Panama City breaks · Panama
Surfing Nuevo Loco
A right reef in Panama City breaks, Panama, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Nuevo Loco is a right next to a big rock in Panama City. It needs enough south swell to get into the Gulf of Panama, so it doesn't break often.
There's some localism, and the neighbourhood isn't safe, so go with someone local and keep an eye on your things. Only worth it if you're in the city on a good swell.
It needs a good south swell and high tide, so it doesn't break often. On the days it does, local surfers come out after work. On normal days, the beaches west of the city are the better bet.
When to surf
Nuevo Loco
Nuevo Loco is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: Swell S, high tide.
April to June: Good
S-SW swell building; the narrow window means it's smaller than Santa Catalina
July to September: Prime
Peak S-SW season, best NZ lows send the optimum ~210° swell; onshore afternoons
October to November: Good
Onshore south winds increasingly dominate late in the season
December to March: Quiet
Dry season, offshore northerlies, but swells are unreliable and often flat
The year across West Panamá Province
Waves near Nuevo Loco
Mojon Beach
under 1 kmPanama City breaks · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate
Panamá La Vieja
2 kmPanama City breaks · Beach Break · Beginner
La Zurda
2 kmPanama City breaks · Left Reef · Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: The city breaks are novelties surfed against a colonial-and-skyline backdrop, but suffer from pollution, crowds and localised insecurity, surf the SW coast (Rio Mar) for real quality. Stay in Casco Viejo for atmosphere and the Las Bóvedas wave, but keep valuables secure and avoid dodgy areas at night.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Panama City breaks guide.
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