From Humble Beginnings to a Global Surf Destination El Salvador, a country known for its stunning coastline and uncrowded waves, has quickly become a must-visit des
El Salvador, a country known for its stunning coastline and uncrowded waves, has quickly become a must-visit destination for surfers worldwide. Once a hidden gem, El Salvador has emerged as a premier surf destination, thanks to its year-round surf, consistent swells, and vibrant surf culture. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of surfing in El Salvador, how the surfing scene has evolved over the years, and why El Salvador surfcamps and surf schools are booming. We’ll also dive into key competitions, tourism trends, and why this beautiful country is now considered one of the safest in the Americas.
The History of Surfing in El Salvador
Surfing in El Salvador dates back to the 1970s when a few adventurous surfers stumbled upon its coastline and discovered its incredible potential. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that surfing truly began to take off. Back then, El Sunzal was one of the first breaks to gain international attention, known for its long, consistent point break that stretches over 300 meters. As word spread, surfers from around the globe began flocking to El Salvador, drawn by the warm water, lack of crowds, and powerful Pacific waves.
Despite political instability and safety concerns during the 1980s and 1990s, the local surfing community continued to grow, and surfing El Salvador steadily gained momentum. By the early 2010s, El Salvador surfcamps were springing up along the coast, catering to a growing number of international visitors.
Surf Competitions: Pushing the Scene Forward
The rise of competitive surfing in El Salvador played a major role in putting the country on the global surf map. The annual El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games, held at some of the country’s best surf spots like El Sunzal and La Bocana, have drawn the world’s top surfers and fueled the country’s status as a surf destination.
Recent Competitions and Winners:
2020 ISA World Surfing Games (Held at El Sunzal):
Men’s Winner: Italo Ferreira (Brazil)
Women’s Winner: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru)
Top 3 Men: Italo Ferreira (Brazil), Kanoa Igarashi (Japan), Jeremy Flores (France)
Top 3 Women: Sofia Mulanovich (Peru), Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia), Carissa Moore (USA)
2021 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games:
Men’s Winner: Kanoa Igarashi (Japan)
Women’s Winner: Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia)
Top 3 Men: Kanoa Igarashi (Japan), Leonardo Fioravanti (Italy), John John Florence (USA)
Top 3 Women: Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia), Johanne Defay (France), Tatiana Weston-Webb (Brazil)
2022 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games:
Men’s Winner: Filipe Toledo (Brazil)
Women’s Winner: Carissa Moore (USA)
Top 3 Men: Filipe Toledo (Brazil), Gabriel Medina (Brazil), Griffin Colapinto (USA)
Top 3 Women: Carissa Moore (USA), Caroline Marks (USA), Brisa Hennessy (Costa Rica)
These competitions were organized by ISA (International Surfing Association) and Surf City El Salvador, a government initiative aimed at promoting the country as a top surfing and tourism destination. Thanks to their efforts, El Salvador is now a hub for international surf events, and it continues to gain recognition among pro surfers and enthusiasts alike.
The Future of Surfing and Tourism in El Salvador
The future of surfing in El Salvador looks incredibly bright. Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in the number of El Salvador surfcamps, surf schools, and surf-related businesses. Tourism data shows that visitors to El Sunzal and other surf spots come primarily from North America, Europe, and South America.
Top 5 Countries Sending Visitors to El Salvador Surfcamps :
USA
Canada
Brazil
Germany
France
Age Demographics of Visitors:
18-25 years: 30% (young travelers and backpackers)
26-35 years: 40% (adventure-seeking professionals)
36-45 years: 20% (families and experienced surfers)
46+ years: 10% (older surfers and retirees)
With this steady growth, we predict that the number of El Salvador surfcamps and surf schools will continue to rise, especially along the coast near El Sunzal. Many of these camps offer a full experience for visitors, including surf lessons, accommodations, and guided tours of local attractions.
El Salvador: Now One of the Safest Countries in the Americas
El Salvador has undergone significant positive changes in recent years, with a strong focus on improving safety and security. The government's efforts to promote tourism and make the country safer have paid off, and today, El Salvador is widely regarded as one of the safest countries on the American continent. This shift has played a crucial role in the country's tourism boom, as visitors now feel confident exploring the country’s stunning beaches and surf breaks.
From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming a world-class surf destination, the surfing scene in El Salvador has grown tremendously. With top-tier surf competitions like the ISA World Surfing Games, an increase in the number of El Salvador surfcamps, and a surge in international visitors, the future of surfing in this beautiful country looks more promising than ever. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, surfing El Salvador offers an unparalleled experience— and with its newfound status as one of the safest countries in the Americas, there’s no better time to plan your surf adventure.
Top Surf Spots in El Salvador and When They Work Best
El Salvador offers some of the most consistent and high-quality waves in Central America. Here are a few of the top surf spots, along with the best time to catch them:
1. El Sunzal
Best Time to Surf: Year-round, but best from March to October.
Wave Type: Long, right-hand point break.
Ideal Conditions: Works best with south to southwest swells. It’s a forgiving wave that’s perfect for long rides and all skill levels.
Why It’s Great: This spot offers one of the longest rides in El Salvador, making it ideal for beginners as well as longboarders and intermediates.
2. Punta Roca
Best Time to Surf: March to September.
Wave Type: Powerful, right-hand point break.
Ideal Conditions: South to southwest swells with offshore winds (common during the dry season).
Why It’s Great: Punta Roca is known as one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. The wave can be fast and hollow, perfect for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
3. La Bocana
Best Time to Surf: May to October.
Wave Type: Left and right-hand river mouth break.
Ideal Conditions: South swells with good size, best during the rainy season when the river helps shape the sandbars.
Why It’s Great: La Bocana is a versatile wave, offering both lefts and rights. It’s known for its power and is great for advanced surfers.
4. Playa El Zonte
Best Time to Surf: April to October.
Wave Type: Right-hand point break and beach break.
Ideal Conditions: Best during medium to large south swells with offshore winds.
Why It’s Great: A laid-back spot that’s suitable for all levels. El Zonte’s beach break offers a bit of variety and is less crowded compared to more popular spots like Punta Roca.
5. Las Flores
Best Time to Surf: March to October.
Wave Type: Long, right-hand point break.
Ideal Conditions: South and southwest swells, best during early mornings or late afternoons when winds are offshore.
Why It’s Great: Las Flores is a consistent wave with long, fast rides, making it ideal for both intermediates and advanced surfers. The scenery is breathtaking, and the vibe is relaxed.
6. Mizata
Best Time to Surf: March to November.
Wave Type: Right-hand point break and beach break.
Ideal Conditions: Works best with south swells and light winds. It’s most consistent during the rainy season but can work throughout the year.
Why It’s Great: Mizata is more off-the-beaten-path and offers a less crowded surf experience. It’s perfect for surfers looking for tranquility and solid waves.
Best Surf Seasons in El Salvador
Dry Season (November to April): This season brings offshore winds and smaller, cleaner waves. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediates, with consistent but manageable swells.
Rainy Season (May to October): This is when El Salvador’s surf spots come alive with bigger, more powerful swells. The waves are consistent and can reach significant sizes, making it the best time for advanced surfers.
With year-round surf and a variety of breaks, surfing El Salvador caters to every level, from beginners at spots like El Sunzal to advanced surfers chasing barrels at Punta Roca.
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