The last time I was in Puerto Rico was 44 years ago, and at the time things were pretty mellow there, virtually no crime to speak of either petty or major. For those who have been there within the past two years, what's the current climate there? I know it's WAY more developed now, and is likely to have tons more people around, has that impacted personal or property security in your estimation? Beyond not leaving items of value unattended or in plain sight, are there any issues to be concerned with either personal or property security? From my recollection the locals are pretty mellow for the most part, but I sense that there are more gringos now than ever. Just looking for feedback. Thanks!
pr My wife and I and my one year old daughter were in Rincon last january and had a great time. We were at Tres Palmas and Marias and stayed over by "little malibu" at a friends. I did not see any crime but the cops followed us around a bit and kept telling me to trunk everything and be carefull. I am sure that is because we stick out a bit as gringos but i would imagine that if you do not bring your diamonds to the break, you will be okay. Cheers
I sort of figured as much. My concerns in part were prompted by a would-be surfguide that suggested that rental cars were targeted for theft, but never indicated whether they meant stuff or the car itself, but that's what insurance is for, eh?
Hey just got back from Rincon in late October, spent 8 days there, stayed with Bobby at Mar Azul surf shop, he's got a couple private villas that are perfect and it's a secure place, locked metal gate and fenced in, beautiful landscape, great spot all around and it's reasonable. Then you have your pick of all the boards and can take w/e you want and head down the hill to Sandy Beach or Maria's, etc., we never had any cops bother us, and none of the locals bothered us either, actually everybody we met was super nice and chill. Now, that's in Rincon, go to some other places and it may be a bit different, but Rincon is very "Americanized" and laid back. Definitely worth the trip, we're already talking about going back next year.
I was just there a few weeks ago. We didn't have any issues with theft, but we didn't leave anything of value in the car while surfing either. I've heard a lot of stories about mass break ins at surf spots in Rincon (you come back to the parking lot and 10 car windows are busted), but we didn't have any problems. Don't leave your iphone on the seat and you'll probably be fine. From what I've heard, they're stealing stuff, not cars. Waves were so-so while I was there, so no localism to speak of. I imagine it could be different if it's firing.
went a couple of years ago....we left nothing of value in sight in the rental car, doors unlocked, keys, cash and license hidden. just about every session we saw from the lineup guys making the rounds nosing through the parked cars, including ours, had cheap flip flops, t shirts, gym shorts stolen. My shorts and t-shirts were so crappy i found them thrown in the weeds down the dirt road and got them back. Glove box rifled through...
Is there adequate parking? In 1969 there wasn't anything other than roadside at Maria's, but there weren't as many people either. And everything stays out of sight in the car. I actually got to surf with Machuca once or twice when he was still a teenager, very cool memory.
I attended HS on the west coast/SW area on the Island in the late-1960s. It is a different world today, oh soooo different. But, if you have been surfing the OC/Md area for four decades you will recognize changes there as well. Back in 1968, it was virtually crime free around Rincón. Now there is a lot of petty theft, car break-ins are common (and very common at places such as Middles). Locals can be unwelcoming, rightfully so, if you get out of line. You had better respect the bodyboarders if you a foot surfer. In many ways the environment is similar to the North Shore in Hawaii. Machuca was a teenager throughout the late-1960s. Fun guy. See: Ad for the 1968 Worlds, at Isla Verde beach (known as Playa de los Hobies) Las Surfers, Susan, Candy Chase y Stephanie Cabrera Los Boys, Rogelio Vara, Jorge Machuca, Tommy Hardy y Ricky Bloomquist foto:coleccion Jose Rodriguez. From Aviones Boys. In 9th grade, I attended school in San Juan. Candy Chase and Ricky Bloomquist were classmates and Candy was my algebra I partner. Wild memory story, hitching a ride with Jorge on his motorcycle from the Uku Surf Shop to Doña Maria's Beach, holding two boards, and a sack full of goodies. Dan Herlihy was living with Duke Michael at the Uku House back then if I remember correctly.
