If you’re looking to go on a surfing trip, few places are better than Pedasi, Panama. The weather is wonderful. it’s not overly busy, and you’ll find plenty of great waves. But with many beaches in the area, which are the best Pedasi Panama surfing beaches?
Keep reading this guide to learn more about the best surfing beaches near Pedasi, what makes a great surfing beach, and some tips to help you get the most out of your days on the water.
What Makes the Best Pedasi Panama Surfing Beach?
While there are tons of beaches all over the world, not all of them are great for surfing. Let’s go through a few of the main factors that make a good surfing beach before looking at some of the best near Pedasi.
Wave quality
Of course, the quality of the surfable waves at the beach has a huge impact on how good it is for surfing. Waves need to be large, well-formed, and long enough to surf comfortably, but not too massive or challenging that beginner or intermediate surfers struggle to ride them.
The quality of waves not only depends on the wind conditions (like speed and direction), but also the swell, where the waves break, and the natural geography of an area. For example, the seabed plays a major role in shaping waves as they approach the shore.
Consistency
Oftentimes, the best beaches for surfing are the ones where the waves are consistent. If waves at a beach are inconsistent, it reduces how often you’re able to surf there and unfortunately leads to plenty of subpar surfing days as you’ll never truly know the quality of the waves until you see them.
Similarly, consistent waves allow you to surf at your own pace and get familiar with the waves at your favorite beach, rather than being surprised by vastly different waves on different days.
Clean and clear water
If the water at a beach is polluted, dirty, or otherwise compromised in some way, it doesn’t make for great surfing. Not only that but being in this type of water for long periods of time could be unhealthy and have adverse side effects.
As a result, the best beaches for surfing have clean water without any pollution or other issues. Also, if the water is clear and not murky, it helps you see potential obstacles underwater like rocks or coral that you should be aware of while surfing.
Lack of a crowd
While a large crowd may mean a surfing beach is popular and offers great waves, you’ll have less of a chance to ride them if you’re constantly waiting in line. As a result, many of the best surfing beaches are those hidden gems with fewer surfers to compete with for waves.
Less people around generally means a surfing day with less stress and a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Now that you know what makes a great surfing beach, let’s go through three of the best options near Pedasi, Panama.
Our Favorite: Playa Venao
Pros
- Wide beach
- Beautiful scenery
- Options for all skill levels
Cons
- Crowded compared to other beaches
Our favorite Pedasi surf beach is Playa Venao. It offers exceptional waves consistently, and everyone from beginners to expert surfers can find places to surf here. The waves hold well in Playa Venao, and the sand under the water is incredibly soft and forgiving for those just getting used to surfing. It also has warm ocean temperatures all year.
The beach is wide, which is much needed as it’s a very popular place and often crowded with surfers. Another major highlight of surfing here is being surrounded by natural beauty. You’ll see rolling hills with trees surrounding you as you surf, as well as great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Off the water, there is plenty to do around Playa Venao, and it’s only about a 30-35 minute drive from the town of Pedasi. As a result, it’s easy to stay in the town and still come out to surf every day without wasting too much time.
Best for a Consistent Surf: Playa Guanico
Pros
- Rarely crowded
- Very consistent waves
- Plenty of things to do nearby
Cons
- Quite far from Pedasi
Another great option if you’re looking to surf in Pedasi Panama is Playa Guanico. It’s beloved for its consistent waves, so there’s always something to surf. Not only that, but it is also relatively low-key with plenty of empty line-ups, so you won’t have to wait very long to ride the waves.
It has waves for all skill levels with a long beach break, and the waves are generally cleanest in the morning. Unfortunately, the beach is a relatively far journey to Pedasi. However, there are plenty of things to do nearby to make a day out of your trip to Playa Guanico.
This includes a cafe, a bar, some restaurants, and even a surf camp to learn the best techniques to take your surfing skills to the next level. There are also hotels close by, as well.
Best for Overall Relaxation: Playa Cambutal
Pros
- Combines surfing with relaxation
- Plenty of breaks for both beginner and expert surfers
- Several other activities to enjoy
Cons
- Nearly 2 hours from Pedasi
Playa Cambutal is another solid Pedasi surfing beach, with numerous different surf spots to ride. Some are better suited for beginners, while others offer challenging waves for experts to enjoy.
The main break is located right in front of the town, and the area is home to several things to do, including kayaking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
In addition to offering great surfing, this is also the place to go if you’d like to combine your surfing trip with relaxation and yoga, as there are yoga retreats and resorts nearby. There are also restaurants, surfing schools, and hotels here.
Like Playa Guanico, this beach is a relatively far trip from Pedasi at almost 2 hours but is worth the journey, whether you just go up for a day or stay for a few.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Surfing Day
No matter which beach you go to, here are a few tips to ensure you have the best surfing day possible.
Check the forecasts
Before you even head to the beach, it’s important to check the surf forecasts. These provide several details about the current and future conditions for the beach you want to surf. This includes the wave height and direction, wind speed and direction, rain and clouds, temperature, and more.
Knowing these details ensures you bring the right equipment and be prepared for what’s ahead of you. If you fail to check these forecasts, you could end up wasting a day as the conditions could be subpar for surfing.
While checking multiple days in advance is fine, forecasts are most reliable the closer to your surf day you check, so make sure to check in the morning before you leave for the best chance of seeing accurate reports.
Stretch beforehand
Surfing involves a lot of strenuous activity that is hard on your core, arms, legs, back, and various other parts of your body. By stretching for a few minutes before going out on the water, you’re warming up your body and making it more flexible.
If you don’t stretch beforehand, you could be at a higher risk of injury or discomfort while surfing or have to deal with more soreness and stiffness afterward.
Hydrate and eat ahead of time
Surfing is a very physically demanding activity, and unlike other sports like basketball or football, you won’t have drinkable water nearby to quench your thirst as you ride the waves. Because of this, make sure to adequately hydrate before you go out. If it’s a particularly hot day, make sure to take frequent breaks to get more water.
In addition to getting enough water, make sure you’ve fueled your body ahead of time with food, preferably something with protein. This provides your body with the energy it needs to surf well for longer without getting hungry or worn down. However, try not to eat too much right before you go out, and this could make you uncomfortable, too.
Practice proper surfing etiquette
Once you get to the beach, the only thing you’re likely worried about is riding the waves. However, make sure you still practice proper surfing etiquette while you’re there. This includes things like waiting your turn in line, respecting others’ space, not throwing your board, and not leaving garbage around the beach. If you want to learn to surf, it’s also a good idea to learn these rules, too.
This will help ensure that not only you but also everyone around you, has a great time on the water. It’s especially important if you frequent a certain beach, as you don’t want to develop a poor reputation amongst other surfers.
