The Globe and Mail

LAS PENITAS, NICARAGUA
The waves A consistent beach break that can offer long ripping waves for any kind of surfer when it's good.
The beach and the vibe Dark volcanic sand with a few large rocks that jut out along the coastline. A great taste of beach relaxation that's less hurried than Nicaragua's main surf town of San Juan Del Sur. León, a historic colonial city and the former capital, is a short drive away and offers enough museums, architecture, and entertainment for a few days' visit.
Crowd factor Nicaragua's main surf breaks are clustered together in the south of the country. Las Peñitas is situated in the north where good breaks are less common and popular, so crowds are rare.
Overboard Nicaragua has fewer than a half dozen surf shops; the closest to Las Peñitas is in Managua. Any surf traveller to the country should be sure to bring an extra leash, wax, and even a backup board.
Closest airport Augusto C. Sandino International in Managua; about two hours' drive to the beach.

EL TUNCO, EL SALVADOR
The waves El Tunco is home to Central America's premier longboarding waves. Sunzal, one of two breaks in the village, is a long, fun and cruisy right hand point break that is perfect for beginners and experts alike. It sits to the north end of the beach and La Bocana, a fast intermediate beach, is at the southern end.
The beach and the vibe A couple of bars line the beach with perfect views of surfers at work and gorgeous sunsets. El Tunco has an eclectic mix of accommodations, from air-conditioned rooms in a large hotel to cheap and sweaty hostels. On weekends at Sunzal Bar, a drum band and fire poi dancers entertain the crowd.
Crowd factor Salvadorans are known to be the most territorial surfers in Central America and should be respected. Because Sunzal is such an accessible wave for surfers of all skill levels, it attracts a large crowd. Thankfully 15 other right-hand point breaks that have a fraction of the crowds are within a short bus ride of El Tunco.
Overboard El Salvador has a reputation for danger, but visitors to El Tunco shouldn't worry. During my stay there, the closest thing I witnessed to violence was a very energetic outdoor sermon delivered by a Christian pastor.
Closest airport Comalapa International Airport near San Salvador; about 45 minutes to the beach by shuttle.

PASQUALES, MEXICO
The waves Pasquales is world renowned for its pounding barrels; these are no amateur’s waves. Heavy waves pound onto a shallow sand bar only meters from shore.The beach and the vibe Black volcanic sand that stretches on for kilometres, a cluster of restaurants with thatched roofs that serve tasty traditional Mexican dishes and cold cerveza. The small town, isolated on the Pacific Coast, is laid-back; there isn’t much to do at night but relax, drink, and listen to the pounding surf.
Crowd factor Pasquales is a bit off the beaten track, so crowds are minimal. Serious surfers arrive in the summer months for the biggest swells and when crowds are limited only to the best surfers. Winter months mean smaller waves and more surfers eager to take on the less challenging waves.
Overboard Pablo’s Hotel, located right on the main beach, is a surfing institution. Autographed pictures of surfing’s greats, from Laird Hamilton to Kelly Slater, line the walls of the lobby and give you a feel for the fame and quality of the waves that break out front.
Closest airport Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International, Puerto Vallarta; about five hours’ drive to the beach.

SANTA CATALINA, PANAMA
The waves A point break with both lefts and a longer right that breaks only at high tide over a rocky ocean floor. Punta Brava, another good break that works on a low tide, is a half hour walk down the beach. Both waves have quick takeoffs and a few shallow rocks that make them ill suited for beginners.
The beach and the vibe A 20-minute walk outside of town, the beach is essentially empty save a little hostel at one end. The beach usually has calmer waves than other spots in the area and is perfect for swimming. Santa Catalina is a one-street town off the beaten track. Activities between the changing of the tide are restricted to lying in hammocks and sipping Abuelo rum.
Crowd factor The main break can’t accommodate the large crowd that gathers here when it’s good. Big swells during our summer months bring to life other breaks in the area, increasing your chances of finding an empty wave.
Overboard Surfer’s Paradise Surf Camp (507 (5) 95 1010, surfcatalina@hotmail.com), just outside of town, offers great rates and good accommodation. It’s owned by a Brazilian expat who is the local surfing guru.
Closest airport Tocumen International in Panama City; about five hours’ drive to the beach.