SURF REPORT -- Costa Rica: in harmony with nature

Welcome to Costa Rica! Watch out for the alligators!

Costa Rica is an estate of more than 20 tropical sims showcasing a variety of Costa Rican natural environments from miles of golden sandy beaches to dense tropical rain forest. In fact, one of the objectives of the estate is to highlight the importance of living in harmony with nature. The estate is home to the three most famous beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park in real life Costa Rica: Playa Espadilla Sur, Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Escondido.

The Epic wave on Playa Del Rey

Costa Rica has several interesting surf breaks and there are plans to further develop the Costa Rica estate as a surfing destination. The main surf breaks today are Playa Del Rey on Pacifico Central 1, Playa Escondido on Pacifico Central 4 and Playa Santa Teresa on Pacifico Norte 1.

Playa Del Rey is the home of the Costa Rica estate's only Epic wave. This is a short 100 yard Epic break starting in the middle of the sim and breaking into the beach. Pacifico Central 1 is also home to the Playa del Rey Surf Shack, which sells a variety of surfboards including Analog Surf, Jac Mornington's Realistic, Namiko, Poid Mahovlich's glow at night surfboards and also Heather Goodliffe windsurfers. You can just about see the pod of humpback whales in the neighbouring Pacifico Central sim to the north, although they tend to stay away from the waves.

Playa Escondida's pipeline wave breaks into a secluded bay

Three sims south of Playa Del Rey is Playa Escondida, where a three section wide pipeline wave breaks into an otherwise calm bay fringed with tropical vegetation. Whilst, the newest addition to the Costa Rica surf scene is a long four-wave pipeline break at Playa Santa Teresa, with phosphorescent waves that run in for just about 255 yards onto an island just in front of the Peninsula Nicoya Sur mainland. Playa Santa Teresa also has a vendor for Poid's luminous surfboards. There are two or three sets of fluffies that break along the shores of Golfo de Nicoya and Isla Venado, which are both north of Pacifico Central, but these all run for just a few yards each and so of limited interest to surfers.

Playa Santa Teresa's phosphorescent pipeline wave break

There are many other activities for visitors in Costa Rica include boating, canoeing, fishing, hang gliding, scuba diving, whale watching and white water rafting. Costa Rica has clearly developed the estate aiming to provide visitors and residents with the best experience and the attention to detail really shows.

White water rafting

Most of Costa Rica is residential with privately owned land, but the convenant for the land ensures free passage to allow non-residents to explore the estate, although the homes themselves are out-of-bounds. There's a lot to explore. The estate provides a hovercraft tour for new arrivals in Costa Rica, accessible via hovercraft stations on different sims throughout the estate.

Flickr: More images of Costa Rica
URL: Costa Rica Sims
SLURL: Playa Del Rey
SLURL: Playa Escondida
SLURL: Playa Santa Teresa

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SURF REPORT -- Black River Harbor: surfing serenity

The natural serenity of Black River Harbor

Black River Harbor is a long surfable natural harbour in the Heliopolis Estates group of sims with a single pipeline break that runs in for more than 240 yards. Inspired by the Pacific north-west of America, the setting for Black River Harbor is truly picturesque with grassy shorelines on each side of the surf break, the eastern shore being dotted with reeds, pine trees and cherry trees. The western shore borders the main Heliopolis sim and if one continues westwards, Monkeh Barrel is about 350 yards away. The length of the harbour is marked out with hazard marker lights to help guide boats around the waves and away from other hidden water hazards.

The uninhabited eastern island border of Black River Harbor provides a quiet meeting point for surfers or simply a place to chill out and there are a couple of open wood camp fires to help keep surfers warm in the near constant cold drizzle of the harbour. You will fine a wrecked sailing boat at the north end of the island (someone clearly didn't pay much attention to the hazard markers!) and you should be able to hear the sounds of some woodland birds. If you listen carefully, you may be able to hear flocks of Canada geese flying high overhead.

