Sep 9, 2018
A Guide to Surf Safety: Marine Life, Surf Equipment, and Other Surfers

You’ve learned all about ocean currents, tides, and the sun as they relate to safety and the sport of surfing in the previous post of this two-part comprehensive surf safety guide. Now we would like to share with you some safety information and tips relating to marine life, surf equipment, and other surfers.

The more you know, the safer you will be out in the sea.

Marine Life

Costa Rica has a thriving marine ecosystem. When you enter the ocean, you are entering the territory of hundreds of different species of animals. It is important that you respect the ocean and those who call it home.

While most marine wildlife interactions are completely harmless and pose no real danger, it is important to know the potential hazards.

Sea turtles in Playa Grande
Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles! | © Pavel Kirillov/Flickr

Jellyfish and sea lice

Small jellyfish and sea lice are not uncommon, especially when cool underwater currents flush sea life to the surface. Getting stung by a jellyfish or sea lice while surfing in Playa Grande isn’t a life or death type of situation, but it can be uncomfortable.

Typically, the stinging sensation dissipates within a few minutes. If you find that you are getting stung a lot, it is probably a good idea to get out of the water to avoid being very itchy later.

Stingrays

Stingrays are very common in Costa Rica. These relatives of the shark are graceful and harmless unless you accidentally step on one. The best way to avoid this unfortunate and very painful accident is to shuffle your feet when you are walking in the shallows. Shuffling your feet will alert the stingrays of your approach and give them time to swim away.

Surf safety in Costa Rica
Shuffle those feet to keep your feet safe | © lissa1313/Flickr

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark and crocodile sightings are very uncommon, however, the estuary that separates Playa Grande from Tamarindo has a very healthy population of crocodiles and they do from time to time like to swim out to sea. It is best to avoid surfing or swimming near the estuary.

As far as sharks go, if you see one, just calmly exit the water. You are not on their menu, but it is better just to play it safe. It is also a good idea to avoid surfing or swimming when you see large congregations of small fish in the shallows. This happens throughout the year and these “bait balls” or large schools of fish do attract larger predators.

Stay safe in Costa Rica
Keep your safe distance | © Giorgio Montersino/Flickr

Surf Equipment

Always check your equipment before you go surfing. Make sure that your leash isn’t compromised in any way. Check to make sure there aren’t any dings, cracks, or breaks in your board and that your fins and track pad are securely in place.

Surf safety in Playa Grande
Be safe and check your gear | © Gustavo Veríssimo/Flickr

Other Surfers

Surfing is a sport that requires your utmost attention, awareness, and present mindedness. Always look in front of you, behind you, and to your left and right before you drop into a wave. When you are surfing around a lot of other people it is your job to make sure that you don’t put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way by being reckless.

Respect your surfing ability, know your place in the line-up, wait your turn, and follow the rules. There are enough waves for everyone. It is not worth risking an injury or damaged surfboard because you think the wave on the horizon is the last wave that will ever roll through.

Safety in Costa Rica
Seize the surf | © Fotografía de Javier/Flickr

Above all, trust your instincts and listen to your inner intuition. Don’t put yourself in obviously dangerous situations, such as trying to surf when the waves are above your ability, the currents are too strong, when the ocean is blooming with sea lice, or when it feels sharky or a bit sketchy.

Now, grab your board, paddle out, have fun, and be safe!

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Aug 24, 2018
A Guide to Surf Safety: Currents, Tides, and Sun

Unlike other sports where the playing field is constant or predictable, surfing is a sport with an element of infinite surprise. No two sessions are ever the same. There are multiple factors that play into what makes a surf break work, including tide, wind, and swell direction, height, and period. Then throw in ocean currents, marine life, and other surfers and you have an ever-changing playground.

It is this continuously changing environment that makes surfing so appealing and difficult. Because there are so many factors, surfing can be dangerous if you are not cognizant of the semi-avoidable hazards. For the most stoke-provoking and safe surf session, you must be well-versed in the following components that make up the sport of surfing.

Ocean currents

To the untrained eye, ocean currents, such as rip currents are nearly invisible. It is only when you get stuck in a current that you will get a glimpse of the ocean’s underlying strength. It is important when you are surfing, especially if you aren’t in top surf shape, to pay attention and not let yourself get sucked out too far from the line-up. Paddling back in against the current can be exhausting.

Rip currents can be very dangerous if you don’t understand them, get caught in one, and panic. Read “Safety and Wellness Tips to Follow While in Costa Rica” for a brief lesson on this particular common type of current and how to get out of one.

