I have surfed quite a few spots in El Salvador.
My first Salvadorean surfing experience was Shipwrecks (I named this after the ship that sank there about eighty years ago; the smokestacks are somewhat visible during the lower low tides). Shipwrecks consists of a long, steep, and slow mushy left and a short right. This spot only breaks at six feet or above. When it breaks, and you don't penetrate enough, you're in for a ride in a powerful washing machine. The waves at Shipwrecks take a long time to break, which makes them difficult to catch and even more difficult to judge. It can be a harrowing experience arching your back, straining to see any upcoming sets when a cleanup set looms over the horizon sending you towards the board and paddling as if your life depended on it (It very well may). Paddling out is almost as easy as waiting for a lull. The only problem is getting through the shorebreak which is usually only a couple of feet smaller than the first break.
Sunzal is probably the most popular surf spot in El Salvador. It consists of a long and slow hollow right and a short somewhat hollow left. This is one of the few Salvadorean reef breaks. It is comparable to Swami's in Encinitas except it's 20 degrees warmer and not as many damn longboarders! Paddling out at Sunzal is different depending on the current. A NW swell/longshore current combination makes it easy to stay in the channel but hard to get in the lineup. During pre-sunrise sessions, though the current is usually calm and the surf is at its best. The first peak starts breaking at about seven feet and, obviously, is the longest, funnest, and biggest. It is also the gnarliest. The drop is pretty frightening, as is with most big, hollow breaks. When the water is clean enough at low tide, you can see the reef staring up at you menacingly.
Hands down the best hollow right in the country, La Punta Roca is located about a kilometer from the pier at La Libertad. Punta Roca is one of the truest, most consistent reef/point breaks I have ever seen.
Things to watch for include: the wade-out to the water has SHARP rocks and sea urchins along with a swift current that makes the path to the line-up very treacherous, especially during a rising tide. Also, be sure to kick out prematurely on these, for there are several (not just two) huge rocks that jut out towards the shore. It is rumored that a Gringo smacked his head on Mama Roca and died in the water, but I've yet to meet anyone who witnessed this.
The wave in and of itself is a beaut. Perfect, super-hollow barrels just before sunrise will make anyone smile the rest of the day. Just a long, perfect bowling right that we'll leave you with noodle arms after an hour of riding. Be forewarned: The wave is very powerful and make sure your leashes are top-notch. Click here for pictures
La Paz is a rocky reef/beachbreak located between the pier and Restaurant Row. Has fun playful surf towards the inside with gnarly set waves, lots of close-outs towards the outside. I like to surf this place for its atmosphere: while you are surfing you can hear Mariachis play at the many eateries for the capitalios.
This right can be found along El Salvador's Central Coast, somewhere between Sonsonate and La Paz (the departamento, not the surf spot). It's a super fun point break with a very rocky shoreline that packs a punch. Like its sister break, Punta Roca, it can hold waves in the triple-overhead plus range. The biggest I've surfed it is a little over double-overhead, which as I found out in the water was past my limits. This wave has a very steep drop that'll leave backsiders (that's me!) taking leaps of faith as they throw themselves over the ledge.
El Zonte is a lot like Punta Roca. It is a fast, hollow right breaking over a rocky reef/point with short sporadic and ill-fated lefts (ride one too long and you'll get to see a cross-section of your board). The paddle-out can be horrendous, as there are few lulls in shallow beachbreaks, which is where you'll be paddling out. The best part about this wave is the fact that nobody is ever out on weekdays, save a local or two. The one time I surfed there, it was just me and some buds.
If there was over a surf spot where you had to rough it, Kilometro 59 is it. This spot is located towards the Sonsonate side of La Libertad (between the second and third tunnels). Once you pass the highway marker for Kilometro 59, you have to look for a tienda that has a white aguaca-terrier keeping watch. Park on the side of the road and give your keys and at least 5 pesos to the lady. Now comes the hike. After you cross the street, u start hiking through this rainforest with plenty of skeets. It's a great walk and about as long as the Trestles path. The path has sharp rocks which you'll have to navigate through barefoot, unless you don't mind your sandals getting swiped while you're out. After boulder-hopping over a small stream, you'll get a glimpse of the waves there. HUGE right-handers were present both times I surfed there. *See Soul_Surfer's Best Sessions!!! (May 28th) for more info on my first go-at-it there* Once you paddle out and dodge sets into the lineup, you can enjoy the scenery. Make sure you watch the waves, and never turn your back on the ocean! A glimpse towards shores rewards you with tall, light green Tahiti-like hill tops. This, coupled with the raw power of the waves, can be very intimidating so make sure you've done your affirmations... :o)
In the land of endless peeling rights, it can get rather lonely for a goofy-foot that wants to see where he's going. La Bocana is a veritable oasis for the goofy-foot looking to brush up on his forehand technique after months of neglect.
La Bocana is located just south of Sunzalito. It breaks on a VERY shallow rocky reef. Works at both high and low tides but I'd recommend you wait until high tide to hit it. The second time I surfed it could very well be one of my best sessions ever (Top 3, for sure). *See Soul_Surfer's Best Sessions!!! (July 16th) for more info on my best go-at-it there* It is a rather strange fickle spot at which to surf at. On some days, it could be breaking way out while others can have 6-8' perfect barrels reeling away for many yards. Good restaurants line the shore while private beach houses are good for marking the peaks in the lineup.
The waves themselves are unbelievable. Steep drops give way to pitching lips and full-on barrels. Speed is of utmost necessity here or you won't make the section. Be sure to pump.
Due to April's sorry excuse for waves, I will be travelling to El Salvador on May 20th and remain there for ten weeks.
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