Liquid
Peace
5 Best Vacation
Destinations in March for surfing
Monthly
Report- March
"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!
March
1) Indonesia-Mentawai Islands
2) Australia-New South
Wales
3) Ecuador- Central
Coast-Montanita
4) Chile- Central
Coast/Region-Pichilemu
5) Puerto Rico-Northwest side, Rincon,
Aguadilla, Aguada, Isabela
1)
Indonesia- Mentawai Islands
Mentawai
Islands Pictures
Surreal
place & waves, maybe this is heaven! Consistent high quality
waves
with an abundance of breaks for all types of surfers.The
Mentawai
islands is wired perfectly for an exceptional surf experience.
Water Temp: 80-85
degrees, glorious.
Water Pollution: None,
amazingly perfect!
Wave Consistency:
Excellent, arguable some of the most consistent surf on earth, a
groundswell Machine!. surfline.com
Overall weather: 85-90
degrees.
Suggested
gear: Board shorts, rash guards, lots of sunscreen, sunblock &
lip
balm. Pack duct tape, super glue & mosquito repellent. Extra
boards!
There
is catch to surfing some of the most beautiful waves on the planet!
Getting there is a commitment and once you get there , most, if not
all,
depending on where you stay will require the procurement of a boat of
some sort! All very
much worth the trek to this wonderful, breath taking destination.
Can you get to the
waves? Yes, they are accessible but you will need the aid of a boat to
most, around 25, + the secret spots.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, but options are limited & overall
expensive, around $200/night. You can go low budget but it is not as
easy as other destinations! All inclusive boat charters!
Recommended Lodging: HTs Surf Resort-"Preserving
the Stoke". HTs resort is heavenly & have the Mentawai's
wired! Another great place is Macaronis Resort.
Is
it crowded? Depending on how many boats show up for the location/break
you pick! However, crowds are generally lower in March!
Is there localism?
Very little but you will be surrounded by experienced, very good,
surfers.
Are
there hazards? Yes, & as wave size increases the hazards
increase
exponentially. Don't be afraid to pack a helmet, there are sharp reefs.
"If
you haven't had a chance to surf in the Mentawai's you will have seen
it on video,
in print, or heard about it from your friends. The place is simply
"magic on a stick". The archipelago is sprinkled with picture perfect,
glassy barrels that light up and fire in tune with the constantly
changing equatorial winds and weather." Rick Cameron, HTs
Surf Resort
Culture:
Things
to do: This is mostly a Liquid/beach destination &
small islands. Plenty of Liquid activities including Kayaking, SUP,
Snorkeling, Diving, & Fishing.
Things
to do out of the water? View the pristine, beautiful surroundings,
hiking, taking in local culture & enjoy your resort.
People: Very friendly,
the islands are
sparsely populated.
Food
& water: Limited options, most lodging is all-inclusive
& the
best option here, if you can get your hands on water-buy & load
up
on it!
Nightlife:
Limited, mostly whatever the place you are staying offers. The resorts
listed above are spectacular, with "superightchadelic" amenities, you
won't want to leave...
Expense: This is not
the trip for value seekers, plan on spending some money, enjoy the
vacation of a lifetime, live large.
Safety: Extremely
safe, small chance of petty theft.
Mentawai
Islands is a place to go to surf as much as possible & then
rest
for the next day of surfing. Don't forget to look around,
yeah,
you guessed it, it might be heaven!
2)
Australia -New South Wales
New
South Wales Pictures
Multitude
of great surf spots to choose from beginner to expert but tough to find
waves without crowds, Australia has nearly 400,000 surfers, but the
warm water & consistent swells make up for the heavy crowds.
Water temp: 67-77
degrees.
Water
Pollution: Clean water, some occasional
problems near Sydney & larger towns.
Wave
consistency: Very consistent in March. Swellnet
Overall weather:75-80
degrees.
Suggested
gear: Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket, vest, shorts, cap,
3/2 full suit, duct tape, super glue & always plenty of
sunscreen,
sunblock & lip balm.
New
South Wales has excellent infrastructure & friendly people to
point the way to the breaks you select.
Can you get to the
waves? Yes, with relative ease.
Are there places to stay? Yes, & plenty of options.
