Canoa is a beachbreak that runs for 16 km of sand all the way down to Bahía de Caráquez. Depending on what the tide is doing, the banks can turn on with long rides or tubes, or go junky and mushy, which makes them a forgiving place to learn. Named peaks along the stretch include The Bridge, The Lab, and Briceño, and the sandbars throw up both lefts and rights.
When It Works
Canoa draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), and it will take just about any direction, though northwest and west produce the best banks. The best match is a northwest (NW) swell. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and is moderately consistent, so you will find worthwhile windows without it firing every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east (E) offshore wind to clean things up. The beach can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
With mellow, forgiving banks on the smaller days, Canoa suits beginners well. The lineup stays fairly quiet, so you can usually find your own peak along the sand.
Access
There is camping nearby, plus free roadside parking right by the beach.
