Hey Guys, A friend and I were planning on going to Costa Rica for a week in February as a senior year trip, but now we can't leave the country because of complications...We're trying to figure out a place to go now within the US and US Territory. We've only surfed beachbreaks and sandbars and some rock breaks, so we're hesitant about the reefs. Any thoughts?
ditto... Don't need a passport to Puerto Rico, since its a US territory. When I first started surfing reefs, I remember being a little sketched out, due to the unknown risk, but you'll get used to it. Puerto Rico happens to have some really sketchy reefs at some of the spots, so there's ample reason to be cautious... Once you get a little used to the break, you'll become more aware of how to handle yourself on the reefs. You'll figure it out, but its lways a good idea to bring a first aid kit on surf trips. And, once you get used to surfing reef, you'll love it.
Good time of the year for PR or HI- surf the reefs- you will thank us later! (just don't try to stand up after you get worked on the inside- swim to your board)
never been on a reef either but Hawaii and Puerto Rico. If you'er down for some cold water, head to CA. They have some really fun swells during winter
Puerto rico is amazing, im from texas, never surfed rock or reef before. Had a great time and the best surf of my life. Never ounce bounced off the reef, how ever I did punch it the first time I paddled out duck diving cut my hand up.locals are cool just show respect. I would also talk to who ever is at the break and fi.d out where to go out and where to come in at, alot of the places I surfed had a really shallow inner reef with lots of urchants. west coast is awsome and the north is pretty good as well. Good luck
Alright thanks guys, I've been looking at Rincon. Does any one know about the board rental situation? The airline fees are so much these days, if there's a good amount of boards down there it just makes it a lot easier. Also, how's the wind down there that time of year?
Board rentals are available but it might be hard to find a modern hi performance stick. Bic type long boards are available, but you may find a performance board at the dive shop near Maria's--I haven't been in there lately. Also check out the shop at the Harbor shopping center also. Winds in Feb. are unpredictable but the Rincon side is fairly well protected. Watch where others enter and exit the water and use those only. You might find some very crowded lineups. It'll still be peak season in Feb. and lately it's been packed at the Maria's area. Some would say saturated!
Personally I have learned that it might be a better idea to bring your own board. I have spent too much wasted time (when the waves are going off) trying to find a board to my liking. Then when the swell gets big and good- you really want a board your comfortable with... just my thoughts from my experience... Although- if you can exchange the board for another during the week- it might be worth it...
Although I am biased, Southern CA is a great winter option. Nice weather. Dead wind or santa ana offshores. The beachbreaks and reefs all work, pretty much all the time depending on tides. All you need is a 3 mil and no other equipment. Tons of $100 boards on craigslist to buy and sell before you leave, or all the local shop will rent you a decent board. About $15-20 per day... Best thing about doing it in San Diego would be that you can drive north to LA and Trestles one day, and then you and your friends can drive right over the border to mexico without a passport. Just take your rental car, or walk over the board with your boards and take a bus down to Ensenada. If you are in the car... Stop and surf one of the dozens of world class points and reef in between the border and Ensenada. Stay in the Fontina Inn on the main drag in Ensenada. $30 a night for two large beds. You can lock your car IN the hotel right in front of your room, so is secure and safe. You and yours friends can drink and party down there, legally, and then head back up the coast the next day. All the bars and "discos" are within blocks of that hotel.... Anyway, just another option for you so you can actually leave the country and have a quick little adventure.
OBX has the potential to be good, but keep in mind it is the Atlantic. If there is swell it would be way worth it, but most likely it will be hit or miss. Plus camping out there in the winter can be pretty cold, and some campgrounds close for the season. Id say PR or CA is going to be the best options.
