Travelling with a board bag is expensive and annoying. Here's what the local shapers and rental shops actually recommend.
The first question everyone asks when they're planning a surf trip is whether to bring their own board. The honest answer for El Tunco: probably not, unless you're a very experienced surfer with a specific quiver in mind.
What to rent
- →Longboard / foam board for learning: $15–20/day at any surf school
- →Shortboard / fish for intermediate: $20–25/day at Tunco Surf Co.
- →Wetsuit / rash guard: free or $5/day — the water is warm, you probably don't need a wetsuit
The rental quality question
Tunco Surf Co. and Punta Roca have the best rental stock in town. The boards are maintained, dings are repaired, fins are checked. Avoid random beach rentals from guys who approach you — the boards are usually thrashed.
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What's worth buying locally
If you're staying longer than a month, buying a used board locally is a smart move. Tunco Surf Co. does custom shapes and repairs and usually has used boards for $150–300. You'll sell it when you leave for roughly what you paid.
The wave here likes volume. A lot of people show up with high-performance shortboards and struggle. A fish or mid-length will get you more waves.
What to always bring from home
- →Reef-safe sunscreen — hard to find locally and expensive
- →Earplugs for surfing (surfer's ear is real)
- →Your own leash — rental leashes are often worn out
- →Zinc for your nose and face