Surfing

La Ponderosa is a perfect place for surfers:

  • After surfing one of the longest point breaks in the world you can enjoy pure relaxation with a massage or lounging by the hotel pool.
  • Private hotel restaurant is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full menu designed for surfer appetites. Meals can be purchased individually or as a package.
  • La Ponderosa is owned by, operated by and designed for surfers. The owner has been surfing in Pavones since 1989. He is happy to help with information on tides, wave conditions and best times to surf.
  • Beachfront location of hotel lets you check the surf conditions while drinking your coffee.
  • Big game room is just the right place to escape the sun and not be confined to your room.
  • If not everyone in your group is a surfer then no problem. There are OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE (click here)

Multiple Surf Breaks:

While in Pavones you have the option of having a local fisherman take you in his boat or what the ticos call “panga” across to Matapalo to surf one of the many right point breaks. Also, when the point is small you can find bigger waves at the Punta Banco beach breaks (accessed by road or beach no boat needed). Photograph of “pangas” by Lily Mayfield.


Pavones Location:

La Ponderosa is located just outside of the town center with acres of gardens and jungle.

The hotel is within walking distance to Pavones “The Point”. We are located 1 mile south, 15-20 minute walk or a very quick ride.

La Ponderosa is 1.5 miles south of the TOWN center of Pavones (Rio Claro).

We are 2 miles north of Punta Banco BEACH BREAK.

La Ponderosa is 2.5 miles north of the TOWN center of Punta Banco.


Lessons:

Surfing lessons with qualified instructors are available.


Photography Service:

In Pavones you can buy a CD with professional photographs of yourself surfing world class Pavones waves.  Mateo (Pavones Hot Shotz) can be found most days on the beach taking pictures. From years of practice photographing surfers in Pavones Mateo knows how to get the best angles. He can even include on your CD some photos of surrounding wildlife, flowers and waterfalls. Mateo is available to hire for private surf sessions or to photograph other Pavones activities/ events. Surfing photography on this page, home page and the surfing gallery is courtesy of Pavones Hot Shotz (Matthew Banschenbach). Gracias Mattie!


Surf Shop:

If you find that you are in need of any equipment the Pavones town center has a well-stocked shop.


Ding Repair:

Locally, there are several people doing fast quality ding repair.


SURFBOARD RENTALS:

Board rentals are for registered hotel guests only.

$20/ day, $100/week.