Liquid
Peace
5 Best vacation destinations
in February for surfing
Monthly Report
"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
February.
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, 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 including
unique
spots, not just the destinations that always get the best waves!
February 2010, The 5 Best
1) North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
2) Costa Rica, North Pacific
3) Nicaragua, Tola-Pacific beaches
4) Central Morocco, Taghazoute
5) Peru, Lima & north Pacific
1)
North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
North Shore Pictures
Hawaii has
it all, look in the dictionary under the word perfect and there is a
picture of Hawaii!
Water
temp: 75-80 degrees.
Water
Pollution: Near the cities, some concerns, away from cities, clean.
Wave
consistency: Absolutely awesome, for many the question will be, when
will it get smaller? "Don't go out when in doubt"! surfline.com
, Oahu surf
report
Overall weather: Superior, 75-80 degrees on the beach, much cooler at
higher altitudes.
Suggested gear: Board shorts, Rash guards, Sunscreens, Sunblock
& Lip balm.
Hawaii has outstanding infrastructure, the roads are
1st rate and many public beaches have excellent public facilities,
including bathrooms, showers, picnic areas & campgrounds.
Can
you get to the waves? Many of them, yes!
Are there places to stay? Yes, with many options.
Is it crowded? Yes, most of the breaks are crowded.
Is
there localisms? Yes, be cool, yield to the starters, the people that
surf there all the time & you will have no problems.
Are
there hazards? Yes, many, ask the people that live there, ask the
lifeguards, do as much research on your choices for surf breaks as
possible before you go.
When
you are done with your session take some time to watch the surfers
compose their art, some of the best surfers in the world and a pleasure
to watch!
Culture:
Things
to do: anything to do with Liquid is all in Hawaii, kayaking,
windsurfing, diving, fishing, etc... water sports capital of the world!
Things to do out of the water: Hiking, site seeing, cycling, golfing is
all epic
People: The people of Hawaii are friendly & laid back.
Food & water: Expensive but multiple options.
Nightlife: Plenty, just save some energy for the surf, most likely it
will rock the night you consume too much!
Expense: High, but worth the extra money!
Safety:
Hawaii is a very safe place, sure there are pockets of dangerous places
but a little common sense & you have no worries.
Note:
There is no shame in not paddling out into 15-20ft surf, you
are on an
island with multiple options, look for something smaller & have
fun!
2) Costa Rica - North Pacific
Costa
Rica Pictures
The
waves are not at their peak in February but the offshore winds
&
dry season make Costa Rica an exceptional destination for surfing
&
vacationing in February. Tamarindo
is a great place
to start or even set camp with one great break to the north, just
across the river mouth, Playa Grande & two great breaks to the
south, Playa Avellanas & Playa Negra.
Water
Temp: 77-82 degrees.
Water Pollution: Blue Flag during Dry season: Very clean
Wave consistency: Good, offshore winds, dry season &
beautiful weather contribute to extremely fun sessions. crsurf.com
Overall Weather: 80-85 degrees on the beach, cooler as you ascend to
higher altitudes.
Suggested
gear: Board shorts, rash guards, sunscreens, sunblock, lip balm, duct
tape & super glue.
The
roads are sketchy in some places but almost always workable during the
dry season. If you would like to surf Ollies Point or Witch's Rock to
the north of Tamarindo, hire a boat!
Can
you get to the waves? Yes, easily during dry season.
Photography: Proof that you were shacked! Selva Azul Photographs
Are there places to stay? Yes, many options.
Recommended Lodging: Rip
Jack Inn-A
short path to the best beach break in Costa Rica, Hotel Mauna Loa-In
beautiful Playa Avellanas; beach, river mouth & reef breaks.
Is it crowded? When it's on, yes, crowded but with some patience, not a
problem, plenty of peaks to explore!
Is there localism? Yes, but be humble, give the proper respect
& you will not have a problem.
Are
there hazards? Yes, Playa Negra, Avellanas & Tamarindo all have
rocks & reefs that you have to be aware of, never hurts to ask
& to
check out the surf at low tide!
Culture:
Things
to do: Plenty of Liquid activities in and around the beach, including
epic fishing.
Things
to do out of the water: You will need transportation to
get to most of it, including white water rafting, jungle tours, golf
& eco-tours-sea turtle nesting.
People: Very friendly, Tamarindo can get a little sketchy at
night but it is non-violent, just some cats asking you if you would
like to
buy some "blow-weed"!
Food & Water: Love the food in Costa Rica,
black beans, rice and fresh veggies, simple, tasty, satisfying
& very inexpensive. Buy plenty of bottled water if you stay in
Avellanas, Playa Negra or Playa Grande.
Nightlife: Tamarindo has plenty but the other breaks you mostly have to
make your own entertainment.
Expense: Below average & all things considered, still a bargain.
Safety: Overall, very safe, don't leave gear unattended, it will walk
off!
3)
Nicaragua-
Pacific beaches, west of Tola from Playa Gigante to El Astillero
Nicaragua
Pictures
The waves are not
at their peak but epic offshore winds & consistent surf offer
exceptional surf. Nicaragua
is essentially what Costa Rica was 15-20 years ago. Plenty of places to
surf that still have not been surfed.
Water
temp: 72-77 degrees.
Water
Pollution: Blue Flag during dry season; very clean.
Wave consistency: Very good with offshore winds, howling, daily, dry
season & comfortable air temps.. magicseaweed
Overall weather: 78-83 degrees, the wind will feel much cooler
& even cold in the water.
Suggested gear: Board shorts, rash guards, neoprene jacket &/or
vest, sunscreen, & sunblock.
