This humble expanse of coast produces rich, pealing right-handers that aren’t accessible by car. Surf spots are as plentiful as flip-flops in El Cuco: Punta de Mango, La Vaca, Punta Bongo, Toro de Oro, Punta J’s, and Lucky Man’s to name a few. According to Steve, Los Flores has more face, but it is Mango’s cylindrical barrels that won over his heart. (And although the line-up was speckled with mostly short boarders, he stylishly pulled into a few thick ones on his 7'6).

Both Henry, the surf-trip guru of Wave Hunters and co-owner of Los Flores, and Steve, gave us some scorching hot info on this “ultra cool” getaway.

Wave Quality: A 'Ranch-like' set-up, i.e. private property along most of the coastline, with all the epic breaks accessible only by pangas. The breaks are like going to Santa Barbara in the summer if you blew up the islands,” Sean Walker of Wave Hunters remarked. A regular footer’s heaven - although smacking it ten times backside isn’t really a disadvantage.

Time of year to go: All year round, depending on skill level, and if you prefer bigger waves or smaller, cleaner ones. November through March is ideal for beginners because the swells are smaller and conditions are a bit cleaner. April-October Los Flores picks up-- a lot--and is for intermediate to advanced surfers only. April-June has a tendency to get windy by 10 or 11 am, but then glasses off in time for a late afternoon surf. “The wind this time of year unfortunately blows everyday like clockwork and after the morning session and a massive brunch there’s not much but junk to surf,” said Steve.

How far to book in advance: Try and book a few months in advance. Peak season is March 26-Sept-30. As of now, June 2006 spots are all booked up until July 30-Aug 5 and Aug 27 and on. You can also surf till you drop with 16 of your closest friends or family and book out the entire resort for 7 days or become a LF Surf Club annual member.

How long? Almost the exact distance between here and Hawaii- About 4 ½ hours from LAX.

All Levels? Short boarders and long boarders both dabble in the perfection of these waves. There are boards to rent at the resort, but most of the local surfers ride short boards. And don’t feel intimidated if you are a women traveler “there were actually quite a few girls on this trip, short boarding and they were dominating the line-up really,” recalled Steve.

Accommodations: budget, or plush? If you consider hanging by the pool drinking cervezas between surfs, or following your nose to the all inclusive gourmet Mediterranean, American, and El Salvadorian cuisines two times a day plush, then yeah it’s plush. Steve thought “the accommodations were very comfortable, with air conditioned rooms that have a view of the point, two gourmet meals a day, full bar, horizon pool, swimming pool/Jacuzzi and secure board storage--when I say secure, an armed guard actually sleeps in the storage hut down by the beach--and best of all, two pangas take you to your surf destinations every morning.”

The political situation and safety in El Salvador has been questionable in the past-how is it currently? ‘It’s actually a stable, right-winged government now, and has been since the 1990’s. They are pro-business, pro-government, and closely aligned to the U.S. politically. More so than other countries in Central America. It’s safer to spend the extra money on this trip and pay for semi-luxury accommodation and transportation etc. It actually becomes a problem when one has to budget because camping and hiking, and sometimes even eating the local 3rd world cuisine can be a risk here.”- Henry
says Henry. According to Steve, “they hold your hand the whole way, from the time you get off the plane.

Crowds - Rincon during Christmas break or Northern California isolation? Pretty un-crowded for the wave quality. There are only 16 surfers allowed in the resort and 8 per boat. If the locals are out 8-10 is a crowd. Still enough waves to catch “a months’ worth in three hours.”

Cost: day/6night tours cost 1pp single is $1,975 which includes: All airport transfers, local guides to assist at all times, 6 night accommodation and use of all amenities, all meals, and panga rides to each surf spot-to name a few.
Price doesn’t include airfare. Lower priced 3 night packages can be booked in the off season as well. Wave Hunters are partners with wholesale TACA (board friendly), and other major airlines. Flights can be booked with the help of Wave Hunters staff. Average price is $450-$800 from LAX and other major U.S. cities.

Ready to hook up this trip? Visit www.wavehunters.com or call 888 899 8823 to book tours.