Dominical Surf Spot Guide

Dominical is one of the better known surf spots of Costa Rica. And it is well worth to check this beach for good waves.

The swells, from the Northwest and the South, hit the open, unprotected beach with their full power. The hollow waves at Dominical are powerful! This is not a beach for beginner surfers or swimmers. The waves are easier to surf during high tide. They become hollower and faster at lower tides. Dominical can hold swells up to 10 feet and waves faces can built up to triple overhead! There is no guarantee for perfect waves here, if the sand banks are not in the right position waves might just be average.

This is one of the few beaches of Costa Rica were lifeguards are on duty and that for a reason. The heavy waves and currents have already caused fatalities due to drowning. Before you paddle out you should observe the surf for some time. There might be some huge sets coming in between the small ones. And you don’t want to be in the impact zone at that moment. Or they might as well indicate you that you are still not ready to surf at Dominical, it is important to know you limits. Don’t underestimate the power of the ocean. The least you are risking is a lost day, because you spent it paddling and getting washed in waves that you were not able to dominate. Or you might end up with a broken board or even worth.

In case the waves at Playa Dominical close out, or are too big, you should check out the surf at Playa Dominicaltio a bit further South.

Dominical is a small surfer village, almost everybody who stays here comes for the surf. Besides that there are always some backpackers and jugglers that camp on the beach.

Role in Costa Rican Surfing Championships

Playa Dominical sometimes hosts events from the Costa Rican surfing championship. These competitions attract surfers from across the country, especially those from the Southern Zone of Costa Rica who face long drives to other surf spots further North.

Events at Playa Dominical help highlight local talent and provide a chance for surfers to compete closer to home.

You can watch the competitions of the Costa Rican Surfing Championship on site, but they are now also broadcast live on the internet.

Involvement of the Costa Rican Surfing Federation

The Costa Rican Surfing Federation plays a key role in organizing national competitions. They make an effort to hold at least one championship event in the South Pacific of Costa Rica coast in each season. This approach helps include the South Pacific in the national circuit, which usually has five contests a year.

Another event, the Dominical Semana Santa Classic is a yearly recurring surf competition. Held every Easter weekend at Playa Dominical, Costa Rica, the event draws talented surfers from across Costa Rica. It also serves as a fundraiser to support local lifeguards and community projects.

Photos of Dominical