The infrastructure in Nicaragua is dicey but easily
obtainable in the dry season, especially with some local help!
Can
you get to the waves? Yes & No, some are relatively easy to get
to,
many you will need to hire a boat & others; special permission
or
confirmed access.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, but not a multitude of options but getting
better.
Is
it crowded? Mostly, No, Popoyo can get crowded!
Is
there localism? Small amount, no worries!
Are
there hazards? Yes, ask the people who have surfed the breaks you will surf, not as easy to get all the answers, so be sensible.
Recommended Surf Travel Agency: Lineup Explorers , "Pure Pleasure", erase the worry of travel planning &, safely, situate you at the best surf peaks.
"Nicaragua is blessed with an abundance of good waves, offshore
winds, and sunny weather almost all year-round." -Lineup Explorers
Culture:
Things
to do: Mostly surfing & fishing.
Things
to do out of the water: You will need transportation & the area
has
its limitations, nevertheless, that makes it more of an adventure.
People:
Extremely friendly & hospitable, but when the sun
goes down , it gets very dark, bring a flashlight!
Food
& water: Very tasty, simple and inexpensive, be sure to load up
on
the water, convenience stores are not on every corner, ok, on any
corners.
Nightlife: Minimal, bring your tunes, ax & bongos &
plan on making your own entertainment for the most part.
Expense: Well below average, get it while it lasts!
Safety:
Overall, very safe, don't leave gear unattended, it will walk off!
4) Morocco-
Taghazoute
Taghazoute,
Morocco Pictures
Close to peak wave season with
consistent breaks mild water & air temperatures make this a
superb February destination.
Water
temp: 63-66 degrees, a bit nippy!
Water
Pollution: Clean, but areas near cities & towns can have
pollution problems .
Wave
consistency: Very consistent, clean surf. Globalsurfers.com
Overall
weather: 72-80 degrees, Very nice!
Suggested gear:
3/2 full suit,
board shorts, rash guards, neoprene top, vest or jacket, &
shorts, sunscreens & sunblock.
The
infrastructure is decent and most spots are obtainable.
Can you get to the waves? Yes, many
spots to experiment with and all accessible.
Are
there places to stay? Yes, reasonable rates, decent amount of options.
Is
it crowded? No, by most standards, but that could change rapidly!
Is there localism? Infinitesimal
Are
there hazards? Yes, ask people about all the hazards &
remember, hazards are dynamic. Use the melon!
Recommended Vacation Planners & Lodging: Lineup Explorers , "Pure Pleasure", have Taghazoute wired & take the worry out of traveling!
"Our stunning Taghazout Villa with nine comfortable bedrooms is kitted
out for every surfer’s needs and is so close to the waves you can check
the surf from your bed. It sits between Hash Point and Anchor point, with
Panoramas, Mysteries, La Source and Killer Point all in walking distance." -Lineup Explorers
Culture:
Things
to do: Some, but you had better learn French.
Things
to do out of the water: Some, but limitations & knowing French
would be very useful.
People: For the most part pretty
chill but some sketchy characters as well.
Food & water: Decent, can
get dicey, inexpensive, just say "no" to the meat! Load up on the clean
water.
Nightlife:
Not digging it, bring your own entertainment & pass on the
hash,
their prisons are really scary, of course-subjectively conceived!
Expense: Below average, watch your step with customs!
Safety:
Dude, watch your gear, keep your room locked & you will be OK,
leave the family jewels at home.
5)
Peru-
Lima and North along the pacific
Peru Pictures
Frankly,
it is amazing how underrated Peru is as a surf destination, well, now
you know! World class breaks & inexpensive, once you get there!
Starting point, Lima, very rightchadelic, how many big cities have
exceptional surf & mega cultural benefits packed in one place?
South of Lima gets monster swells, often too big to handle, Northern
Peru gets very workable fun swells with warmer water.
Water
temp: 68-75 degrees, warms as you head to Northern Peru, colder if you
head south.
Water
Pollution: Lima has pollution issues, check before you go out, as you
head north; very clean.
Wave
consistency: Exceptional,Very consistent, clean surf, with decent
offshore winds. Peru
Surf Report
Overall
weather: 76-82 degrees.
Suggested
gear: 3/2 full suit, and as you head north board shorts &
neoprene
top & bottoms & always have plenty of sunscreen
& sunblock.
The
infrastructure around Lima is easily accomplished, heading north would
be best with a guide, in other words get a guide if it is your 1st trip
to Peru.
Can
you get to the waves? In Lima, yes, heading north gets sketchy for many
of the superior breaks.
Are
there places to stay? In Lima, everything is available, as you head
north to the better breaks and warmer water-research & get help.
Is
it crowded? Around Lima, yes! As you head north, NO!
Is
there localism? In Lima, outside the
city, very little.
Are
there hazards? Yes, seek help immediately at any new surf break! Check
the pollution index around Lima.
Culture:
Things
to do: Endless list for Lima, heading north, keep the focus on surfing,
most likely it will be fantabulous!
Things
to do out of the water: See above
People:
In Lima, dude, they are city folk, no worries, for the most part you
are invisible, heading north, very chill & quiet
Food
& water: Lima has it all, heading north is simple tasty eats,
inexpensive, eat meat at your own risk. Water, stock up and reload
often!
Expense: Below average, even in Lima, for a big city, extremely
reasonable.
Safety:
Depending on where you stay in Lima, safe to sketchy, on the road
north, just petty crime, watch your gear!
If
you are lucky enough to go to any of the top 5 vacation destinations
for surfing in February, 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
© 2008-2010 Liquid Peace