Playa Maderas Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S to SW
Wind
Calm or light to moderate offshore E to NE.
Surf Height
Chest high-couple feet overhead
Tide
All tides, but best in the medium levels.
Playa Maderas Surf Guide
Maderas is the closest beach to San Juan Del Sur, which makes it one of the cultural centers of Nicaraguan surfing. Local surfers flock here and there are contests happening year-round. The wave itself is fairly flat, walled, and kind of average -- not as good as the beachbreaks to the north, generally -- but it's a stunning setting and a nice place to relax after the hairball drive over the mountain to get there.Always show respect to the locals.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels -- Depends on size of course.
Local Vibe
Doable
Can get intense, but often mellow.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Crowded with locals and tourists.
Spot Rating
Fun
Often just an average wave but it has its good days.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be a lot of paddling when good/consistent.
Water Quality
Clean
Usually always clean.
Hazards
Crowds.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Thirty minutes north of San Juan del Sur, over the mountain. Or by boat.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
All summer. Prime season is April through September. Much of October typically sees onshore wind and heavy rain, while November is a sleeper month with late season pulses and good conditions.
Do you have local knowledge about Playa Maderas?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]