(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“If this was the only surf spot around, there wouldn't be much surfing going on. The Hilo break wall blocks most potential swell, leaving an available swell window of only a few degrees. When the conditions line up though, the result can be magic. Mile long lefts and some exciting rights. The paddle out is long, but the paddle in can be short if you manage to connect the dots. Make the drop off the main peak and race through one section and it should be smooth sailing for the next 30-45 seconds. The spot is dominated on the outside by SUP's and long boarders. Shortboarders get some healthy scraps on the inside. May only break a dozen times per year, usually Oct-Nov will be at least half of these days. Easy in and out of the water. While locals will mostly be in the water, this is not a localized spot because of the irregularity of the surf: usually just a bunch of SUP's practicing in a nice quiet bay or on some ankle sized waves. Water is relatively clean and surprisingly (but not dangerously) shallow. River runoff is the main factor determining water quality. Sea lice are about the only real gripe out in the bay so I recommend a rash guard or light wetsuit.”
Ken from NICARAGUA - 07 Jun 2014
Bay Front Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 1.0(1: Bay Front is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 1.0(1: Bay Front is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Big Island. 5: the best break in Big Island). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Bay Front, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Bay Front are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Bay Front is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Bay Front requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Bay Front for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.0(1: Camping at Bay Front is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Bay Front is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 5.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 5.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Bay Front, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Bay Front where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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