I'm traveling to puerto rico in April and I'm trying to decide whether to bring my own board or rent. I'm going to be flying on American Airlines, which charges 100 bucks each way. I'm worried about paying that money and then winding up with a damaged board. Does anyone know if it is easy to rent there, how much it'd be for a week and what type of selection they have?
i just got back last week after being there for 2 weeks. I flew out on contiental fron newark and brought my borads costing $100 each way. there was no damage done to my boards (except for this random line on one of the rails of my baords that wont come off). from what i saw in rincon even though i wasnt looking to rent boards the two places i saw seemed to only rent bic boards. theres definatly places that probably rent fiberglass boards but im not sure where at. im not sure about other places but i would would research online and see if its worth brining your own baords or finding a good rental spot.
lsurfboard rentals in pr If you are going to Rincon check out Mar Azul. He has good boards for reasonable prices. All kinds of equip from fish to longboards to SUP's. Bobby Dozier owns the place.
Support the "locals" instead of the carpetbaggers. Call Alexis Hollins, Rincón Capital Water Sports (787-823-2789) or Renee at Surf Town Surf Shop (787-823-2515).
Lol, yep for the most part it is. But I do prefer seeing some of the business flow to these guys and not to the folks renting SUPs to any soul that then pollutes the line-up and share facts about all of the breaks, and lead caravans of vehicles to spots... I saw one of these "surf lesson/surf guides" show up with 10 vehicles at a spot last week... instant crowd of 20 people. Disgusting.
So then you can see when there is a particular place you have a personal tie, as you do with Puerto Rico some level of protectionism is justified. Maybe not over top violence but at least recognizing that there are people who live, work and die in an area that might have more interest in that spot than someone passing through for a week long vacation. I always got the idea (from previous postings) that you laughed at anyone who laid any claim whatsoever to an area. Referring to a place as "my spot" always seems to get a comment from you. Anyhow sorry to diverge from the topic of Puerto Rico Board rentals.
Well, sorta yes and sorta no. First, I generally throw out the tribal claim for "respect the locals" as something that is more rooted in gang behavior and not based upon any principal of merit. Just being a "local" does not bestow exclusive rights. The general principles of surfing apply no matter where one if from and goes and rides, vis-a-vis, snaking, dropping in from the shoulder and the like. The second item has to do with selling out and marketing the sport. I am simply appalled at the carpet bagging. Bringing a caravan of 10 vehicles to a spot is "against the rules of surfing" everywhere - whether it is a spot in PR or conducting a surf lesson with a dozen or more folks at 37th St, 48th St, Gordon's Pond, Naval Jetties or you name it - any of the main spots. I also have this thing about giving up all the spots just to pimp your business.
start with the place your staying. If its a guest house or small hotel then ask the owner to hook you up, tell him what you ride. If he's any sort of businessman he'll be happy to help you in any way to make your trip as good as possible. If its a bigger hotel/resort or a condo type place then ask the concierge to help you. Shops will rent you a popout funshape for $50 a day, b/c unless somehow informed otherwise, your an easily exploitable kook gringo tourist who doesn't know any better - to avoid that situation, call down in advance ask to speak with the owner and be specific about what you want; in many cases they'll put something aside for you and do a cash deal for cheaper. Good luck
