Costa Rica is a well known tropical forest, wildlife and white sand beach surfing destination. Surfing has grown into a key component of the nation’s culture and tourism industry, with waves available to ride on Pacific and Caribbean coastlines year-round.
The Early Days
Most historians use this information to conclude that surfing came to Costa Rica during the 1960s when American surfers travelling through Central America saw its warm, little travelled beaches and perfect waves. Costa Rica presented a less developed, more natural wave at the time, as compared to California and Hawaii which were already well established on the surfing map.
Pavones was discovered by surfers on the southern Pacific coast in the 1970s. Pavones is known for having the longest left-hand waves in the entire world and helped to prove Costa Rica’s worth on the global surfing stage as information about its waves began circulating.
Surfing Surges In the 1980S and 90s
It wasn’t until the 1980s that Costa Rica’s coastline and popular breaks from Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Jacó and Dominical began appearing in surf magazines and videos. Quality waves, low-cost travelling and versatile warm weather drew another variety of surfers from all over the world.
Trend of rapid expansion of surf tourism in the 90’s. Surf schools, and camps and hostels sprang up along the coastline, especially in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula. Costa Rica started marketing itself as a place where people can surf, play and explore with nature.
The 2000s: International Recognition
Costa Rica had become one of the world’s great surf destinations by the 2000s. International competitions brought pro surfers to the country and Playa Hermosa became recognized for its difficult waves and high-performance surfing.
Costa Rican athletes soon started competing internationally as well. The likes of Carlos Muñoz and Noe Mar McGonagle proved that home-grown talent was more than capable of holding its own and giving the sport’s up-and-coming young stars aspirations.
Surfing Today
It was only the beginning and Costa Rica now gets surfers of all abilities. Playa Hermosa and Pavones, great for the more experienced airline mile help bookers who can keep their tangle of board away from other surfers are also plentiful but many, if not all like the smoother waves of Tamarindo. The surf industry remains strong, as surf schools, camps, retreats and resorts still provide vital support.
On the other hand, Costa Rica’s surfing culture has also incorporated a major sustainability component. Lots of surf companies take part in beach clean combinations, repair assignments and additional environmental projects. Also works to empower local surfing and coaches, young surfers (the Costa Rica Surf Federation)
The Future
With Costa Rica’s surf industry only continuing to grow, the preservation of its beaches and natural environment will be critical. Surfing is more than a sport, it has become part of the culture and economy.
The story of Costa Rica surfing has, from the first surfers to discover its remote waves in the 1960s to today’s international surf community, an enduring legacy that links people with adventure and the ocean.