I3erto
Grom
Reged: 09/13/05
Posts: 111
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Anyone ever been? Got a friend who is going to spainish school for a couple weeks there in early march, and says there are supposed to be waves (he doesnt surf) and wants me to tag along. Any advice on where to stay and where to surf? Thanks
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spenat
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/11/08
Posts: 493
Loc: Brooklyn- Manhattan beach
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I know there is surf during that time, just not sure where, I am going to the galapagos from 3/9-4/5 to work and play, if i find out anything i'll let you know
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/l,[____],
l---L -[]lllllll[]
()_) ()_)---)_)
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gene_can_sing
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 05/23/05
Posts: 1369
Loc: United States
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I've been. Pretty good right point in town. Fairly crowded, but dawn patrol and it's empty as it's a party town. Stay at Hostel De Ricky. Really nice place for $6 a night. Plus, everyday he would take us (on public bus) to all the surrounding spots (good waves, no people) for no extra charge. Cool guy.
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Shwuz
Miki Dora status
Reged: 09/26/03
Posts: 3644
Loc: Corpus Christi, TX
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I did a three week tour of ecuador, and honestly montanita was the only thing I saw resembling a crowd. Add to that the masses of unwashed expats selling their hemp trinkets on the sidewalk to pay for "just one more week of paradise", and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. If most of Ecuador reminds me of how mexico was 20 years ago, Montanita reminds me of how mexico is NOW. Honestly, Ecuador has some INSANE setups, and montanita isn't anything close to the best it has to offer.
Go explore.
Contact Ricardo at www.galapagosurf.net, he'll give you some good info as well. Tell him Jarrod from texas sent you.
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"He played it safe" can be very easily sandblasted into a slick slab of granite.
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gene_can_sing
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 05/23/05
Posts: 1369
Loc: United States
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I'll 2nd what Schwuz says. Montanitas is a tourist trap. Fun for about a day or 2 max (if even that). Lots of good waves around there though with nobody out.
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ciscojaws
Nep status
Reged: 07/28/08
Posts: 819
Loc: San Diego
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Quote:
I'll 2nd what Schwuz says. Montanitas is a tourist trap. Fun for about a day or 2 max (if even that). Lots of good waves around there though with nobody out.
Yeah, I was in Ecuador last March for about 10 days and there is better surf within a 20 minute drive from Montanita that is uncrowded. Definitely explore when you're down there and you won't be disappointed.
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I3erto
Grom
Reged: 09/13/05
Posts: 111
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Did any of you guys rent a car while you were down there? Is it a sketchy place to be driving around? Thanks for the advice so far. Just booked our plane tickets last night.
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ciscojaws
Nep status
Reged: 07/28/08
Posts: 819
Loc: San Diego
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Yeah, rented from Hertz in GYA. It's cool.
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gene_can_sing
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 05/23/05
Posts: 1369
Loc: United States
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Car is always good. However, I usually take long trips (1 month at least), so cars are way to expensive.
It's pretty easy to get around on the bus, as most locals don't have cars. Ricky (the guy who owned the hotel) would just take us on public transport to all the surrounding breaks. Might take a bit longer, but super cheap.
But yeah... a car is always nice if you have a bit extra. The key is to hook up with a local who knows where all the spots are. There's not much info on surfing Ecuador unlike a lot of other more popular surf countries, so spots are for sure a bit harder to find.
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ocean7847
Miki Dora status
Reged: 06/23/04
Posts: 4030
Loc: BACK IN THE WATER
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I'm also about to book a flight to Ecuador from feb 27th till March 8th, thinking about where to stay. I figure I could spent a day or so in montanito (hoping the surf is good and I can enjoy nightlife since I'll be traveling solo), but wanted to know if there were other locations people would recommend staying at more.
I get the whole "if souths come, go to playas area" vs. "if north swells come, head to manta" area, but for someone looking for nice rights, Montanito seems like a good location.
I also have to hang out in Riobamba (very inland, 10k elevation) to hang with my sister who is volunteering a medical clinic there, so I was wondering if anyone has bus experiences. Are they reliable, safe, etc...
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
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Hail Xenu!
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ciscojaws
Nep status
Reged: 07/28/08
Posts: 819
Loc: San Diego
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You'll have no problem staying in Montanita alone. It's definitely a surfer destination. There is a lot of nightlife and stuff to do. If you have a car, head north, and just before you head over the big mountain (about 15 mins from Montanita) there is a break that is relatively uncrowded and super fun. Locals are cool and will let you know where to go.
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Hdip
Gerry Lopez status
Reged: 04/23/05
Posts: 1095
Loc: Malibu, CA
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Buses were fine when I was there a couple years ago. Dirty and sweaty, but all the jean claude van damme movies you could want! (dubbed into spanish)
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spenat
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 02/11/08
Posts: 493
Loc: Brooklyn- Manhattan beach
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I am about to buy my tickets, what airlines did you fly, also going to spend the majority of my time in the galapagos, any recc for there too would be welcome
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______
/l,[____],
l---L -[]lllllll[]
()_) ()_)---)_)
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ciscojaws
Nep status
Reged: 07/28/08
Posts: 819
Loc: San Diego
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Copa out of LAX. Layover in Panama City. Make sure you check the baggage policies. When we went, the website said there was an embargo on boards, but we just talked to one of the Copa reps at the airport ahead of time and had him email us that it was ok to bring them on.
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ocean7847
Miki Dora status
Reged: 06/23/04
Posts: 4030
Loc: BACK IN THE WATER
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leaving in 3 days.....
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Hail Xenu!
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