The view looking to the west across the eastern island

The western shore is more hilly, has more pine trees and experiences the odd thunderstorm on occasion. The western hills sink into the harbour creating an interesting shoreline and waterfall in nearby Heliopolis runs into an inlet linking up with the main waterway. A stone waterside 'meditation zone' has been built by the owners, surrounded by flaming torches with another wood fire. Divers will find kelp beds off the northern edge of the shore and shoals of yellow fin tuna, angel fish, butterfly fish and blue tang. There is also another sunken sailing boat wreck if you look for hard for it.

Black River Harbor early in the morning

Pipeline waves break right down the centre of the harbor from north to south, in single file and veerying a little to the west towards the Persistence sim due south and Ambrosia Island south-west. The pipeline break is clearly marked with yellow and red lit hazard markers and has a nearly 45 second run. Meanwhile, to make things interesting, two sets of ocean foam waves break diagonally across pipeline break from north east to south west and from north west to south east.

The pipeline break running through the hazard warning lights

There are no commercial facilities at Black River Harbor, giving it an 'out in the wilds' appeal (watch out for the bears). However, for those that want to explore under the waves, the sim offers visitors free scuba gear (just click on the sign) including a face mask, flippers, air tanks and wetsuit! Visitors can rez their own boards at the harbour and there are usually free boards available on the shore for use on the sim.

Surfwatch: SURF REPORT -- Monkeh Barrel takes no prisoners
Flickr: More images of Black River Harbor
SLURL: Black River Harbor

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SURF REPORT -- Majini Island: surf, party, surf!

Sunrise on Majini Island

Majini Island (part of the Bishara Resorts System) is blessed with an Epic II wave that has a great long run. However, it's the lively surfing crowd, as much as it is the big wave, that seems to make this beach one of the most popular with Second Life surfers. Home break of the Vibrations Surf Alliance (VSA), or more affectionately 'Vibes' (members are known as 'Vibers'), Majini combines socialising, partying and an almost continous line-up of surfing action. One could say that its a 'happening' beach!

With more than 200 VSA members including a hard core group of surfers that take their sport very seriously, there's always something going on on Majini beach and it has become a meeting point for surfers regardless of their home base or surfing club affiliation.

The Majini beach crowd favours the big Epic II waves. Despite having a frequency of one wave at a time, the beach boasts a loyal and friendly crowd that are as enthusiastic spectators as they are surfers (not to mention talkers!). A row of sunbeds lined up along the shoreline and knee-deep shallows in front of the break, help to make Majini surfing an entertaining spectator sport. A temporary aerial wood platform provides the perfect vantage point during competition events.

A lively beach crowd (well they are when they're not lying down!)

Majini's EPIC is quite a long run, breaking at the far south edge of the sim and rolling in spitting foam for 250 yards into the beach before folding thirty or fourty feet from the shore. Its a real rush! However, the Majini surf changes to pipes and fluffies every Sunday and on some other occasions, such as prior to SLSA competitions to allow members to practice.

Majini plays host to the first Second Life Surfing Association (SLSA) event of the annual competition series (2008's competition took place on 19 January), whilst the VSA organises a monthly Surf Jam competition for Vibers only. The beach has both the open space and facilities to organise other social and surfing events. Majini beach is also home to Bishara Surf School, headed up by surfing veteran and Bishara Resorts Estate Manager VW Sands.

There is a public 'rezz area' directly in front of the Surf School shack at the east end of the beach, which allows non-members to rezz their boards. The rezz area supports a limited number of prims as a measure to prevent griefers from rezzing boats, helicopters and other undesirable motor vehicles that disturb the peace.

The east end of the beach with the rezz area

Boards are usually available on the beach for those that want to try and haven't brought their own (look for the ones owned by VW Sands). For those that prefer to use their own boards, 'copy' versions are recommended. Although the sim returns visitors' boards to their lost and found folders fairly reliably, the sim has been known to 'eat' them from time to time. A number of surfboard outlets on Majini sell a variety of boards such as Fakt Surfboards, Namiko, SJA Customboards and TCH Surf.

A great place to start if you want to get on board with the Second Life surfing scene, meet other surfers and find out how its done! And, have a lot of apres-surf fun too! Surf, party, surf! Or was it party, surf, party? I forget. Must have been a good party...

