Hoping to Hang Ten on Costa Rica? Known where to find the different types of breaks

Beach breaks are the best type for beginners. Waves break over sandbars and the seafloor. Jacó, Hermosa, and Sámara are all beach breaks. Point breaks are created as waves hit a point jutting into the ocean. With the right conditions, this can create very consistent waves. Pavones is a point break. Reef break can create great (but dangerous) surf when waves break as they hit reef. There’s a good chance of getting smashed and scraped over extremely sharp coral or rocks. Salsa Brava, in Puerto Viejo, is a reef break. See our coverage of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast.