Montanita

24th March Guayaquil to Montanita

Alex as a surfer girl

The 4hr bus journey was a hectic experience with a change half way. We needn't have bother bringing snacks as locals boarded the bus at each village selling food and drinks. On seeing everyone else handing over a dollar for their fare we made the mistake of asking how much it was to where we were going. With that we'd managed to negotiate ourselves a special rate of $2 each. Ripped off again! Graham was also enlightened of his hat and flip-flops somewhere along the way. (Ecuadorians 3 : Gringos 0)

On arriving in Montanita there was a real party atmosphere in town, it was only Thursday but the crowds were already arriving for the Easter weekend and the full moon party taking place on the Saturday. We found a decent hotel away from the noise of the main street and with the prospect of a bed shortage at the weekend decided to take it for the week. The sea breeze was a relief from the 40+ degree heat of Guayaquil. The guy said he could cut us a deal for the week as long as we could pay in advance ´right away´ with the offer of free Internet we were sold. (and probably ripped off again!)

Alex getting minced

The next day, eager to get out surfing we went in search of boards to hire. At the high season price of $3 an hour, a week was looking to be an expensive prospect. With my new found determination to haggle and possibly a misunderstanding over numbers we managed to cut down the price from $70 a week, to $60, then $100 for two.

We decided not to bother with a lesson preferring to rely on the watch and learn/practice approach. We also had Graham extensive surfing knowledge to fall back on, that he latter revealed was all gleaned from Point Break. We had been warned surfing was notoriously difficult to learn so I was amazed when a managed to stand up straight away. It turned out to be beginner luck and we both spent the rest of the day being pummeled and spun underneath the waves, just as well the water is warm. Later that evening, bending over, half the Pacific drained out of my nose.

Graham riding another monster wave

Not deterred we have been out twice a day since and things are slowly coming together. We try to keep out of the way of the knarrly surf dudes on their little pointy boards but the beach is long and there is plenty of room for everyone.

On Saturday night we took advantage of the worldwide blessing that is Happy Hour, and sank a few 2:1 cocktails before heading off to the full moon party where DJ Cam was playing.

We plan to spend the rest of our time until the Galapagos in this laid back Robinson Crusoe style town perfecting our surfing technique.

Local Kids on Trikes

Montinita High Street