Surf Guide: Ollie’s Point

We love a good wave at MI OLA WORLD. One of our favorite places to catch one Ollie’s Point. Luckily for MI OLA, this baby is just a day trip away from us in Costa Rica. Ollie’s was made famous by the surf film The Endless Summer II and it is a perfect right point break.

You must take a boat to Ollie’s Point, and most surfers do a combo day trip with some time at Ollie’s and some at the world famous Witch’s Rock, depending on which spot is breaking better.

So grab your MI OLA BIKINI and RASHGUARD and #GetOutThere with MI OLA Team Rider Kristen - @sambatothesea.

 

SURF GUIDE: Ollie’s Point, Costa Rica by Kristen Brown - @sambatothesea

Oh, Ollie’s Point, how I love you so. I adore this wave so much I surfed here four times in one month. Heck! I even celebrated my 30th birthday with this amazing wave.

Where and when to surf:

Ollie’s Point is a point break - so there is only one area where you take off and catch the wave. The takeoff point is right by the rock - you can’t miss it during low tide, which is when Ollie’s is best - and your guide can show you where it is, if that’s not clear. Ollie’s needs a south swell to break, so check the forecast while you’re planning your trip. It is not unheard of surfers taking the long trip to Ollie’s, only to find it flat.

However, when it’s breaking, the wave is perfect. The beauty of Ollie’s is that even if it is big, the wave is not going to pound you. Nor is it hard to paddle back out.

When to surf:

The best time to surf Ollie’s is around low tide. The wave becomes fast, steep, and if the sandbar is just right, it will peel towards the beach giving you a nice long ride.

Many surfers head to Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) for mid-tide. I like to stay. I have surfed Ollie’s several times, all day and the wave is still great fun at different tides.

So let everyone leave and enjoy the wave just for your boat group. Bliss!

Water Temperature:
Water temperatures in Costa Rica are almost always tropically warm (MI OLA Bikini temp!)… except for when there are strong offshore winds. So before you head out, check for offshore winds. If they are coming in strong, the water temperature may drop a bit, and you’ll want a spring jacket or spring suit. Nothing like getting to a perfect wave and being too cold to surf.

What to Bring:
Ollie’s Point is very remote and you’re traveling on a boat. And many of these boats are completely open, and may not even have a sunshade. So bring everything you need. Be sure to bring substantial food and water to help keep you fueled for a full day of surfing and activity. But also remember sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, rashguard for sun protection, a long sleeve shirt and a sarong for sun protection. The trip out is typically calm and not too windy… somehow though the hour boat trip back always seems to be super choppy and incredibly windy.

Even if you’re militant about sun protection, it’s hard to get back from a 12 hour day trip to Ollie’s without a sunburn.

Some boat companies often have water, fruit, and some type of snack for their clients. Always double check with them before you go though.

Other Activities:
Enjoy the boat ride and Costa Rica’s finest wildlife! At Ollie’s there is no development for miles. This is amazing because you get to experience loads of wildlife as you explore a natural, untouched habitat.

You could see a flying manta ray, whales, mating turtles, too many birds to list and schools of fish. You may even get a pod of dolphins racing by your boat.

The only setback are the crocodiles that live in the estuary. Come on guys it’s Costa Rica! So be aware but, like sharks - out of sight… out of mind.

How to #GetOutThere

Ollie’s Point is located within Santa Rosa National Park. The only access to this wave is by boat. Most people catch a boat from Playa del Coco. From here it takes about an hour to get to Ollie’s. You can also leave from Playa Flamingo or even Playa Tamarindo.

Many tour companies book tours to Ollie’s/Witch’s and the details are different based on where you’re staying. Many include all transportation (van and boat,) in the price. Or you can find your own way to the boat, and book directly. Recommended boat companies are La Bruja Surf Trips out of Playa del Coco and Boos out of Playa Flamingo.

Ollie’s is a magical experience and you will feel every bit of the magic surfing this wave.

 

Interested in joining the MI OLA Ambassador Program?

Know of anyone who should #GetOutThere with us?

Then shoot us an email at info@MI-OLA.com