SurfWatch: Two new surf spots at Bishara (9 May 08)
SurfWatch: Surfing Calendar - February-March 2008
SurfWatch: ONeill Crowned VSA Surf Jam champ! (2 Feb 2008)
Flickr: More images of Majini Island
SLURL: Majini Island

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SURF REPORT -- Monkeh Barrel takes no prisoners

The fury of Monkeh Barrel unleashed on the beach

Slow, short and unforgiving it may be, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the Monkeh Barrel remains one of the most challenging and popular surf breaks in Second Life. The Monkeh is one of several surfing spots in Helio Estates, which include Heliopolis itself, Nymphs Beach and Black River Harbor. The big wave break also provides the setting for one of the most demanding competitions in the SLSA annual series.

Named Monkeh Barrel because its more fun than a barrel of monkeys, the Monkeh's dark brooding EPIC II wave breaks a few yards short of the Western edge of the sim and runs in for about 150 yards onto a green rocky shoreline. For comparison, the wave runs in about 50 yards short of the distance that the EPIC II wave at Majini beach does, or roughly about the same length of ride as the EPIC II wave at Neart. The wave also has the reputation of having a mind of its own.

Monkeh Barrel in the morning

The short duration of the break means that surfers must get up and running fast if they are to make the most of the wave. The slower forward movement means they its also important for surfers to pay attention to speed so as not to stall and end up belly-riding all the way into the beach. This wave takes no prisoners!

This beach has no onshore facilities, but due to the short wave run and elevation of the beach, the Monkeh Barrel offers surfwatchers an excellent view. For surfers, the rocky shallows on the shore make a convenient place to rezz your board into the water, while the wave itself is perhaps the ultimate test of SL surfing skills and technology.

Update 28 May 08 -- Monkeh Barrel has disappeared, we understand, following the sale of the sim to a new owner.

SLURL: Monkeh Barrel (not valid as of May 08)

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SURF REPORT -- Chi, unique surf breaks with a touch of Zen

Water ~ Fire ~ Air ~ Earth ~ Surf
Few visitors to Chi these days realise that this tranquil island was one of the very first surfing spots to appear in Second Life. Created and still owned by Sally LaSalle, the island combines a mountainous Zen retreat (complete with active volcano, water features and a plunging waterfall) together with green areas, beaches and, of course, surfable waves. The Island of Chi was the proud host to the first ever SL surfing competition, the Namiko Pro in March 2007, and SL's first windsurfing competition too.

"Chi is special in many ways. It was designed to be a place to relax, express yourself, find yourself and to get a sense of the interconnectedness of everything and everyone," explains Sally. "Chi was one of the first surf sims in SL and the island encourages surfing and embraces the diversity and free spirited nature of the surfing community. Chi also promotes ecological awareness and bio-diversity and so we don't allow jet skis or other motor vehicles. Good for surfers: good for Chi."

Sally LaSalle at the pipeline wave break in Chi's sandy bay

Chi is a unique surfing location with three very different surf breaks. The largest, and most accomodating, is a 25 second pipeline run into a small bay. Both pipeline and ocean foam waves break from about 100 yards offshore and roll in across the whole width of the bay. The shoreline on both sides makes the surf more challenging and also provides a perfect venue for people to watch the action close up sitting on the beach, on the hills or on natural dunes around the water. Which is great if you manage to pull off a few tight pipeline turns and surf right into the shallows, but can be embarrasing sometimes wiping out and ending up stuck up on the dunes face down on your board!

There are two other breaks on Chi. Firstly a small patch of whitewater surf that comes in for about 50 yards onto the beach in front of the Chi Shopping Mall. Its a very small beach and so the waves are only about 40 yards across here (a good 15-20 yards narrower than in the bay). The more interesting break runs down the entire Eastern shoreline of the island or about 250 yards, but - and here's the catch - the fluffies are only a maximum of 20 yards across. This break is a real test of surfing skills and agility.