Is
it crowded? Yes, expect crowds, be respectful, you will get your rides,
don't be afraid to surf the smaller waves and breaks.
Is there localisms? Yes, they take their surfing very seriously
& they are very good.
Are there hazards? Always, ask a lifeguard or ask a friendly local.
Culture:
Things
to do: Just about anything you want to do with Liquid is here!
Australians & the people that visit love the Liquid &
it is all
here.
Things to do out of the water: Everything & Anything!
People: Australians are friendly, hospitable and gracious people just
don't drop in on their wave.
Food & water: Unlimited options but bring the credit cards,
Australia is not cheap, in fact, it is expensive.
Nightlife: Pubs are ubiquitous and nightlife is very good.
Expense: Start saving, this trip will reduce the weight of your wallet
& purses.
Safety: Very safe, the only place you could find trouble & you
would have to look for it is in the major cities!
3)
Ecuador,
Central coast, Montanita
Ecuador Pictures
When
you go to Ecuador, fly into Guayaquil. The price is right for good
quality waves with plenty of variation for surfer's of all different
levels.
Montanita is a great base camp to search out your breaks &
realize
your Liquid Peace.
Water Temp: 74-79 degrees. Very comfortable.
Water Pollution: generally no, but with heavy rainfall near towns, then
yes!
Wave consistency: very consistent, with waves in the shoulder to head
high range with some slight offshore early in the day. magicseaweed
Overall weather:74-80 degrees, near the beach, if you go to
higher elevations away from the coast it gets cooler quickly!
Suggested
gear: board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket, vest, shorts, cap,
sunscreen, sunblock lip balm, duct tape, super glue. If you plan a trip
to the Galapagos islands, effected by the Humboldt
current, bring a 3/2 full suit.
Ecuador's
infrastructure is "rough & tumble", it does reduce the crowds.
Give yourself plenty of time to
get to outer breaks, get lucent directions or hire a guide!
Can you get to the waves? Yes, but can get bumpy and sketchy to some
places, get solid directions or hire a guide.
Are there places to stay? Yes, limited range but plenty of options.
Recommended Lodging: Jardines de Olon,
"A tropical dream come
true!" Montanita spanish & surf,
"Lodging, surfing & learn spanish". Villa de los Suenos, Awesome place in La Entrada.
Is it crowded? No, but
if the waves are really good, moderate.
Is there localism? Some, but nothing to be concerned with if you follow
proper surf etiquette.
Are there Hazards? Minimal at the beach breaks but always check, ask
& look around.
Learn to surf: Montanita spanish & surf,
"Learn how or get wired on where to go"
"Montanita
is well known as the most unfailing surf break on the Ruta del Sol
coast of Ecuador. The closer to La
Punta you go, the bigger the wave
sets are. At highs a barreling right hander, at lows are
righteous hot dogs, perfect for all
levels and abilities. Crawling distance from the Ecuafriendly beach
house. Due to its Humboldt current location, Montanita is
the right place to have as home base, central to all hot spots up and
down the coast.” Todd, Jardines de Olon
Culture:
Things to do? The town is very cool, has a hippie kind of feel to it.
You will need a 4x4 to really be adventurous.
Things to do out of the water? Limited by the small town &
infrastructure but the town is very entertaining.
People: Very friendly. Learn as much Spanish before you go, most people
that live in Ecuador are not bilingual.
Food & Water: Load up on the bottled water, food options in
town are plentiful, tasty and inexpensive (arepas, choclos and ceviche
).
Nightlife:
Enough to get into trouble or have fun but it is still a small town,
save your energy for the surf & keep a low profile.
Expense: Inexpensive! Absolute bargain for a righteous surf adventure
in a laid back artsy, culturally entertaining town.
Safety:
Safe, but petty theft is always a mistake away; keep your gear stowed
safely out of sight. Leave the "bling-bling" at home!
Note:
One other plus in visiting this region is the possibility of getting a
little Bit of Northern Peru surfing into your regimen, only a 2 hour
drive from the Guayaquil
airport!
4)Chile,
Central
coast/region,
Pichilemu
Chile Pictures
If
you don't mind moderately cold waters, enjoy big powerful surf
&
small crowds then Chile is waiting with open arms!
