Tamanique: La Libertad Costa

El Sunzal is quite possibly the beach where surfing began in El Salvador.

Since the first American surfers arrived in the late 1960s in search of the perfect wave, this epic long point break of right waves has been a favorite for locals and foreigners, thanks to its expansive lineup that can accommodate dozens of surfers at once. It's also consistent: waves break every day of the year.

One of its characteristics is a long paddle-out to get to the main break. Surfers have to paddle 300 meters down a friendly channel, which nevertheless can create powerful side currents when the waves are big.

El Sunzal has two perfectly defined sections: the outside section furthest from the coast, where a powerful wave peels uninterrupted for nearly 200 meters, offering an endless line and a wide canvas for tricks and maneuvers, great for surfers on a long board, short board, or boogie board. Then there is the inside and middle section that has its own set of waves, or a continuation of the outside wave. When that happens, the ride from the takeoff can stretch up to 300 meters, with 40 seconds of pure stoke and adrenaline.

El Sunzal is the break that produces the largest waves of the entire Salvadoran coast, without shutting down. On certain days with massive swells, perfectly groomed waves of up to 25 feet (8.5 meters) stack up. From March to October waves from 8 to 15 feet (2.5 to 5 meters) are common, fueled by storms in the south Pacific Ocean. Among these swells, El Sunzal usually offers gentler waves that are a favorite among beginners.

The rocky bottom is deep enough for surfers to feel secure, although wipeouts can also be legendary, given the size of the massive wave that can trap surfers in the washing machine for 5 or more bone-crushing seconds underwater.

The Sunzal works on all tides, but is best on half tides.

Because of its similarity to some of the waves in California such as Rincón, El Sunzal and Punta Roca were two of the locations for the iconic 1977 surfing movie Big Wednesday, with actors such as Jean Michael Vincent, Garey Busey, and William Katt. These actors' stunt doubles for the surf scenes were the famous surfers Gerry Lopez, Peter Townend, and Ian Cairns, who still rave about the quality of these waves.

While surfing at El Sunzal, birds, sea turtles, manta rays, and all sorts of fish are common sightings. Welcoming the sunrise or watching the sunset from the water can be a spiritual experience, especially with a full moon or rainbow on the horizon.

Given its proximity to El Tunco and its own legendary status, there are dozens of options for hotels, hostels and rental properties in the area. There are also restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and a complete range of services for tourists.

There is no shortage of local photographers and surfboard rentals, as well as instructors happy to introduce new surfers to the sport, in one of the most iconic, cosmopolitan and welcoming spots in El Salvador.

The easiest way to get to El Sunzal is by walking from El Tunco. At certain times of the year the beach can be full of rocks. As an alternative, access the beach from one of the restaurants or hotels in front of the point, where for a couple of dollars or a day pass, visitors can also grab a table, food, drinks and showers with fresh water.

To get to El Sunzal from San Salvador, take the highway to Puerto de La Libertad, follow the Road to Surf City bypass to connect to the coastal highway, and continue west until kilometer 43 ½.