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From perfect waves to intense rains, the weather in Ecuador has brought unique experiences for surfers. Discover how the tropical season has made a difference this year and every year to come!
The tropical season in Ecuador started with good vibes, but January prepared us for a month filled with surprising conditions that have continued to spark conversation through the last week of February. From 1.5-meter waves to intense rains, sunny days, and tropical heat, this has been a unique period for surfing and experiencing the full essence of Ecuador’s weather and waves. Every year, we strive to offer an even better experience at Outdoor Ecuador, Olón. If you’re looking for more than just surfing, you’ve come to the right place!
In Olón, we invite you to enjoy a wide range of activities for all tastes. In addition to the perfect waves for surfers of all levels, here you can enjoy Spanish and English classes, yoga, high-performance training, boxing, massages, jiu-jitsu, and paragliding.
However, today we want to focus on the sea and the conditions that make Olón a unique destination for surfers. We’ll talk about the waves, their characteristics, and how the most experienced surfers conquer the ocean. If you’re a surf enthusiast, you’ll understand how the sea conditions play a key role in every session and how professional surfers experience the thrill of mastering the wave, wherever they are.
Keep reading to discover everything Olón has to offer and how to enhance your surfing and adventure experience.
January: A Subtle Start and the Big North Swell.
In December, the north swell started to be felt from December 10th, affecting all the beaches along the Ecuadorian coast. The waves were stronger than usual, causing several beaches to be impacted. However, many surfers took advantage of this intense swell to head out into the water, searching for the spots where the waves were more manageable and comfortable to enter and surf.
After that period of strong waves, the sea calmed down and the swell decreased, becoming smaller but perfect for those looking to enjoy the last sunsets of the year with ideal waves for learning and teaching surf, as well as for challenging big waves. The waters remained calm, and the sunsets became even more stunning, closing the year with a relaxing energy and great waves.
January arrived with force, bringing the first sunny days, accompanied by stunning sunsets alongside the moon. These days were epic, perfect for continuing with surf and Spanish lessons. During this time, a tropical atmosphere is felt, with the radiant sun filling everything with energy. The first rain arrived strongly on February 9th, revitalizing the vegetation and leaving everything in its path a vibrant green. Fruits like mango, watermelon, chonta, and melon, which are only harvested at certain times of the year, begin to ripen, filling the air with freshness and flavor.
Far from diminishing the conditions, they added more magic to the waves. Despite the rain, there were moments when the sun shone at sunrise, and the waves remained calm, offering the perfect setting for many surfers to take advantage of the sunny days.
February: The Month of Adventure, New Friends, and Perfect Waves
February brought a lot of rain, but fortunately, the waves maintained their quality. Some days it rained at night, giving way to sunny mornings, providing ideal weather for surfing and outdoor activities.
The Outdoor Ecuador school experienced this season in a special way. New students arrived to learn how to surf, and the conditions were perfect. From small, crystal-clear waves to days when the waves broke with more power, all the students had a chance to practice and enjoy.
During this last week of February, the weather intensified with heavier rains, but this didn’t stop the waves from continuing to form. The mix of rain and sun created ideal conditions for surfing, with both right and left waves forming perfectly for all levels.
During this month, as is customary in some years, the waters become stirred up with the rains, producing that typical phenomenon of the tropical season: we locals call them the ‘chocolate waves.’ This happens due to the mix of mud, dirt, and organic material that the rivers carry into the sea with the force of the rains.
However, this doesn’t stop surfers from taking advantage of this wave, which is often perfect and tubular. Those who dare to surf it face the risk of getting sick due to the pollution the rivers bring into the sea, as well as the large logs and sticks that wash up on the shore. If you’re one of those surfers who prefers to enjoy these chocolate waves, go ahead! But be careful, and we’ll see you in the water.
The San Mateo Shortboard Championship: A Success for Outdoor Ecuador
Amidst this wave season, on February 18th, the Outdoor Ecuador surf team headed to Manta, Manabí to participate in the much-anticipated San Mateo Shortboard Championship. This competition was one of the big surprises of the month. Alex Suárez, Bruno Alonzo, and Luis Constante, along with other friends, prepared for this event, which not only represented an opportunity to compete but also to showcase local talent.
Alex Suárez’s performance was outstanding, making it through all his heats to reach the final and claim the first-place championship. Meanwhile, Bruno Alonzo also stood out, advancing with effort and determination. However, the fighting spirit and participation of both surfers greatly elevated the name of Outdoor Ecuador.
BRUNO ALONZO:
“WAO! What an incredible experience. This competition was my first one outside my province, and honestly, it was completely unexpected. Although we had already planned to participate, I thought it would be complicated due to my work, but I’m really happy that Outdoor Ecuador gave me the opportunity to represent them both as a surf instructor and a professional surfer. Plus, we were lucky to travel and share this experience with Alex Suárez, who is a professional surfer and has represented not only his club but also the country in world competitions. It was amazing to have his company and support throughout the whole process.”
The wave conditions were favorable, although for a moment I thought it was a matter of luck to get a good wave, as the sets took a little while to arrive. I managed to pass my first two heats and made it to my third heat in the semifinal, but I needed a higher score to advance to the final. Despite that, I enjoyed every moment of the competition. It was an incredible experience, and I really hope it happens again.
El Surf y la Belleza de San Mateo, Ecuador
San Mateo is known for its perfect waves, with a long left that forms a clean line, especially with the reef beneath, creating fast and tubular waves. On the other hand, to the right of the jetty, the wave forms a rebound that generates a strong and tubular right. When the conditions are perfect, the waves in San Mateo become a party for surfers, with long, high-quality waves. The perfect place to enjoy everything surfing has to offer!
Share Your Experience and Enjoy the Waves
If you’re a surf enthusiast or want to experience everything Ecuador has to offer in terms of waves and tropical weather, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Outdoor Ecuador. Come learn with us and enjoy perfect waves, great food, and the warmth of the surfing community!
Share and comment on this blog with your friends and plan your next trip to Ecuador!
We would love to see you surfing with us and share the experience!