Playa Santana

About Santana   Go to Santana report »

Santana is a really fun, consistent beachbreak that works best on higher tides and mid-period South-West swells. Swells will refract off the long lava platform shelf on the south end of the beach, right in front of Rancho Santana. This refracting energy will create a series of peaks down the beach (usually a couple main peaks, but sometimes three, depending on swell).

First and Second peak are usually always best (as well as the most crowded) and can often resemble the set-up at Florida's Sebastian Inlet, but reversed. Furthermore, a river flows out right here, which keeps the sandbar replenished. These peaks will offer fun, ripable lines, as well as some barrels that you can backdoor (especially off First peak). The waves become less peaky and less crowded toward the north, with less swell refraction. But sometimes a good sandbar will set up down that way.

Santana is best on mid-to-high tides. On lower tides, it becomes very dumpy, sectiony, and drained out. The best wind is obviously calm or light offshore. Although Nicaragua is known for the steady offshore flow due to Lake Nicaragua, sometimes it can blow a little too hard offshore, especially here at Santana.

Santana is one of the most popular spots in the area, not only by the visiting surfers, but the locals too (especially the local kids). Although you may be the first to paddle out some days (even when it's small or crappy), you can almost bet the local kids will soon join you. Also, these groms are getting older, better, and pack oriented. If you're a visitor, don't be a cocky wave hog. Instead, show them respect. Then maybe they won't drop in on you!