Rip currents in Costa Rica
The ocean is alive | © Life is a Wonder/Flickr

Tides

There are two high tides and two low tides every day. The tides will change every day (usually between 30 and 60 minutes) and the length of time between tides varies from place to place but is typically around every six hours. The moon cycle also affects how big the tides are. The difference between low and high tide in Playa Grande is quite impressive and sometimes upwards up 10 feet.

Different breaks work best around different tides. Playa Grande is usually at its best from a mid to high tide or high to mid tide. However, if you are a beginner surfer, surfing at a lower tide might be more desirable since the strength and size of the waves isn’t usually as strong or big.

Sometimes in Playa Grande, when the tide is particularly high there can be a backwash effect. If you are surfing when this is happening, be extra careful as this presents an added level unpredictability and challenge.

high tide in Playa Grande
In coming tide | © Phucket@Photographer.net/Flickr

Sun

While you should always wear sunscreen when out in the sun and in the surf (reef-friendly sunscreen, of course), it is incredibly important to do so in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is only 10 degrees north of the equator and due to this close proximity the sun is extra strong here; not to mention the added strength from the reflection on the ocean. A wicked sunburn can wreck your surf vacation.

Also, unlike other sports where you visibly sweat and have easy access to water or other hydrating liquids, when you are surfing it is far more difficult to gauge dehydration. Between the beating sun and the constant paddling and movement, you are losing a lot of water even if you don’t realize it. Dehydration is dangerous. Make sure that you drink plenty of water before you go for a surf and to rehydrate often.

Surfing in Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Only chance for shade | © duncanduncan12011/Flickr

*This portion of the surf guide will be split into two parts. Part two will include safety information regarding marine life, surf equipment, and other surfers, and the importance of trusting your intuition.

In the meantime, go get some waves!

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Aug 12, 2018
A Brief Guide to Surfing in Playa Grande: Play by the Rules

Playa Grande has gained quite the reputation for its waves. The expansive beach break is a swell magnet and the likelihood of there being waves on any given day is high. On small swell days, the surf is accessible and safe for nearly anyone who wants to have a go. On bigger days, the surf can be very heavy and not ideal for inexperienced surfers.

It is the consistent, fun, and warm surf that draws both experienced and first-time surfers to Playa Grande. For both novice and seasoned surfers, it is important to know and follow the rules of surfing, to know your level and place in the surf, to respect the forces and elements of the ocean, and to remember that surfing is supposed to be fun and that there are enough waves to share.

In this brief three-part guide, we will share the top four rules of surfing, some tips about surfing in Playa Grande, important things to be aware of, and how to be the best surfer in the sea.

Part 1: The Top Four Rules of Surfing

You wouldn’t play or participate in any other sport without first knowing the rules of the game, yet many people enter the sea to surf without first knowing the rules of this sport. If you don’t play by the rules surfing becomes a far more dangerous activity for you and those around you. Fortunately, the rules of surfing are probably some for the simplest rules of any sport.

Rule #1: Know who has the right of way on the wave.

The person who is closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. Dropping in on someone (taking the wave when it is clearly not yours and the surfer who had the right of way is already on it or about to go) is not only rude and very frowned upon, but also very dangerous. If you happen to drop in on someone accidently, pull off of the wave, if possible, and of course apologize.

It is important to always pay attention, to constantly look around, and to double check that the wave is yours and it is safe to go before you go.

Rule #2: Don’t ditch your board.

Unless there is absolutely no one around you and you feel that you don’t have another choice, do not ditch your board if you bail on a wave or you are paddling back out and a wave is about to break in front of you. Ditching your board is extremely risky if there are other people around you. It is also hazardous to yourself, as you have no control over where the ocean might toss your board and it could end up hitting you.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t duck dive the wave or you get stuck in the whitewater zone, hang on to your board until the set passes and then start paddling back out again.

Surf safety in Costa Rica
Be careful with your surfboard | © Phucket@photographer.net/Flickr

Rule #3: Use some common sense when paddling out.

When paddling out to the line-up, whether for the first time or back out after a wave, don’t paddle in a straight line directly to the peak. This is where other surfers are taking off and trying to catch their waves. Paddle around and then work your way back to the spot that you want to be.

Rule #4: Respect the other surfers.

Like any other surf spot, there are surfers who live here and that is their home break. If you want to be respected in the surf, you must also be respectful. Playa Grande is blessed with seemingly endless waves and the waves belong to no one and everyone.

It is important to maintain a positive and friendly attitude and to not be that surfer that ruins it for everyone by acting like this is your spot. Don’t be a wave hog and don’t paddle around other surfers in an aggressive “I’m going to catch every wave” type of way.

