epic golf but you better bring your
credit card-expensive!
People:
The locals are friendly but there are probably just as many people from
the States living and vacationing there.
Food
& Water: Plenty of choices for all budgets. Be sure to buy
bottled
water and stay stocked and hydrated in the desert climate.
Nightlife:
The good news, plenty of places to partake in night time leisure. The
bad news, don't drive at night!
Expense:
Can be done on a budget or the deed to your house, plan accordingly!
Safety:
Petty theft is ubiquitous , driving at night is dangerous but if you
use your noggin, safe enough to not have any problems.
Samoa
Samoa
surf pictures
Like
many of the Pacific Islands, Samoa receives consistent, tropical, warm
water swells from the bigs lows that travel hundreds of miles from the
Antarctica region but Samoa both American and Western have not been
hyped by the media, therefore, less crowds.
Water Temp:
82-87
Water Pollution:
None, crystal clear.
Wave Consistency:
Average waves between 4-8ft.. The only worry is if the winds get too
strong prohibiting surf in some areas.
Overall
Weather: 80-85 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!
Samoa
is currently a surf destination limited to surfing endeavors only but
if you like powerful, uncrowded, warm water surf it is a fantastic
place to go.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but you must hire a boat to get to most
breaks and hire a guide to find the spots accessed by vehicles.
Are there
places to stay? Yes, but options are limited & mostly expensive.
Is it
crowded? No, access is only by boat to almost all the breaks and Samoa
has yet to gain popularity.
Is there
localism: No, very few of the locals surf and tourism is minimal.
Are there
Hazards: Yes, all the breaks are reef breaks, wind can be extremely
strong, currents!
The area has
not yet seen the surge of tourism common to many of the
Pacific Islands
but the surfing and the natural beauty of the region make it a fabulous
place to go if you want to relax away from crowds, noise and chaos.
Culture:
Things to do: Surfing,
diving, fishing and snorkeling. Some beautiful hiking.
Things
to do out of the water? A major drawback to this region, if you don't
come here for liquid activities you may be disenchanted.
People:
Friendly
Food
& Water: Choices are limited and a boat is mandatory.
Nightlife:
Very little to do when the sun sets.
Expense:
Expensive, but you will surf uncrowded pristine waves.
Safety:
Very safe.
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
© 2008-2012 Liquid Peace
