El Tunco, Surf City: Surf Lessons, Nature and Adventure

Written by Jedediah Watkins

Read Time: 10 Minutes

Last time we were introduced to El Tunco, Surf City itself, on the pacific coast of El Salvador. I got on my first bigger wave and definitely got caught in the washing machine more times than I’d have liked. This time we try to grow from what we’ve learned and give a little breakdown on the lessons themselves.

So lets start with costings, location and timings;

Wayo offer group surf lessons for $40 (that’s USD). They also offer a bundle of five lessons for $175 meaning you save $5 for every lesson.

The lessons last ninety minutes with ten minutes stretching and ten minutes coaching on the beach. Teaching fundamentals. Believe me these extras helped so much on the water compared to previous classes which lacked them.

You’re provided with either an eight or nine foot foam board. These things are heavy but luckily you only have to carry them for two minutes to get to the beach.

They usually run a morning session and an afternoon session.

If the water on the main beach is rough they head five minutes down the road in the pickup-truck to a local beach which hasn’t got the same size waves but is still great for beginners.

The instructors all have high energy and are incredibly supportive. Even the instructors who don’t teach you ask you how you did when you get back to the shop. I’d highly recommend this crew if you’re heading to El Tunco any time soon.

Tackling Bigger Waves

Now its time for me to get back on the board!

As I progressed, I yearned for bigger challenges. Knowing the massive waves further out were too much for me I pushed Kelvin to take us out to the middle waves, bigger but not giant.

Spending all that time in the water, your taught to judge the waves and to feel the current as you’re floating on top. Surfing can become a real waiting game, so you have to do something to fill the time. I started to learn;

Wave Selection: Reading the ocean is tough, identifying which waves to ride and which to let pass. Waves can be deceptive. Sometimes the larger ones break before they get to you and smaller ones rise perfectly for you but you’ve missed it thinking it would be too small.

Advanced Maneuvers: Watching the experienced surfers carving, hitting cutbacks, and bottom turns. As I get better I can’t wait to work on these and add them to the repertoire. But for now I just get to sit back and enjoy from the best seat in the house.

Safety Protocols: Understanding rip currents, proper use of leashes, and dealing with potential hazards. Rip currents drag you out to sea, always remember to swim/paddle parallel to the shore and wave for support.

Community and Camaraderie

Surfing isn't just about skill but also community. I bonded with fellow surfers, swapping stories and tips between sessions. It felt like joining a tight-knit family where everyone's passion for catching the perfect wave created a strong connection.

There is so much time on the water while waiting for the waves. It’s a great time to meet people and support each other.

The Thrill of Dawn Patrols

One of the most exciting experiences was participating in dawn patrols—early morning surf sessions. There’s something magical about paddling out as the sun rises, the ocean a canvas of pink and orange hues. The tranquillity and solitude made every ride more special.

Through dedication, perseverance, and a supportive community, I went from a complete novice to a surf enthusiast. Each lesson was a step closer to becoming one with the wave, and every wipeout a lesson learned. Surfing had become my way of life, and Surf City, a home away from home. At least for a week.

Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Learning Curve

Stepping into my first surf lesson in Surf City felt a bit daunting. I admired the surfers here gliding effortlessly on the waves, but from the shore, it all seemed deceptively simple. When I grabbed the surfboard, it was heavier than I expected, and balancing it under my arm felt awkward.

The initial paddle out was a test of endurance. Each time I thought I was making progress, a wave would push me back to square one. My arms ached, and I swallowed more saltwater than I’d care to admit. But then, my instructor’s encouraging voice cut through the roar of the ocean, reminding me to keep going.

Each attempt felt like a monumental effort, but small victories started to appear. The bruises and muscle aches were constant reminders of how much I had yet to learn.

Yet, amidst the struggles were moments of pure triumph. The first time I managed to stand up and ride a wave all the way to shore, euphoria coursed through me. The sun above, the salt spray on my lips, the cool water splashing past me all combined into a heady cocktail of joy and achievement.

I soon realised that surfing was as much about falling as it was about riding. Each fall taught me something new, each wave conquered reinforced my resolve. From paddling out to popping up, Surf City’s waves tested my perseverance and rewarded my efforts, painting each challenge with shades of triumph.

El Tunco in the Evening

Sunset Surfing: Some surfers took advantage of the fading light, catching the last waves of the day, with the sun setting as their backdrop.

Local Cuisine: Food vendors along the beach offered delicious snacks and drinks—fresh ceviche, pupusas, and cold drinks.

Art and Music: Local musicians and artists often showcase their talents, adding to the vibrant evening atmosphere.

Every evening in El Tunco was a new chapter, filled with warmth, new friendships, and unforgettable moments under the dazzling twilight sky.

Reflections: What Surfing in El Tunco Taught Me

Patience: The first lesson came swiftly. Waiting for the right wave required not just physical stamina but a calm mind. I had to learn to distinguish between the thrill of an impending ride and the necessity of waiting for the perfect moment. The ocean taught me that there’s beauty in patience, in knowing when to take a leap and when to hold back.

Persistence: The next wave I caught wasn't perfect. I tumbled off my board, saltwater stinging my eyes. But as I floated there, the horizon taught me the virtue of persistence. I would clap my board again and again, knowing each attempt brought me closer to mastering the ride.

Humility: One day, I was caught in a particularly strong current. No matter how much I paddled, I couldn’t fight the ocean's might. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that nature's power far surpasses human strength. It taught me to respect the sea and my own limitations.

Focus and Presence: Amidst the waves, there’s no time for distraction. Each moment demands my full attention. The present becomes the only reality, a powerful reminder to be fully engaged in the now. The fleeting nature of each ride, the ephemerality of each wave, taught me to cherish moments for what they are—transient and precious.

Camaraderie: Surfing here isn't just about individual rides. I learned about the unspoken bond among surfers. The shared struggles, the joyful high-fives after a good wave, the respect for each other's space, taught me the value of community.

Gratitude: Every sunset viewed from my board, every successful wave, every friendly nod from a fellow surfer filled my heart with gratitude. El Tunco became my haven, a place where I found not just waves but life lessons.

These moments, lessons, and bonds are now etched into my soul, serving as daily reminders of the wisdom the ocean generously shared with me.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of My Surfing Adventure

Paddling out into the crystalline waves of Surf City, I felt a rush of excitement like no other. I was a novice, uncertain but eager to embrace the challenge that lay ahead. As I caught more and more waves, an exhilarating sense of freedom surged through me—a freedom I had never felt before. This was the moment I realised that surfing was more than just a sport; it was a way of life, a connection to nature's raw power.

Surfing Brought Me a Connection to Nature:

Riding a wave is an intimate experience with the ocean. You see fish and turtles dotted in the deep blue right beside you as you wait for the next wave. I’ve never felt anything like this before in my life. Seeing baby turtles in the water took me back to El Paredon, where I helped release some into the wild. The line that this journey was, became a circle for the brief moments out there. I felt the water beneath my board, the sun on my skin, and the salty breeze in my hair. This connection to nature deepened my appreciation for the environment and the need to protect it.

My surfing adventure in Surf City has left a lasting mark on my life. The waves taught me patience, resilience, mindfulness, community spirit, and a profound connection to nature.

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