January 10, 2011

One of the most legendary surf breaks in the Malpais/Santa Teresa region is known as “Suck Rock” or sometimes “Rocamar” which is the small restaurant on the beach near the break.

This right-hand point break can be good when the swells are large, and it’s known to get hollow at times. This is Malpais surfing at its best. The break can work at all tides, but it’s best at low tide, and during this time, your friends and family can walk out on the rocky point to watch you surf.

Next to Suck Rock, to the south is one of the most consistent beach breaks, on the gorgeous white sand beach known as “La Lora”. The surf competitions are sometimes held here, right in front of the luxury villa rental “The Sea Ranch”.

Sometimes, professional surf photographers or videographers will hang out here under the palms, and offer to pay to get your awesome surfing action on pixels for you for a fee.

HOW TO GET THERE:

This break is in north Santa Teresa, at the beach access at Roca Mar restaurant, which is just south of Red Palm Villas, Hotel Milarepa, and Florblanca Resort.

Costa Rica Surf Camp and Yoga Resort Center

SUCK ROCK, SANTA TERESA/MALPAIS PHOTOS:

There are many kinds of red tide, most of which are harmless.

Some do have harmful effects which usually affect sea life more than humans

– There is no evidence yet that this red tide is at all harmful to humans
– Swimming, if harmful at all, is not as dangerous as eating infected sea life
– The most harmful effects on humans are due to eating infected shellfish and possibly (but less likely) fish in certain kinds of red tide
– Consumption may cause sickness, paralysis or even death!
– Avoid eating shellfish or fish during this time

If this is a harmful red tide, a small percentage of people may be mildly affected by simply being near or swimming or surfing in the ocean. The only known side effects are mild and include:

– Eye irritation
– Runny nose
– Coughing
– Skin irritation

Usually those prone to plant allergies to begin with may be affected. If you notice any symptoms, simply getting away from the beach or entering an air conditioned room should cause the symptoms to disappear. Asthmatics however may experience:

– Significant respiratory problems
– Decreased lung capacity

If you are asthmatic, we recommend NOT swimming or surfing

Although some locals spread this rumor, there is no evidence that red tide can cause an ear infection (although just swimming in the ocean can often cause an ear infection under any circumstance).

Our friend, nurse and Montezuma resident, Amanda Weir, recommends putting hydrogen peroxide in your ears after getting out of the ocean to avoid ear infections whether or not in the presence of a red tide.

As we are confident that the effects of surfing in a red tide (if seen at all) are indeed mild if any at all, our Surfing courses will continue as planned. We will scour the beaches for the best surfing location each day with the least amount of red tide possible. We hope that it will disappear shortly in any event, as it is known to only last a week or two.

Here is a list of references for the above information:

1. Natalia Corales – Marine biologist in Puntarenas
2. http://praise.manoa.hawaii.edu/news/eh173.html
3. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070108191731.htm
4. http://forums.usms.org/archive/index.php/t-4674.html
5. http://www.rense.com/general63/redtide.htm
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinorrhea