On exiting the San Jose airport we were blasted by tropical heat and humidity. We headed straight for the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and spent the night in whatever cheap place we could find. I'd heard of a reef break nearby, seen pictures and wanted to go there badly. After 7 weeks in South America the 25 US Dollar cab ride to The Playa seemed ridiculous. We bartered him down to 20 but it still felt like a rip-off. The simple facts are: Costa Rica isn't cheap but you will score.

The Playa is a hollow and powerful right hander breaking over volcanic lava. I don't think any other wave in Costa Rica comes close to its consistency and size. Over a period of one month I surfed it no smaller than 2-3ft and there were two weeks of 6ft plus. Glassy every morning bar none. There were two days in a month that I didn't surf - one due to a storm and the other due to dislocated ribs from an optimistic take-off. The line up was super relaxed - a casual mix of locals, Seppos, Argentinians (whose tent got washed away by a full tide) and the odd stoked Aussie. Every Aussie we ran into was so stoked to be living the Costa Rican culture and getting such quality waves so far from home. It wasn't hard to take, after a month at the Playa we were energised and ready to move on in search of the longest left in Central America.

Near the Panama border lies an infamous left. Infamous because it is just so fickle. But two weeks waiting seemed ridiculous compared to The Playa. We decided to pack up shop after 14 excruciating days. Knowing the whole time that the Playa was going off we ran out of time and had to head straight back to San Jose airport. The Playa rocked. Plain and simple. Next time we'll head straight there, sick waves, friendly crew, fresh fish. Perfection. Los Olas Perfecto means the perfect waves. If you ever have the chance, Costa rica will leave even the wave-hungriest feeling like a bloated King (or Queen). Head for The Playa - only trouble is which one?