If you’ve visited us before, either at our Costa Rica Surf School or in Playa Venao, Panama, you have an idea of what separates Safari Surf from other surf schools, resorts, and hotels. While our surf schools are located in beautiful, tropical locations with world-class waves, it’s our staff that makes the Safari Surf experience so special. Every year, guests return to our Costa Rica surf school, not because we’re nestled in the jungle of Nosara with direct access to Playa Guiones, but because our coaches and managers make a lasting impact on every guest they interact with in Costa Rica, Panama, and now in Ecuador. After searching far and wide for the right crew to man the helm in Ayampe, Ecuador, home of our newest surf school, we have found the perfect duo. I sat down with Safari Surf founder Tim and the Ecuador team to learn about the new Safari Surf location in the wave-rich Ayampe, Ecuador. Continue Reading for our interview with our new Safari Surf Ecuador team, Trisha and Caesar.
Trish and Caesar, tell me a bit about what led you to Ayampe.
Trisha: Caesar and I while studying in Hawaii in 2016. I’m from the States, and Caesar is originally from Ecuador. After getting to know each other, we realized they wanted the same things out of life—mainly to find a piece of land somewhere beautiful where they could pursue their passions and live sustainably.
Caesar: I’m originally from Ecuador. I moved to the States when I was 17. I would always go back to Ecuador on surf trips, and after living in Maui, we decided it was time to go back to my roots. Surfing is my passion. I’ve been surfing since my childhood, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Tim, tell me a bit about what drew you to Ecuador and Ayampe specifically.
Tim: One of my goals with Safari is to offer my clients a variety of places to learn to surf. I worked with Nico in Costa Rica before he moved to Ayampe. After a visit to see Nico and his wife Tam, my wife and I fell in love with Ecuador and Ayampe. I see Ecuador as an off-the-beaten-path option for clients, especially experienced surfers.
What’s the wave like in Ayampe? What can Safari Surf guests expect on an Ecuador surf trip?
Caesar: Ayampe is exposed to year-round swell. It’s a small town near the popular surf mecca of Monatanita. Unlike Montanita, which is a popular backpacking and party destination, Ayampe is more laid back. The wave in Ayampe is a powerful beach break. North and South of Ayampe, there are dozens of waves. The surf travel potential on this coastline is insane. Ayampe prefers north swells but will still break during the south swell season.
What can travelers expect from Ecuador weather-wise?
Trisha: The high season is from December to mid-May. During the high season, expect sunny skies and tropical temperatures. The period of mid-May to mid-December is known as Garúa. During Garúa, Ecuador experiences perpetual gray skies and cooler temperatures.
What can Safari Surf Ecuador guests expect beyond the surf?
Trisha: Ecuador has a bit of everything. There’s obviously the mountains and the Galapagos. In Ayampe, we have whale watching, jungle tours, surf trips by car and boat, hiking, mountain biking, and more. Ayampe has grown a lot in the last five years. When we first got here, there were only a handful of restaurants, and most of them closed seasonally. Now, there are lots of places to eat and stay, but it still has that small-town feel.
Whether you’re a new surfer looking for a bit of adventure or an advanced surfer chasing swells in South America, our Ecuador surf school has everything you need for the trip of a lifetime. Book your Ecuador surf trip here.
