If you go to El Salvador with the right state of mind and the knack for adventure you are likely to score some of the best waves of your life. ~Click Read More for photos and the full article.
If you go to El Salvador with the right state of mind and the knack for adventure you are likely to score some of the best waves of your life. The coast is blessed with dozens of river mouths that lead out into cobblestone rock/reef points with the most famous existing in the form of the long lines at Sunzal Point or in the heaving barrels of Punta Mango and Punta Roca. There are many powerful beach breaks strewn about as well as a lone sand bottom point called Las Flores, which exists on the eastern-most coast. Plus there are two quality, lesser-known breaks to the west of Tunco called El Zonte and KM59. These two waves might as well be twins, breaking hard and fast over shallow rocks, and are the kind of waves where you can get barreled and launch airs all while enjoying a setting surrounded by vast sea life and towering cliffs.
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Photos by Adrian Wigston
Travel Tips
-For anyone looking for a cheap trip, keep in mind that a traveling surfer to this region can get by easily without staying at a surf resort, paying a surf guide or even renting a car. Towns like Playa Tunco offer a friendly atmosphere with plenty of cheap rooms and food options. The locals here are very friendly both in the water and out and most operate businesses throughout town that cater to visitors.
-In between surfing and eating “pupusas,” be sure to check out Sunzal Surf Shop, which is located in the center of town, covered with local pictures and offering gear, Internet access and friendly faces that are stoked on surfing. There is also a tight-knit group of surfers that hang around the shop and work at the neighboring restaurant. From little kids to grown men, you are bound to see these guys out ripping everyday, so be friendly.
-If you’re the adventurous type you can travel amongst breaks for really cheap. It’s rather simple, walk to the coast highway, wait for a bus and once the bus comes you should walk towards the emergency exit in the back. At the door, expect to be greeted by an attendant that will charge you 30 centavos for a ride. Don’t pay more because they will try and overcharge. When you get off the bus you will walk down towards the coast along, rocky roads and at the end of these roads you will encounter some incredible breaks. Go at the right time, and you could score it alone.
-In your travels, at some of these less populated spots, try not to be scared off by the resort owners who claim, “wave privileges.” These guys are just sour that you aren’t paying for the overpriced rooms, but they can’t really do anything since you didn’t bring your own transportation so just walk pass and try not to harass anyone in the lineup, because they probably are paying.
-Don’t be afraid of El Salvador, but also don’t be stupid when traveling there. Remember that on the coast of this country, in small towns blessed with epic point breaks, El Salvador’s problems would hardly be known as it is extremely easy to avoid conflict, ignore the poverty and live the good life. But before you leave these towns behind in a cloud of dust, try to gain a respect for the people, their history and their hospitality, because without your business, they may be left in the dust for good.
Common Misconceptions
-If you walk alone through La Libertad, MS-13 members will blast you and rob you. La Libertad is renown for it’s gang activity. Just avoid wandering around alone or late at night and you’ll be fine.
-Sunzal is strictly a longboard wave. Although Sunzal is more suited to longboards than other waves in the area, it is not strictly a longboard wave. The wave provides multiple sections and if surfed correctly on the right swell, it can offer barrels, tight pockets for gouges and the occasional ramp.
-Malaria is a major threat. Malaria is known to be in certain areas of the country, but during the dry season few mosquitoes are around if present at all. For the wet season, take some garlic supplements or a can of bug spray and you’ll probably be okay.
-The wet season is the only time to score surf. Although the full brunt of the southern hemisphere’s winter is during this time from May-October, the dry season months can get pretty epic as well, with freak swells combining with ideal conditions.
What to Expect
-A day on the toilet. You are likely to get the runs at least one day of your trip. Look into bringing some medicine if you know you are vulnerable to hours on the toilet.
-Friendly locals. Salvadorians are very hospitable and also appreciate it if you attempt to speak any Spanish whatsoever. Don’t be that ignorant loud mouth. Respect begets respect.
-Pollution. Unfortunately, due to insufficient waste removal services and proper education on the topic, there is a lot of litter everywhere you go in El Salvador. From beaches completely covered in plastic bottles to all kinds of trash floating through the water at select breaks. You will encounter a lot of garbage, so be ready for it!
-Consistent surf. The surf here almost never goes flat, the entire country faces due south so the slightest blip in the ever-so-active southern hemisphere will almost definitely send a swell to the area, especially to the notoriously consistent Sunzal point.
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