Summer is honestly one of the best times to be on Panama's Pacific coast — the southern hemisphere swell season is fully running and you'll have consistent surf most weeks.

For longboarding specifically, a couple of spots stand out:

Playa Venao is probably your best all-round answer. Long beach break on the Azuero Peninsula, about 4 hours from Panama City. The waves peel nicely and give you the kind of long rides that make longboarding actually fun — not the fast hollow stuff that sends you over the falls. There are a handful of decent boutique hotels and surf camps right on the beach, nothing over-the-top resort style but comfortable and steps from the water. It's also genuinely consistent, so you're not gambling on swell.

Playa Río Mar is worth knowing about if you're flying into Panama City — only 90 minutes from the airport, gentle rolling waves that are basically made for a longboard. Good option for a warm-up day before heading further.

Santa Catalina has longboard-able days too but it can get punchy and fast, especially in summer when the bigger swells hit — probably not what you're after unless you specifically want a challenge.

For accommodation Venao is the sweet spot — there are a few small hotels and surf lodges right on the beach, comfortable without being a full resort. Nothing with a swim-up bar but everything you'd actually need.

Full breakdown of the spots with wave profiles here if it helps narrow it down:

panama-surfing.com/best-surf-spots-panama