Pichilemu is the closest surf destination from Santiago, 3 hour drive,
with a variety
of waves from beginner beach breaks to world class wave mountains.
Water Temp: 57-62 degrees, Chile Fall season influenced by the Humboldt
current.
Water pollution: Very clean, some pollution near the towns on the
beach, especially during tourist season.
Wave consistency: Excellent as the storms from the southern deep water
ocean start to pump swells into the region.surfline.com
Overall weather: 65-70 degrees & dry, similar to California.
Can get nippy at night.
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.
Chile's infrastructure
is good but you will still need explicit directions and a
guide for the 1st trip is advisable.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, most can be reached without problems,
some you will need guidance.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, options but surfing is still growing in
Chile, so accommodations are still somewhat limited but easily
obtainable.
Is it crowded? No, even though surfing is on the rise in Chile the
crowds comparatively are small.
Is there localism? Minimal
Are
there hazards? Always ask but mostly the cold water & the size
of
the waves are hazard enough, is a 20ft wave a hazard? Worked &
scrambled by a 20ft wave is a hazard!
Culture:
Things to do? Unless you are in Santiago, there are limitations.
Surfing & fishing.
Things
to do out of the water? Limitations, but with a rental car &
some
"can do", plenty. Learn as much Spanish as possible, that will help
immensely.
People: Very nice.
Food & water: Always load up on the bottled water, food is good
and reasonable priced.
Nightlife: Limitations depending on your surf destination, bring some
entertainment gear.
Expense: Moderate, not inexpensive but not too bad.
Safety: Very safe, some petty crime!
Note: Know your
limitations, Chile gets some "ginormous" waves!
5) Puerto Rico- West side, Rincon,
Aguadilla,Aguada,Isabela
Puerto Rico pictures
Closing in
on peak season with waves primarily
in the shoulder to head high range with offshore winds, warm water
& air temperatures make Puerto Rico a solid choice for a March
surf
trip.
Water
Temp: 77-82 degrees.
Water
pollution: Some, near major towns & cities after precipitation.
Wave
consistency:
Consistent, with waves in the shoulder to head high range with some
slight offshore winds, not as big or dangerous as the winter swells but
fun.
Overall weather: 77-82
degrees on the beach, cooler at higher altitudes.
Suggested gear: Board
shorts, rash guards, helmet, duct tape, super glue & lots of
sunscreen, sunblock & lip balm.
The
waves on the west side are in close proximity of each other and all are
accessible but not all are easy to find. Get clear directions to the
waves & a tutorial before paddling out. Many of these breaks
are
very dangerous even on the smaller days without proper knowledge of the
breaks' nuances.
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, but with some breaks you will need help
&
explicit directions, especially to the less crowded breaks.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, still lots of cool mom & pop places.
Is it
crowded? Yes, especially the popular spots on weekends, look for lesser
peaks & secret spots or be willing to share.
Is there
localism? Yes, and some of it isn't pretty; remember you are a visitor,
paddle away, be patient, & stay composed.
Are
there hazards? Small sea critters-urchins & sea lice,
jellyfish,
sharp reefs, strong currents, but good surf is worth a few hazards!
Culture:
Things
to do? Snorkeling, kayaking, diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, all
Liquid activities available.
Things
to do out of the water? Hiking, mountains, caves, the big
towns & cities have plenty going on, stay out of trouble,
nights can get sketchy.
People:
Friendly, aggressive in the surf but overall harmless.
Food
& water: Overall
inexpensive depending on your choices, local cuisine is inexpensive,
resort food expensive, always load up on water to keep in your crib.
Expense:
Moderately priced, but
can be done on a tight budget.
Safety:
Generally
Ok, but theft is a problem with rental cars, mostly with what is
inside. Anything not locked down has a good chance of walking away.
Puerto
Rico has a variety of excellent breaks but certainly would not
make my 'A' list for beginners, March, overall, is a month that
intermediate to experienced surfers can have a real good time with
patience & a willingness to seek out some secret
spots for some soul surfing sessions.
If
you are lucky enough to go to any of the top 5 best vacation
destinations in March 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!
Craig Holibaugh, Liquid Peace Post
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