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Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 8:43 pm
by soarer
Hey

Trying to decide between Paracas, Peru and Manta, Ecuador for 3 weeks in October. My preferences are:

- Manageable shorebreak
- Reliable wind
- Lots of space on the water and beach
- Not having to wear a wetsuit would be nice
- Not too touristy, but still a couple of bars, clubs and restaurants to go out
- Sights and activities for no wind days

I plan to rent a car and travel the country for 1-2 weeks and then stay in either of those places.

Has anyone been to both locations?

Any recommendations and info welcome.

Thanks :thumb:

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:43 am
by vladeto
Hi,
I've been to Manta for a week in July 2009 to their main spot Santa Marianita - some kilometers south of Manta.
First thing you have to know is windy months are during summertime from June-Sept, and at this time there is no brake there - it's just flat and chopy. Wind is only thermal and if there is no direct sun heat, wind does not pick up. When it does most of the time it's average 6-9 m/s so you need only big quiver. Otherwise beach is empty and wide, there are few hotels looking like cathouses but in Manta should be better to sleep. Good thing there is you can ride with Humpbacks during June-July :) There is only one kitecentre runned by some brasilians and you can rent equipment. They also arrange tranfers, kite trips, hotels, downwinders, etc... If you are heading there I can give you contacts.
Honestly if I were you and if you are not a begginer, I would pick up Peru for sure!
Good luck and lots of wind wherever you go :)

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:56 am
by VOMKB
I have not been in Paracas, but will comment on Manta:

1. The shorebreak is manageable. The beach is long and wide.

2. Wind is very reliable. It blows between 18-30 on a daily basis. The wind is not thermal. The Humboldt current kicks in sometime in May, which "brings" the wind. The current stays nears the coast between May and December.

3. Plenty of space. The kite crew is small.

4. Water is cool by our standards, but you will find it very warm.

5. Manta is small city and with decent night life. It's not crowded with tourists.

6. The activities depend on what you like to do. There is whale watching and you can travel up and down the coast. Traveling down on E15, also known as La Ruta del Sol, towards Guayas, you may want to check out Montañita. There is a kite crew in Punta Blanca, which is close to Libertad, traveling down on E15. I have taken E15 from Punta Blanca to Los Frailes in Manabi, and the view is beautiful.

I rented a Toyota Fortuner last December in Quito to travel to the base of the Cayambe volcano because the road is very treacherous. It was expensive. We got a rate of 120 USD per day. I don't know if you can rent a car in Manta, so more likely you will have to rent in either Guayaquil or Quito, depending on the city you arrive in.

I don't know of any kitecenter run by any Brasilians. There are 3 shops/schools where you can rent gear or get lessons. Two of them are my clients, so send me an email with more info on what you would like to do, and will get you in touch with the one that can be a better fit for your trip.

Jaime

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 8:50 am
by soarer
Hi Jaime

Thank you very much for the detailed response. Sounds like the perfect spot for me then, although maybe you're a little biased :wink: (just kidding).

I've just sent an email to the two Kite centers I'm aware of (Humboldt and Ecuador Kitesurf) to ask for a couple of details but haven't heard back from them yet. In any case, I'll pm you with some more info.

Cheers
Diego

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:53 pm
by VOMKB
Diego,

I got your email and replied to it. Unfortunately, my reply bounced back. Please send me a correct email address. In the mean time, I sent you a PM with information.

Jaime

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:18 am
by soarer
Soooo ... less than 3 more weeks to go then I'm off to Ecuador :jump:

I'm currently debating whether to bring my 2 kites and the board or just 1 kite and rent the rest. The airlines I have to take are charging an arm and a leg and don't even guarantee that they actually transport the oversize kite bag. :angryfire:

Let's say I only bring 1 kite. What would you recommend, an 8m or 12m Switchblade (I'm approx. 73kg /160lbs and usually ride a 132x41). The info on the internet is a bit conflicting. Some sources say the typical wind is around 15kt, others say it's usually 20+.

Thanks
Diego

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:30 pm
by Séb
I've been there for a week in 2011 and it was mostly between 12 and 18knots. So I would say, bring the SB12m. Don't forget you will be at the end of the good wind season so the 12m would be my pick. Santa Marianita is a nice spot, relaxing ambiance. Lot's of space on the beach and in the water too. I was there in late July, we did not had that much wind but it was nice. If you arrive in Quito, take a day to visit the town if you can.

And if you need more info, I will be happy to help. I have a video I could share with you that show what you can do there. Feel free to send me an email : seb.waxdesign@gmail.com

Have fun and get back here after for a report please

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:33 am
by VOMKB
Diego,

If you can find a flight with LAN, you won't pay for a kite bag if it doesn't exceed 50 lbs. I can help you with gear rental if you need it for the wind conditions.

Jaime

Re: Manta vs. Paracas in October

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:43 pm
by soarer
Thanks guys.

Really strange how the wind is described differently for this place. Sometimes as thermal, sometimes not. I guess I'll find out myself.

@Jaime. I actually booked LAN, but unfortunately it's "operated by" Iberia. Big difference unfortunately.