Headed to St Barths for a long weekend with wife and some friends for MLK wknd in Jan and can't stand the thought of just sitting on a beach all day if they have some swell. Poking around the internet, looks like they can get some decent waves in certain parts of the island. Anyone have any first hand knowledge surfing there? Mostly reef I assume? Shallow reef? Mellow mushy longboard stuff? I found a few places that rent boards (seems difficult to bring my own on the small shuttle flights from SJ), but any suggestions on spots or areas would be appreciated. I'm staying on St. Jean beach. Thanks
Lorient has fun waves. Super friendly local vibe (at least in the off season). That's the only spot I had for sure with quality waves when I was there (May '07). St. Jean also has a reef break about 200 yds out that seemed to have some waves, good or otherwise. The island is small enough that you can probably drive around and check most every spot before lunch. They rented boards right there on St Jean. Longboard for St Jean or long or short at Lorient. Couldn't tell you much beyond those two spots. Lorient (none of those dudes are me - can't get credit it)
Thanks for the info. I did see some info about Lorient. In the pic, it looks like some dry reef close to shore? Do you have to walk on that or was there a deeper channel to paddle out? Nice looking wave...
Ive been there a few times and was able to score waist to chest every day in warm water The island runs eurotime (diner at 10-sleep till 9) so if you go out when the rooster crows youll surf with one or two people tops. If you look around all spots are easy access and nothing tricky @ paddle outs. you cant rent boards from Toteem Surf Shop or Quicksilver Shop for @ 20 a day.
did the op say anything about his "folks"? good joke, though. not. sweet looking wave that feels very far away right about now. have fun down there.
Hah, unfortunately I have to foot the bucks for this trip and yea, I know the place isn't cheap. But, maybe that will keep the crowds down in the lineup. Done the Rincon PR trip a bunch of times and while the price is right, crowds kinda blow.
There is some dry reef in close to shore, but there are a lot of ways out to the break without crossing them. Plenty of sand bottom around.
When I stayed at the hotel christopher, I didn't get to surf but everyday there were at least head high peeling rights on this point break. Its right near lorient. Easy paddle out, breaks kinda close to the rocks but then again its a point break. Would've definitely surfed if I could of gotten my hands on a board, definitely check it out.
i also agree with derickson178 Thanks for the info. I did see some info about Lorient. In the pic, it looks like some dry reef close to shore? Do you have to walk on that or was there a deeper channel to paddle out? Nice looking wave...
