Surfing 1

Many people come to Tamarindo because of the surfing.   

The town has many stores that cater to the surfer and you will have no problem buying a surfboard customized just for you.

As you can see there is quite a variety of sizes and shapes of surf boards that allow different degrees of stability and maneuverability.


Many of the people here find unique ways to transport their surf boards on their cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.

Portions of the 1966 surfing movie Endless Summer were filmed here.  The waves here are excellent for learning to surf and are not the huge intimidating waves such as those found on the North Shore of Hawaii.  

High Tide

They say the best waves are two hours before and two hours after high tide.  As you can see, the waves are pretty good at high tide.

You can get lessons anywhere.  About every other shop along the street offers lessons.  Of course there are also places along the beach.

People of all ages try their hand at the sport.

And it is a sport that can be enjoyed by both sexes equally-Dudes.

This Picture Is For Gail.


and Dudettes.

It is fun to relax on the beach and watch these folks ride the waves.  Some people like to take it easy and ride a nice wave. 

Others, mostly Ticos, like to go a little crazy.  

(By the way--Ticos are the locals.  We are the Gringos and the locals are the Ticos.  Tico can apply to not just a person but the whole attitude here.  For example, Tico Time means if someone tells you they will meet you at two o'clock on Tuesday "Tico Time",  it could be any time between Tuesday and the end of the week.")

If you walk south and leave the protection of the bay, you are immediately exposed to the open Pacific Ocean.  The waves become bigger—

And the surfing becomes much more intense.

But, back in Tamarindo Bay, there are also folks who like to Boogie Board.

And some just Body Surf

Part of the problem when you are surfing here is that the water can be full of people.  It can be dangerous just because of the congestion.  Both the surfers and the swimmers have to be careful.

You surf until sunset.

And at the end of the day, you return your board and stack it up beside all the others.

Or, just lay your board and bikini on the bushes and call it a day.