Panama has great surfing all year round. The Pedasi area is home to one of the most consistent surf spots in the country at Playa Venao. The 2-mile long crescent shaped bay at this beach has a very high quality beach break with both right and left peaks over a sand bottom. The main surf spot at Playa Venao is focused in the center of the bay, with multiple peaks to spread the crowd. The waves are largest in the middle and get smaller as you move toward the far ends of the bay. Playa Venao is very user-friendly and can be a perfect surf spot for both beginners and experts alike.

In addition to Playa Venao, you can find very good surf at Destiladeros, Modrono, Ciruelo, and right in Pedasi at Playa El Toro. A little further drive toward the Tonosi and Cambutal area and you will find more world class waves waiting for your enjoyment. With its large number of surf-spots, year-round consistency, and wide-variety of waves (from beach breaks to reef breaks to point breaks) the Pedasi area is a world-class surf destination.

Not surprisingly this area is starting to get significant exposure in the surf industry with more and more international surf competitions being held in the area. The Billabong ISA World Suring Games 2011 is happening in the beautiful waves of Playa Venao June 24 through July 3, 2011. With 200 competitors representing countries from all around the world this is the kind of exposure that is bringing significant international attention to Pedasi and Panama.

The peak season for surf on the Pacific side of Panama is March through November which is the typical period when large south swells generated thousands of miles away near New Zealand arrive on Panama’s shores. In addition to south swells, the Azuero Peninsula also has excellent exposure to swells from the north and west which means you will find surfable waves here during every month of the year.

In terms of crowds, the line-ups in the area can range from empty perfection to very crowded depending on the time of year, day of week, and whether or not there is an international surf competition in town. During surf competitions Playa Venao develops into a party atmosphere. Generally speaking though, it is not very hard to find some nice fun waves with only a few other fellow surfers to share them with – especially if you do a little exploring off-the-beaten-path.