Waves in Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Now, go get shacked! | © Warm Winds Surf Shop/Flickr

If everyone just follows the basic rules and uses some common sense and common courtesy, everyone can have a wave-filled and stoke-worthy session in Playa Grande.

Up next: Some valuable insight and safety information about surfing in Playa Grande.

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Jul 1, 2018
Safety and Wellness Tips to Follow While in Costa Rica

To ensure that you have the best possible getaway in Costa Rica, follow these safety and wellness tips. A few precautions, avoidances, and small efforts can make the difference between a positively memorable vacation in Costa Rica and a would-like-to forget one.

 

Wear Sunscreen

ALWAYS. Trying to get a base tan the first day basically means that you will be crispy for the rest of your vacation. The sun in Costa Rica is extremely strong, whether it is a cloudless or cloudy day. While a sunburn never feels good, having a sunburn while in a hot tropical environment is next level discomfort. Avoid a painful burn, a nasty peel, and pre-mature signs of aging by coating up every time before you walk out into the sun.

To help protect the coral reefs and ocean environment, please avoid using sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii has already banned these two ingredients because they are greatly contributing to the death of our coral reefs and are actually proving to be harmful to us as well. Stay tuned next week for a guide to ocean-friendly sunscreens and products to bring, buy, and use in Costa Rica.

 

Protect your skin in Costa Rica
Don’t let this happen to you | © Akulinina/Shutterstock

Apply bug spray

There are mosquitos all year around in Costa Rica and unfortunately, some of those mosquitos carry dangerous viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and zika. There are quite a few natural mosquito repellents that are made in Costa Rica (check out the RipJack Inn gift shop) that work really well. Whatever brand or type you decide to use, use it liberally while in Costa Rica.

Stay hydrated

Between the heat, humidity, and likelihood that you will be engaging in some active activities, it is crucial that you drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration and heat exhaustion will definitely put a damper on your fun level. You should be drinking at the very least two liters of water a day, but more if you are surfing or doing any other type of physical activity. Bring or buy a reuseable water bottle to fill up while in Costa Rica to help reduce single-use plastic waste.

A delicious and hydrating treat that you should definitely indulge in daily is an iced cold pipa (a fresh coconut). Coconut water is chalked full of electrolytes and potassium, which are key for hydration and energy. You can often spot a guy walking on the beach or close to it with a cooler filled with them.

 

Hydration tips while in Costa Rica
Treat yourself to a pipa | © Luz Adriana Villa/Flickr

Know about rip currents

A rip current is a very strong and often narrow current that can rip an unsuspecting ocean-goer right out to sea in the blink of an eye. Playa Grande, among many other beaches in Costa Rica and around the world are susceptible to these dangerous currents. However, if you follow these tips, you will be fine.

  1. Don’t panic.
  2. Don’t try and fight the current by swimming against it.
  3. Because rip currents are often narrow and don’t typically go that far out, the best approach is to either try and exit the current by swimming parallel to it or let it take you out, and once it eases up then turn and swim diagonally back to shore.
  4. If you are not a strong swimmer, call for help and float on your back to conserve energy.
  5. When you look out at the ocean, you can usually tell where these currents are. It is important to be aware and alert anytime that you go into the ocean.
Safety at the RipJack Inn
What a rip current looks like | © FlowingData

Don’t swim in rivers

Taking a guided river boat tour up the Playa Grande estuary or down the Tempisque river is an extraordinary and wildlife-rich nature tour. You’ll definitely see a lot of crocodiles. The key here is to observe the creatures of the river from a boat. Costa Rica is home to a very large population of crocodiles and the rivers and river mouths are their territory. Bull sharks also really love river mouths for their murky and food dense waters. While incidences are very rare, it is just a safer call to avoid swimming in the rivers and instead opt to cool off in the sea or swimming pool.

Safety in Costa Rica
No swimming here | © dconvertini/Flickr

Protect your valuables

While Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, one thing that is quite common is petty theft. Do not leave anything out that could possibly tempt a thief to break into your car or home base. Don’t leave anything unattended on the beach that you would be devastated if it was not there when you returned. Don’t leave your house unlocked and lock up your passports and highly valuable items in a safe. As long as you take the time to secure your belongings, you should have no issues.

Drive slowly

Slow down. The streets of Costa Rica are often only two lane, dotted with pot holes, slicked with loose gravel, lacking guard rails, and shared with iguanas, birds, snakes, crabs, sloths, monkeys, cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, pedestrians, and children. You are on vacation, slow down, and just arrive when you arrive. And while you are driving slowly, enjoy the exquisite scenery and roadside wildlife.

 

Wildlife in Playa Grande, Costa Rica
You never know when one of these ancient beauties will cross the road | © Kenneth Hong/Flickr
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