Throwing a little tester out there to get an idea for some hidden gems and people's experiences. Suppose I'm not really talking asking about the Caribbean coast of say Costa Rica and Panama, ya, Salsa Brava is a serious wave and Bocas del Torra is Beautiful, not too mention all the other central American countries north till you get to Texas. For arguments sake let's leave those out of this discussion I want to know about the islands in the Caribbean sea. I've only surfed one, Puerto Rico, ya it was great, pretty consistent in the winter but admittedly crowded and I found to be mostly rights(not saying it wasn't awesome, so let's no not make this a pissing match). But there are over 700 islands, cays, islets and reefs in the Caribbean. We're talking about 30 different governing nationalities and it's the back yard of anyone on the East Coast. Leaves a lot to be explored. So just curious, where have you been, what have you seen, which would you consider the best and/or where do you want to go?
Barbados is really good when it's on. Been twice & it always had something somewhere. Travel costs are on the expensive side, though, except for the fish sandwiches at Oistins. Longer flight than you think from the east coast. DR is fun central, meaning the night life. Waves on the north coast, primarily Cabarete, are ok, but wind is often an issue by mid-morning. Consistent wind in Cabarete Bay is the reason that kites have a big hold here. Also, it's kinda tough to do DP every morning when you're sending the chicas on their way whilst trying to blow out the Presidentes from a few hours before. Prices are about what you'd pay in the States, although some things are less expensive. Trinidad has good surf & a fun night life. Can be provincial. Waves are good but it's hit or miss. Long way to go to get skunked. Would love to go to other islands, like St Lucia, but the surf looks iffy at best from my limited researching. Tortola looks like fun, but looks like an expensive trip & also iffy, although people that I know who've been there had a blast. PR is on my list; initial trek there in April is booked.
I've wanted to go to Cuba. My grandfathers twin brother went there in the '20s. spent 15 years there. I bet I gots Cubes for relatives.
Forgot to add Jamaica. The food, the surf, all of it. I'd also put Cuba on my list, like mac said; didn't think of it due to he insane travel restrictions still in place due to usa cold warriors.
I loved Barbados...got married down at Southpoint in 99. Had a nice left-hand reef just outside the gate in the back of the house. Good vibes and mellow crowds. Easterly winds along with swell give you lots of choices as well...good luck on the search bro!
Went to PR last year and had a good time. Happened to be the biggest swell of the winter while I was there so mostly only the big wave spots were surfable...not my thing. I did get some great overhead days in at wilderness. I'd love to go back and catch a more typical swell. I did the DR a few years ago and had a blast. I'm going back to Cabarete in a few weeks! You don't go there expecting to surf world class waves but you're guaranteed to have a good time. Encuentro is a fun break when the winds not on it and Cabarete has a good night life. Yankee is right though, dawn patrol is where its at and its not easy getting moving at 6 am after a night of pounding presidentes. I've wanted to check out Jamaica so if anyone has any info on that I'd be interested to hear it.
I have been to Jamaica and got skunked when it comes to waves. I stayed in Ochos Rios and it was flat with occasional 2 foot day while I was there. I honestly would love to go back during a swell because there seemed to be a bunch of different set ups that could be really good waves. Its ghetto, tropical Camden
I surfed Jamaica years ago. Never saw another sole surfing. Had it to myself everyday. Fun shoulder high in craz warm water. $0.50 beers and inexpensive lunch ( Jerk chicken )on the beach.lots of unexplored territory. There's a surf community there that appreciates being appreciated.
I've been to Barbados and Puerto Rico - both are great winter surf destinations and all of the information is out there. I would just add that while its technically not the Caribbean, Eleuthera is a hidden gem. I've been there three times and while its not consistent like the more more exposed islands, i've found it consistent in January, February and March. What i like about it is the beauty of the island and the deserted vibe you get. There are endless beaches and diving /snorkeling spots where you will not see another person for miles. Its still the kind of place where you can surf a "known" spot with 5-10 people out, or off-road it down the island and find a wave to yourself. Its still a place I dream of moving to one day.
Of all the Caribbeean spots I'd like to score it would be Tortola, BVI. But it's expensive and fickle. Same swell window as PR, which I've been to 5x. I'm still convinced there must be epic surf in Bermuda somewhere on the outer reefs (the entire island is surrounded by a reef system)...you never see anything on Bermuda though.
Cuba is tops on my list. But thats one that typically requires a launch point from Bahamas or Yucatan. Have some buddy's that have made the trip from Bahamas. Hear its a wild scene....Barbados or PR are most likely going to offer the extensive surf options. I would put in some time researching first though, the trades can be a problem....Caribe is best for Diving, Sportfishing and R&R in my mind. Not surfing. Im sure you can find some awesome/unknown spots but may be luck of the draw.... Bonaire or Curacao, Trinidad/Tobago, or even the Bay Islands are worth checking out.
Ocho Rios is just outside the predominant swell window. Consistent waves funnel in between Cuba and the Dominican Republic. If you're a pro and want it big no matter the size go to Puerto Rico. Jamaica is smaller but I found it consistent and without crowds. That's what I wanted. People were friendly. I regretted not bringing spare fishing gear for the local fishewrmen who could have done a lot with $20 worth of lures and stuff.
I went to Eleuthera in 1978 & 79 in March. It was a little windy but usually pretty clean in the morning. We rented a house in Gregorytown and walked, hitched, or skated to Surfer's Beach. There were 20 or so boards in the sea grapes every night as people didn't want to carry them back and forth to town. Never heard of any problems with rip offs. It was before Costa Rica had blown up and it was actually a fairly popular surf destination. You're right, a very beautiful island with a chill vibe.
There are so many spots in the Caribbean, probably more than you could surf in a life time! The problem is hitting the right spot at the right time. Also getting to your particular destination can also be a challenge. The main spots have pretty much been mentioned, Jamaica, PR, Barbados etc.... There are some good spots in the Bahamas too! Airfare is pretty cheap to the Bahamas also. For those inquiring about Bermuda...... http://surf.transworld.net/1000081492/features/go-there-bermuda/
