Got an offer to crew on a sailboat delivery heading there. I know it gets good surf, but fickle. Anybody experience the surf there? Plus I’m on the fence, 1400 nm direct shot trip from Chesapeake bay, 7-10 days possible at sea. It could be the best of times or the worst of times. Not a surf trip but could be, only on island for about 2 days. Pack a board? Rentals? Go?
Always wanted to check out Tortola surfing. And the Bomba Shack. Hope you post a surf trek report if you do pull the trigger.
Went once in November, the swell was too small for CG to break (the swell wraps a long ways to get in there) but there were other spots on the north facing side of the island that had some decent waist to chest high waves. good board rentals were easy to find. Go.
got married there on josiah's bay and surfed there two days. it was fun. now, some things you should know. 1. cane garden bay is a rare occurrence. good luck without a strong cold front off the us. 2. everything is expensive. 3. bomba shack seems cool and drinking mushroom tea around other ppl u don’t know can be an event. there are like 50 locals who just hang outside and case the place. take a girl at her own risk. crime is not reported or investigated in tortola. 4. even if you go with stoke and positivity you may not encounter much. just not in their nature.
Reports are that Bomba Shack is gone. Don't know what the reefs are like since Irma... I haven't been back since. Electricity is back, roads are cleared, but still tons of damage.
Mr. jimmycrab, you're gonna make money no matter what, so go for it. Wort case scenario, you get paid, don't get laid, and no surf. Good excuse to get rum dumb and have some fun.
I was able to get Josiah's Bay when it was massive and man what an awesome little uncrowded cove. However, the island itself is a bit boring and definitely sketchy at some places esp late. Locals seem to keep their distance. I don't remember seeing any rental places. Also heard they got beat up pretty bad from the hurricane last year. Beautiful island, worth at least seeing and grabbing a few waves if you can.
Thanks fellas! The trip will be in November. I still haven’t committed yet, logistics with kids/wife and job. I don’t want to look back 20 yrs from now and regret this opportunity.
Married with kids? Words of advice. It is very difficult to get out of the "I got responsibilities so can't take a trip" mentality. I suffered through it for years. Now I am back to taking annual trips ( going on 8 yrs). Could the wife be banging the entire Harlem Globetrotters while I am gone? Maybe so, but if the surf is good I dont care!
