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travelling with boards in mexico/central america
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:59 pm
by emerald snake
Just wondered had anyone out there bought surfboards in Mexico instead of lugging their own on multiple flights?
Doing a trip to Mexico/Central America in May and was contemplating taking my own boards. However, with expenses for airlines (American airlines) the cost could add up to a new board anyway.
Is a resonable shortboard relatively cheap over there?
any suggestions would be appreciated.....
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 3:14 am
by Surfchaser
Depends on where you arrive. If you're going straight to Costa Rica or Puerto Escondido (through Baja), you'll have no problems getting a used board (although half the boards in Puerto have been pieced together after being snapped...).
If you're only traveling with one board, and you're flying the whole way, it might not be so bad. But if you're traveling with multiple boards, and flying on AA the whole time, I'd consider buying a board there.
The best places to find boards are the west coast of Costa Rica (and the 2 shops in San Jose), Ensenada (in Baja) and Puerto. You'll have a tougher time finding anything worthwhile, easily, in Nicaragua, El Salvador, or Panama.
I say take your own.
- SC
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:08 pm
by emerald snake
Thanks SC, looks like there are not many intrepid surf travellers out there...
Think il take my 6'3 fish for the points and buy a gun for the bigger days over there.
Did you have any troubles travelling overland through central america? any more advice?
Just thought i'd add, byron is all time at the moment, the pass the best ive seen. 300m perfect rides...
Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 5:42 pm
by Surfchaser
Rockin Rob's recommendation for getting some spanish in your vocabulary is spot on. Actually, the deeper you go in C.A., the more important it gets. Trust me, not many in Nicaragua or El Salvador speak any english. And I mean any. So gettin familiar with the language will take you far, much farther than not. And even if you stumble all over your words for the first week or so, it's always worth the effort.
As for travelin in C.A., it's pretty easy. Buses are the main mode, unless of course you can hitch a ride and can get that spanish working for ya.
I've been to Costa 3X, El Salvador 6X, and Mex 4X (it was easy when livin in The States). Costa is the safest and easiest. El Salvador is either paradise or an utter shit-hole, and Mex is a mixed bag. Regardless, the people, the food, the scenery and the surf are so worth it.
BTW, Lonely Planet books has some great issues for C.A., definitely worth their weight!
Anyways, good luck!
- SC