Surf travelers tend to lump Panama and Mexico into the same category: warm water, good food, Pacific swell, and each with a long list of surf towns to choose from. At first glance, the two destinations have plenty in common. But once you start planning a trip—looking at wave consistency, crowds, travel logistics, safety, and overall vibe—you realize these two countries offer two distinct surf trip experiences. Mexico offers raw, powerful, and world-renowned waves.

Surfers don't want random accessories or novelty gear—they want equipment they'll actually use. Everything on this list comes straight from brands surfers trust, built with materials and design choices that actually matter in the water or on the road. From premium boardbags to wetsuits that move better than anything else on the market, here are the gifts that will actually get used.

At Beach Break Surf Camp, we work with surfers at every stage—from first pop-up to perfecting cutbacks. Many of our guests return year after year, moving from beginner to intermediate, and eventually to confident surfers who can paddle out anywhere in the world. Once you've learned to stand up and ride down the line, the next step is refinement. Improving your surfing isn't about tricks or shortcuts—it's about mastering fundamentals, reading the ocean, and putting in time in the water. Here are ten ways to take your surfing to the next level.

At some point, every surfer moves beyond foam boards and whitewater reforms. You start catching waves on your own, turning down the line, and feeling comfortable in the lineup. But now you need waves that let you progress—breaks with shape, consistency, and just enough challenge to keep you learning. For intermediate surfers, the ideal wave rewards good technique but doesn’t punish mistakes. Below are some of the best waves in the world for progression, starting with our home break in Playa Venao, Panama.

When planning a surf trip to Central America, two destinations often come up in the same conversation: Playa Venao in Panama and Tamarindo in Costa Rica. Both offer warm water, consistent waves, and a vibrant surf culture, but the similarities stop there. Choosing between the two depends on what kind of trip you want to have. Below, we’ll break down the differences in surf, vibe, accessibility, cost, and accommodations to help you decide — and show you how our Playa Venao surf camp has become a go-to for travelers who want an authentic, all-inclusive surf experience.

When surfers plan a trip to Central America, Nosara in Costa Rica and Playa Venao in Panama often end up on the same shortlist. Both are surf towns with consistent waves, yoga culture, and a reputation for being more relaxed than the big resort destinations. But beneath the surface, these two spots couldn't be more different.

Surfing feels different once you’ve moved past the beginner stage. You’re catching waves on your own, starting to ride down the line, maybe even pulling off your first cutbacks. But if you’re stuck in that “intermediate purgatory,” progress can feel slow. The good news is that with a few refinements—both in and out of the water—you can break through the plateau. Here are 10 tips every intermediate surfer should keep in mind.

Surfing feels different once you’ve moved past the beginner stage. You’re catching waves on your own, starting to ride down the line, maybe even pulling off your first cutbacks. But if you’re stuck in that “intermediate purgatory,” progress can feel slow. The good news is that with a few refinements—both in and out of the water—you can break through the plateau. Here are 10 tips every intermediate surfer should keep in mind.

Surf trips are way more fun when you're not gassed after the first paddle out. At Beach Break Surf Camp, we've hosted every kind of surfer—from total beginners to competitive athletes—and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that a bit of surf fitness goes a long way. You don't have to be a triathlete to make the most of your sessions, but if you want to surf longer, paddle stronger, and recover faster, it pays to prepare.