I am a semi old surfer and come march all the tourists are gone you get 9 months out of the year where there a few surfers in the line ups. In that time you get to mix in with the small town locals and prices drop fast from vacation prices. You can go high end in Punta Del Este for dinner out or affordable in Maldonado both 20 minute drives. It is very pristine and natural and you can buy fresh sea food in the port year round. It very much reminds of Laguna Beach in California in the 70s where I grew up. Also speaking Spanish is mush easier the local speak clearly and slower than Argentinians. URU people are also extremely polite there they actually pay attention to their manners.