Either Barbados or Rincon. Can’t make up my mind, but departure will be in 10-11 days. Whatever one I don’t choose, I’ll go to later in the year. What say you, swellinfo friends? I’ve done Rincon once, last January. Haven’t done Barbados yet, but have been wanting to get there for a while now. My best friend and I are particularly leaning one way, but I won’t say which, so not to sway anybody!
BGI can be great. Lotta times the wind blows it out, though, particularly up at Soup. If you go there, might want to retain local knowledge. It's a small island but the local will know what's working & when. We always scored at Maycocks & Freights, Freights gets crowded though. Don't leave anything you value on the beach at Maycocks, btw. Melanie Pitcher knows Barbados cold, nvr steered us wrong. I don't know PR breaks well enough to compare it to BGI. Keep us posted on your decision / trek & good hunting
Based solely on pictures of Barbados, to which I have never been for surfing, and my PR experience, if it is surfing you want, PR would be a better choice. More breaks with exposure to the storms from North Atlantic. Barbados depends more on an eastern swell, imho. During winter, best to depend on a northern swell. Mo' biggah waves!!!
Good call. He had decent info / posts regarding Chicama. If I recall correctly, he will say walk up to the point don't take the Zodiac. I surfed Juanchaco & Chicama Sept 2017. My vote is to take the Zodiac
Welcomme to the FFM (Flip Flop Mafia), you are now an honorary member (if you ever come down to the 6th Borough or whatever they call this sunny place for shady people).
Yah. I was glad I brought booties. Some guys have tough feet, I ain't one of 'em & I admit it I surfed three areas at Chicama. The Zodiac drivers (one guy in particular was excellent, can't recall his name) know the breaks cold. They would take us way up to t he farthest point if it was working. And we would basically surf down to the second point, then down to the first point, then get picked up & go back up. Or, we would just surf the main point. My longest ride on the Trace device was 565 yards. Would have been longer, but I basically fell off my boart due to my legs were exhausted. If it's small, as it was when I was there, you'll want plenty of volume.
No dings from airline baggage apes? Impressive. Which brand/type 3-boart coffin? (manufacturer & size)
i got the 6 6 Prolite finless coffin. IT has tons of room for paddling and i'm extremely engineering minded when it comes to packing. I wish it had wheels cause it's heavy but it does have drag handles and a drag patch which helps. can drag it inside the terminal but not on concrete or blacktop. https://prolite.com/collections/surfboard-travel-bags/products/finless-coffin-triple-2-4
This is easy - PR. I have been to both. Barbados is cool to check off the bucket list but no aspirations to go back. I got it as good as it gets there too. I would also suggest exploring outside of Rincon. Its good when the trades are blowing or if you want to party more but def more touristy. Tons of other spots to explore.
I have the 10' Pro Lite coffin. Wheels, for realz. Going through Customs in MIA or ATL with that tugboat is a true test of maneuverability & other people's patience. Great bag though. I own a Destination bag for 7'6 & under. Also a great bag. Have had horrible boart experiences with Curve bags.