Chi's small ocean foam surf beach (left) and the long Eastern shore break (right)

Zen Surfing is the motto at Chi and the island is the home base of Soul Surfers, founded by SLSA Hall of Fame inductee Kimmy Fitzgerald. Chi is also a VSA (Vibrations Surf Alliance) friendly sim and organises joint events with VSA on occasion (such as a weekly Friday surf night). The beach is completely free and open to anyone (as is the rest of the island) and surfers can rez their own boards. There are usually a few free boards around for public use. Board shops include SJA Custom Boards and Namiko in the island's shopping mall and a beach outlet selling a variety of boards and windsurfers.

Chi has a steady stream of surfing regulars and is a place where people come to surf, chill-out and spend some one-on-one time with a special someone. Many relationships and marriages have developed on Chi. Chi is also home to Bubbles the llama, Grace the turtle, plus eagles, giraffes and other free spirits of the land, sea and air.

SLURL: Chi

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SURF REPORT-- Bundoran Reef: surf, grass & Guiness

Above: Pipeline wave breaks on Bundoran Reef

Home to the Reef Rider Surf Team, Bundoran Reef is nestled between the West of Ireland to the South, Crab Island to the North and the big wave break of Neart to the East. Named after the surf capital of Ireland (RL) in County Donegal, Bundoran Reef offers some of the best mixed-wave surf in Second Life and as the name suggests, the waves break over a rock reef and then roll in for about 210 yards onto rocky beach. Bundoran Reef has a striking green coastline, which gives its own special ambience, distinctive from SL's many golden sandy tropical beaches.

Surfers can teleport into Bundoran Reef and paddle out past the break, but its also possible to TP into the ajoining Crab Island which is near to where the waves begin. A good variety of pipeline and ocean foam waves with good frequency break down most of the length of the beach. Bundoran Reef offers some interesting terrain and features for spectators. A green headland juts out about 40 yards on each side of the reef break, providing a raised platform to watch the surf. The West headland also has a medieval stone lookout post which is ideal for surveying the surf below. The East side has a semi-submerged rocky headland which extends almost to the end of the sim: good for taking a short break from surfing the waves, but you wouldn't want to have a party on it! An eternal wood fire burns on the main beach suitable to gather round for after-surf story telling.

The lookout post bearing the Reef Rider Surf Team's coat of arms

Just inland, bordering Neart, Bundoran Reef has an inlet which provides anchorage for a recreation of a 16th century Spanish galleon. Surf shops on Bundoran Reef beach sell Heather Goodliffe and Namiko boards and wetsuits (no doubt essential, for Bundoran Reef's temperate climate!). A few steps away in West of Ireland are more shops (including Analog Surf) and Nancy Blake's Irish pub, ensuring the sim's flow of draught Guiness continues uninterrupted.

SLURL: Bundoran Reef

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Socks' Rough Guide to Second Life Surfing (IV)

Pipe & Fluffy (R to Z)

Rob John waves breaking on Surf City South Beach

San Diego City (fluffy only)
A very short fluffy run in the SW of the sim. You have to join the 'San Diegans in SL' group to rezz a board. Looks like a tourist sim mostly. The break is at (74, 57, 25) or so. The surf waves aren't long or large, but if you gotta ride 'em all, put this on your list!
SLURL: San Diego City

Spartan Women
Must...resist... (Sparta joke!). Fluffies only, looks mostly residential but it's labeled as a surf beach. Waves right off LM point.
SLURL: Spartan Women

SSP
Short for Silver Surfer Project. Short fluffy run. Expect to be hit up to join the group once you rez in.
SLURL: SSP

Sunset Bay
Set up in a V pattern, the waves meet near the beach. Mostly residential, the beach has several surf specific stores along with others. Board loaners on beach.
SLURL: Sunset Bay

Surf Botanica
As best I can tell, home beach for Real Surfers group. Japanese. Stores on site include Analog Surf and Real Surfers. No obvious rez location for boards, but a few loaners beachside if you comb a while.
SLURL: Surf Botanica

Surf Camp
SSI home, force midnight for luminescent waves. Lots of surf specific shops here, including glow boards and windsurfers. Near the pier on the N end are loaner boards. You need to be a "Surf Camp" member to use two of them, or be less than 90 days old to use the third. Good beginner's place.
SLURL: Surf Camp

