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There is actually no surfing directly near town, you need to commute to the beaches and surf breaks. A surf school would be a good option as they could transport you to the correct beach for your level. Overall the area is at its prime for big waves due to a strong off shore wind, from Dec to March. So it's not so simple to just rent a board and walk to the beach and small waves. Might try El Tunco El Salvador instead.

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Thanks:-)

Is that a nice place to hang out as well?

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you will be going to san juan during peak backpacker season meaning that the beaches will be packed with surfers! if you are a beginner, you will most likely be taken to playa maderas or hermosa as they cater to the beginner surf schools. playa maderas is tiny and you will have easily 50 or more people surfing. unfortunately due to the size of the beach, volume of people fighting for only two or three peaks, it can be a bit frustrating in the water; people can be aggressive fighting for the same wave, people dropping in on you, and you may just feel like you are generally not welcome in the water especially as a beginner. playa hermosa is larger, however there too you will find lots of people.

if you want to beat the crowds and other surf schools, highly recommend staying at matilda's which is around the corner from playa maderas. typically once you have your surf lesson and feel comfortable surfing on your own, go ahead and wake up early from matilda's and hit the surf. early morning until about 830 you will have the beach to yourself. by 830 onward, you'll have more people with you in the water and it is not even fun anymore.

as tim, solo hobo has mentioned, san juan is not on a surf beach. san juan is the hub where all businesses are and you will be taking day trips to the surf beaches. surf schools will lend you a board and class, but remember you will be paying for transport as well to travel from san juan town to the beach, so you can easily pay a minimum of $35 a day...and the other bummer is that you won't be waking up in the morning on the beach and decide that you want to go surf.... on the upside, you will be with lots of other backpackers/tourists, bars, hotels/hostels, clubs, etc and you will not be alone or lacking fellow travelers.

if you want to have the night life, tourists, but less crowds in the water, head north to Leon and surf the local beaches of Poneloya and Las Penitas. although i have to warn you, there are a lot of rocks around this beach and is not ideal for beginners. as a beginner you will surf the white wash and will be in shallow water; right where the rocks are. keep you eyes open if you surf in front of hotel playa roca and hotel oasis, because you will have to dodge the rocks here. lastly, the currents are strong, so you will have many variable working against you as a beginner.

if you want something a bit more quiet, laid back, there are other beaches for beginners to explore. the remote northern pacific coastline is a gem! great waves for beginners and intermediate. all beach breaks. for the more advance surfer there are point breaks, river mouth breaks, and other world class waves to be had WITHOUT the crowds. a few beaches to mention are playa asseradorres, playa manzanillo, playa jiquilillo, and playa mechapa. all of these beaches are north of leon. from leon take a bus to chinandega which is a 30 min micro bus ride. from chinandega catch a bus from el mercadito....jiquilillo is 1.5 hours, asseradorres and manzanillo is about 1.5 hours, and mechapa is 3 hours.

places to check out and visit at these locations:

PLAYA ASSERADORRES: chancletas, al cielo, el coco loco resort, and joe's place (also known as portunica.... all have surf rentals, some offer classes, but the catch is, there are only two buses that enter this beach. best to google them and find their websites for pics. this beach has awesome left point break, beach breaks, and is home to the famous boom wavos.

PLAYA JIQUILILLO rancho esperanza www.rancho.esperanza.com, facebook rancho esperanza organization and locally owned vista pacifico. all beach breaks, beach is over 7km long, no crowds, and the majority of the time you will be surfing with local kids from rancho esperanza's surf camp.a crowded day is 10 people in the water! great vibe in the water meaning that you won't feel like an idiot while you learn to surf and chances are the local kids will be psyched to have you in the water with them. surf lessons, board rentals are $10 at rancho esperanza. if you stay for a week or more, they offer discounted prices on accomodation and surf rentals.

PLAYA MECHAPA: the only business in town is redwood beach resort. they offer board rentals and lessons as well. google them. very remote coastline that goes on for mile after mile. no one ever surfs here, and when you do, you are the only one in the water. all beach breaks and beautiful deserted beaches with gorgeous cliffs.

you may not have heard much about these beaches, but i promise you, it is worth the visit especially for a novice/intermediate surfer who may be intimidated by the large surf crowds. get out there and surf, have fun!

Edited by: esperanzas

Edited by: esperanzas

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Wow. I am verry greatfull! Thanks a lot esperanzas:-)