Hey all,<br /><br />Long-time reader. First-time poster. I'm heading to Puerto Plata (Cofresi Palm Beach & Spa Resort) with the fam the first week of November. Anyone have any experience with surfing this area? I'm a novice surfer (mostly long boarding at this point) and I read that Encuentro is a good break for less advanced surfers.<br /><br />Also, does anyone have any knowledge of decent spots to rent boards in or around Puerto Plata?<br /><br />I'd be grateful for any guidance.<br /><br />Thanks.
Encuentro is an every-board break. Depends on swell size / direction. It can get crowded with turistas, wanna-be-local gringos who are living there for a few months & locals; the actual peak is often controlled by good local surfers who will not be shy about hooting you off waves. You can always mess around on the inside stuff, though. Don't go over to the waves that look good to the right of Encuentro as you're facing the ocean; that's razor sharp coral about 2 feet below those pretty waves & you will get hurt. As well, you may want to bring reef booties; the urchins in your feet are seriously capable of ruining your trip. Examine the boards & leashes & strings carefully on your rental. Don't rent a board that's been put back together; do note every ding; check the velcro on the leash, check the string for wear. The rentals there get a lot of use & they do not get taken care of. As well, some unscrupulous rental places will try to nail you for a few hundred pesos by claiming you dinged up their board. Don't leave anything of value in the car. The local chicas are a lot of fun, but it's pay to play. Your dad might really like it there. Just sayin'. Get on Encuentro as early as possible, preferably DP. Reason being the wind comes up like clockwork at mid-morning & turns it into a washing machine. And that's when you go kiteboarding over in Cabarete Bay.
