Tamarindo Receives Awesome Northwest Swell To Start 2019 Season

Joe Walsh • December 5, 2018

Psst! The Tamarindo Rivermouth is breaking again!

If you were lucky enough to be down here this past weekend, you saw some giant waves breaking up and down the beach as a booming northwest swell slammed into Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. These were the same waves that broke last week during the Jaws Challenge big wave surf contest at Pe’ahi, Maui, Hawaii.

The swell is still hitting as I write this. Tamarindo and Witch’s Rock, arguably the two best spots in Costa Rica to receive a northwest swell, have been firing on all cylinders.

Surfer riding a breaking wave near shore, with a spectator in the foreground and cliffs in the distance
Spot: Tamarindo Rivermouth | Surfer: Joe Walsh | Photo: Leonardo Pinero

 

For those of us that live and surf in Tamarindo or visit often, we can all remember how the estuary drifted a couple of years ago and how our beach landscape completely changed. The  Tamarindo Rivermouth surf break all but disappeared.

But then earlier this year the rivermouth started to show signs of life. Offshore winds helped add some sand to the sand bar. And now, with the start of our northwest swell season, the Tamarindo Rivermouth is once again throwing out some tubes.

Surfer carving a wave with white spray in the ocean, with forested hills in the background
Spot: Tamarindo Rivermouth | Surfer: Unknown | Photo: Leonardo Pinero

 

During the peak of the swell the biggest waves were breaking at Pico Grande. This lava rock outcropping and slab has a perfect northwest orientation that helps to amplify the wave’s size. Local surf stars Dean Vanderwalle and Malakai Martinez were pulling into barrels that looked like Backdoor. It was a pretty solid show.

Surfer riding a large wave with white spray and dark blue water in the background
Spot: Pico Grande | Surfer: Dean Vandewalle | Photo: Toni Vandewalle

 

And of course Witch’s Rock has been PUMPING. Check out local ripper Josymar Fuentes Villalobos (long time friend and past employee) showing us how its done in this epic multi-shot tube ride at the rock.

Waves crashing against a rocky cliff, with white spray and turquoise water.
Spot: Witch’s Rock | Surfer: Josymar Fuentes Villalobos | Photo: @gu_party
Ocean wave crashing against a dark cliff, with white spray and blue water.
Spot: Witch’s Rock | Surfer: Josymar Fuentes Villalobos | Photo: @gu_party
Surfer riding a wave near a rocky cliff, with ocean spray and blue water
Spot: Witch’s Rock | Surfer: Josymar Fuentes Villalobos | Photo: @gu_party
Surfer riding a green wave near a rocky cliff, with white spray and ocean surf.
Spot: Witch’s Rock | Surfer: Josymar Fuentes Villalobos | Photo: @gu_party
Surfer riding a wave beside a rocky cliff, with white spray and blue ocean water
Spot: Witch’s Rock | Surfer: Josymar Fuentes Villalobos | Photo: @gu_party

 

With the sand bars set up better than they’ve been in a long time, now’s a great time to get down here and surf. The rainy season has all but ended, the offshore winds are starting to pick up, and the conditions are great. We are looking forward to another awesome surf season.

I’ll see you surfing! Pura vida, Joe Walsh

Coastal town beside a sweeping blue bay, with green hills and beach-lined shoreline under clear sky

Is Tamarindo Safe? A Clear, Data-Driven Guide to Visiting Costa Rica

By Witch Rocks Surf Camp • August 5, 2026
Yes Tamarindo is considered one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica for tourists.

Top 5 Best Surf Spots in Costa Rica’s Pacific Region

By Witch Rocks Surf Camp • August 5, 2026
If you’re searching for the best surf spots on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, then you’re in the right place. Picture this – warm sun, crystal-clear water, and world-class waves calling out to surfers from near and far. Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the best surf destinations in the world.
surf

Best Time to Surf in Costa Rica: Seasons, Weather, and Tides Explained

By Witch Rocks Surf Camp • August 5, 2026
If you are dreaming about a surf trip to Costa Rica you are probably asking yourself one big question. When is the best time to surf. The real answer is that Costa Rica has surf all year.
Witch’s Rock

Witch’s Rock & Ollie’s Point: A Guide to Costa Rica’s World Class Breaks

By Joe Walsh • August 5, 2026
Witch’s Rock, the wave from which we derive our namesake, popularized by The Endless Summer II most definitely lives up to the hype. If you’ve seen the movie, you know what this wave can do during a swell. Simply put, it’s a leg burning barrel. Witch’s Rock handles swell very well, it gets big, and it gets hollow. What
Surfer in blue wetsuit helping a child balance on a board in shallow ocean water

At What Age Can Kids Start Surfing?

By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • May 25, 2026
Most kids can start learning to surf between ages 4 and 7, depending on their comfort in the water, balance, and excitement about trying something new.

Costa Rica vs El Salvador: Best Surf Destination Guide

By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 23, 2026
Trying to choose between Costa Rica and El Salvador for your surf trip? Both offer world-class waves, but the experience is very different depending on your level and travel style. Costa Rica: More versatile, beginner-friendly, and easier to travel El Salvador: High-performance waves, best for experienced surfers When it comes to surf, scenery, and adventure, […]

Costa Rica Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 19, 2026
Planning your first trip to Costa Rica? You’re in for an unforgettable experience filled with warm water, incredible waves, and a laid-back lifestyle known as “Pura Vida.” To help you make the most of your trip, here are essential travel tips every first-time visitor should know. 1. Understand the “Pura Vida” Lifestyle Costa Rica moves […]

What Does Pura Vida Mean in Costa Rica?

By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 19, 2026
If you’ve ever traveled to Costa Rica — or even researched it — you’ve probably heard the phrase “Pura Vida.” But what does it actually mean? More than just a saying, “Pura Vida” is the heartbeat of Costa Rican culture. It reflects a way of life centered around positivity, simplicity, and appreciation. The Literal Meaning […]

How to Prepare for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica

By Joe Walsh • March 17, 2026
Planning a surf trip to Costa Rica is exciting — but the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to preparation. From fitness and mindset to packing and expectations, arriving ready to surf will help you make the most of every session. 1. Understand What Surfing in Costa Rica Is Really […] The post How to Prepare for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

Things to Do in Tamarindo Beyond Surfing

By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 17, 2026
Tamarindo is best known for its surf, but there’s much more to experience beyond the waves. Whether you’re taking a break from surfing or traveling with non-surfers, the area offers a wide range of activities that showcase the natural beauty and culture of Costa Rica. This guide highlights some of the best things to do […]