Surf City South
The main TP spot uses Rob John style waves. Head down the stairs for a demo board, and try this wave yourself.
SLURL: Surf City South

Surf City South Beach
A pleasant find! One pipeline, and one Rob John style wave on a mostly water sim! Rob John "demo" board at lifeguard shack near TP point. This beach is 'clothing optional', but nothing blatantly obscene. Use discretion.
SLURL: Surf City South Beach

TCH Saba Island
More of a residential area, but a nice long pipe and fluffy ride. Need to have a TCH Surf Zone tag to rez your board in the designated area. Also features scuba with a nice plane wreck. (Damage Enabled Area).
SLURL: TCH Saba Island

Teahupoo Surf Beach
No obvious place to rez boards, and no information on where to go to do so. Loaner boards are also either set for group or none. If anyone has ideas how to ride these waves easily, I'm all ears. I'd like to try this place too, the waves look fun in design and layout.
SLURL: Teahupoo Surf Beach

TiKi Lounge & TiKi Tattoo
This may be a private sim ride, but the Tiki lounge used to have a pipe, and it's moved next door. So as long as they don't say nothin, I'm good with it. To get to the waves, from the TP point go West near the 'Sit and Dream' palm tree which is in the next sim over. Rez board here, and slowly paddle into the next sim.
SLURL: TiKi Lounge & TiKi Tattoo

Topanga Beach
Sim long run, loaners on the beach near the flag poles usually. Also has jetskis. Some shops along the beach, and lots of cool places to hang out. (Damage Enabled Area)
SLURL: Topanga Beach

Tsunami Island
Sister sim to Tsunami Beach, this is currently where the pipes are hiding out. Still a work in progress, right now. SLURL: Tsunami Island

Tsunami Beach
Only black sand beach in SL to my knowledge. Loaners on the beach, full shop in South-East corner of sim. Also home to Team Tsunami, team HQ is in the South-East corner as well. Watch out for turtles!
SLURL: Tsunami Beach

Wimbi Island
Sim-long run, only public rez area is in Majini. Paddle west across the sim line to here if you don't have a 'Bishara' tag. Some loaners usually near TP point. Surf through the rocks, and check out the Mangrove bar & grill on the West side of the sim.
SLURL: Wimbi Island

XenoX Harbour
The TP point puts you on a pier overlooking a nice fluffy run. To the South-West you'll see an aircraft carrier. Fly up and over it to hover over the fluffy run at (25, 141, 25) Rez your board, get on, and enjoy. OR, if you want more of a thrill, rez on the carrier deck, get on and push over the side for a woo-hoo freefall. And it' snot a 'privateer'' ride, I talked to the guy who owns the sim, it's cool. SLURL: XenoX Harbour

Xuriel
Fastest. Fluffies. Ever! You can rez gear by walking to the second pier, and hovering over the water at (129, 146, 24) or there about. Sometimes there are loaners, sometimes not.
SLURL: Xuriel

Big Waves A to Z -- Pipes A to L -- Pipes M to Q -- Pipes R to Z

INFO FOR NEW SECOND LIFE SURFERS
Many surf sites will leave surfboards on the beach that are open for anyone to use. These are 'loaners'. They're there to be enjoyed, because we all know what it's like to be new and not have the money to afford a board. If you use a loner, it's asked that you return it to where you found it, or if you found it in the middle of the sim to please ride it back to the beach. Also, if more than one sim is connected together, try not to ride a loaner board out of the sim you got it in. If you do, ride it back to where it was. It's just so the next time you want to ride, there will be a board there for you.

There are resources in world for learning surfing, available at Surf Camp, Majini Island, and many oher places. Majini also has a good 'etiquette' notecard that's good reading as well to learn how the lineup works. Also read SurfWatch's beginners guide 'Second Life Surfing 101'. If you're interested in buying a board of your own, there are several good companies out there. The best advice I can give is to try as many as you can, and find what you're comfortable on, then find those boards. I will update this guide's list to include 'home bases' for companies as I can.

Good luck, and happy surfing!

Socks Clawtooth

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