How many times have you heard the rumor that crocodiles surf the ocean during September and October? Surely several times, especially if you live in Playa Guiones, Peladas or Ostional. But many times rumors are just that, rumors, so in order to free myself from all doubt I have taken on the task of finding out if this is true or not.
Fortunately only two local surfers report having seen these creatures. Oscar Vargas, a local surfer and instructor, and Adrián Suarez, a resident at Playa Peladas. |
|
Where the creek meets the ocean in north Guiones.
Photo credit Nosara Shack |
They narrate how one time, while surfing in front of the Guiones Cemetery during the 2010 rainy season, they witnessed a crocodile heading towards Playa Garza. Keep in mind that these guys surf every day of the year, several times a day, so logically the chances of a tourist seeing a "ticodrile"… is really little.
Laura Brenes, a biologist at the Refugio Ostional Minae, affirms that she has never received any reports related to crocodile sightings or attacks on local beaches, although Brenes did mention that biologists at the Refugio Iguanita have reported seeing them and even witnessed a crocodile attack. Iguanita is located on the Papagayo Gulf, north of Tamarindo, and it includes Ollie's Point where I was once able to see a crocodile in the ocean. However, it is important to remember that it is normal to see it at the river's mouth, where this crocodile has been baptized with a name.
The American crocodile, a resident of Costa Rica's coastal areas, is fairly aggressive. Even small ones are dangerous since their instinct is to attack and bite instead of going away. Adults eat everything and, due to their aggressiveness, they can be a real problem, although it's important to point out that this species does not feed on human beings, which is the case with its relative, the saltwater crocodile.
Due to their metabolism they may spend long periods of time without eating and up to two hours without breathing, allowing them to surf in areas where they can't breath. They travel across the ocean in search of rivers and food and, if a surfboard or swimmer disturbs them, they may attack instinctively.
So, how likely is it to run into a crocodile in Nicoya's coastal areas? It is highly unlikely but, as the saying goes, it is "better to be safe than sorry". Here are some short, but extremely important, recommendations for surfers:
• Always look up information on the place where you'll be surfing. If you are new to the area, ask the locals or in surf schools.
• Do not surf near river mouths or popular fishing spots.
• Never go out surfing alone.
• If an attack takes place keep in mind that the animal's snout is its weak spot, so try to hit him there.
|
| |
More Surf News
Final Quiksilver Pro NY 2011
Owen Wrights Revenge
Yesterday was one of those days where you turn to your wife and say "honey the kids are staying home from school", and by the looks of things on the beach either the unemployment rate is very high or a lot of people called in sick to work. Either way you did not want to miss the action.
Round 4 with surprises at the Quiksilver Pro NY 2011
"I've never beaten Kelly and I'm just so stoked right now", Josh Kerr
The world's best surfers tore through a marathon on the day 3 of competition with some incredible performances to decide the event's quarterfinalists in pumping six foot (1.5 metre) surf.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011 Round 2
Do Or Die at the Quiksilver Pro
This Wednesday 7 was a day for elimination, its time to start narrowing down the pack, as these surfers each fight like wolves to sniff out that $300,000 first place prize. The Hurricane generated surf is here and with waves like this there is no time to waste.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011 Round 1
Bad weather brings good waves
Every surfer knows that you need low pressure and bad weather to make good surf, and the sky was grey and rainy here today in New York as the contest has begun. We woke up to offshore winds and a small groundswell, enough to run the first round. The swell is only growing and by the time the finals come around in a few days we will see the largest surf. Everyone is starting to see what Long Beach can offer.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011 Opening Ceremonies
Ladies and gentlemen start your engines.
Today Monday the 5th was the opening Ceremony in New York. The day began at 11 am with a traditional Hawaiian Lei ceremony blessing the event given by Hawaiian ambassadors of Aloha Mel Pu'u and Titus Kinimaka. All the surfers lined up and then the blessing was given in traditional Hawaiian language and Leis were put on all the surfers.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011 Wildcard competition Nolan Grabs Final Spot
Its amazing what these guys can do in small surf. On a day you might pass up, these pros are turning nothing into something. By the time you make one bottom turn they make 3 slashes. Truly amazing to watch as the 16 athletes trying to gain the wildcard spot. Competition started this morning at at 8am.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011
Talking to the pros on a practice day
Yesterday Saturday September 3th was a day of practice, the contest site was still getting its finishing touches and it was a perfect day to see some of the pros in the surf without the crowds. One might think that the pro's are unavailable or have attitudes of greatness, well, exactly the opposite.
Quiksilver Pro NY 2011
Surf Contest Moves Forward Despite Hurricane Irene Damage and VON Is There to Cover the Event.
Hurricane Irene battered the shores of Long Beach NY with a direct hit a week before the Quiksilver Pro was to start, but the city of Long Beach is digging themselves out and the contest will go on. Voice of Nosara is in New York based out of Long beach and will be posting news, results, pics and video on a daily basis.
Don Redondo Part 19
|
 |
|
|
