Panga Drops

Surf Guide

Located at the north end of Playa Colorado, Panga Drops is a fun alternative to the heavier Colorados. Pangas enjoys the same offshore bathymetry benefits as Colorados, but it is a horseshoe reef rather than perfectly crafted sandbars. On a proper SW swell, the reef will peel off both shifty lefts and rights that can barrel. On big days, the right at Pangas can sometimes give you a feel of Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. This wave can break way out there, and there have been accounts of bull shark sightings on this reef.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Best suited for good to advanced surfers when its on, but ok for average surfers when smaller.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Usually mellow.

Crowd Factor

Mellow

MellowHeavy

Usually mellow with mainly visiting surfers. Colorados is crowded with locals and tourists.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

When Panga Drops is solid, it's a great wave. Colorados is one of the best waves in Nica.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Depends on size and consistency, but usually a lot of paddling as it breaks far out and long rides.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Not bad unless the river is flowing with farm runoff.

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S to SW

Wind

Calm or light to moderate offshore E to NE.

Surf Height

Head high-3X overhead

Tide

Medium tides