Santa Catalina plays host to a world-class lava rock/reef break. The rights are some of the best in the Americas!!! Situated approximately a quarter mile from shore the spot picks up a wide range of south swell, majestically creating high energy waves that break from two to twenty feet!! Dec./Jan. - April/ May is the dry season : no rain and off-shore. In general this is Panama´s `high´season. The rest of the year has steady tropical weather pattern: sunshine in the morning, showers in the afternoon. There is no 'on´or 'off' surf season. Catalina is considered a stand-out spot. Can get shifty and changes color with the tide. We get as big as 12´differences in one swing! Experience is a must. There is definitely a budding local surf culture; boasting some of the best surfers in the country! Local rules apply. Beginners take heed...this is not a break to learn on. This is also not the only break around. There´s the beachy in town and `the estero´ beach at the eastern end of town. These are both sand bottom beaches and are more friendly to those learning.
town beach in foreground w/ catalina firing in the background
your host javier in a classic catalina barrel
For those willing to walk a bit there are a few other quality breaks in the local area. About 45 min. walk east of Casa Kenia (30 min. east of `the estero´) there are a few low-tide spots that have power and punch. 40 min. to the west of the river mouth in town you´ll find another set-up that also works best on the lower half of the tide. These last spots mentioned are rock/reef bottoms. Take good sandals or sneakers for the walk and lots of water: you can usually surf these spots alone or with whoever you walk with! As for the islands nearby...just ask. Day trips as well as multiple day excursions are easily arranged through Casa Kenia.
