News

A recent report in Surfer magazine offered a tantalizing headline: “Did Quentin Turko Just Ride the Biggest Wave Ever at Panama’s Silverbacks?”

The article details the adventure of a pro-surfer tackling one of Panama’s most renowned surfing spots, Silverbacks, on the Caribbean coast. Turko talks with reverie about the search for the big waves during his Panama stay.

“It was a dream come true to be in the water at Silverbacks with the best barrel riders in the world,” Turko said in the article.

With more than 1,800 miles of coastline dotted with secluded coves, reef breaks, and all types of wave conditions, Panama is well known among the community of surfers wandering the globe in search of big waves. But that reputation is growing, as more surfers flock to once-secret spots to find the perfect waves.

Panama offers “less-crowded lineups, and nearly first-world infrastructure and modes of transportation,” Surfline reports. It’s also a year-round destination, unlike some areas that may only be worth a few times a year.

While Silverbacks attracted the attention of fans of “slab” surfing spots created by a shallow reef, Panama boasts a wide range of surfing locales, each with distinct characteristics. Many surf tourists focus on the “Riviera Panama,” the stretch of the west coast only 70 minutes from Panama City.

The areas around Chame and El Palmer — both a short drive from the blossoming Playa Caracol development — offer a wide array of spots, with names like  Stanley, Rocky Point, Costa Esmeralda, Punta Raton, and El Wedge. On the Chame Peninsula, “the waves are regular and can reach a length of more than 500 meters,” Mondo reports. “The spot is known for its world-class quality and is best suited for intermediate surfers.”

Experts agree that Panama has something for every surfer, from beginners to world-class stars.

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