How to Surf on the Beaches of Puerto Rico

Offering great surf year-round and warm, tropical water, Puerto Rico is an excellent surf travel destination. Many East Coast surfers escape the brutal winters and freezing water temperatures to catch some warm powerful barrels. Since the late 1950s, Puerto Rico has developed a strong surf culture, and locals and travelers alike can be found chasing the year-round swells. In the winter months, the surf in Puerto Rico can reach heights of 30 feet plus and is comparable to that of the famous North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a map of Puerto Rico and learn the surf breaks. You can view a detailed map on various surf report websites. View the different breaks, along with the existing hazards, and determine where you would like to surf based on your skill level. If you are a beginner, surf softer breaks such as Poms, El Cocal and Ballenas. If you are expert or professional, surf the advanced breaks such as Caballos, Fiji and Gas Chambers.

    • 2

      Use appropriate surf equipment based on the surf conditions. If the surf is in the fun, head-high range, you can use a standard 6-foot shortboard. If there is some serious swell and the waves are reaching double overhead and bigger, use a mini gun, in the 6-foot, 6-inch to 7-foot, 0-inch range. The water is warm in Puerto Rico, so you will be fine wearing a pair of board shorts and rash guard (or T-shirt).

    • 3

      Observe the locals. When you reach the beach, do not paddle out immediately. Watch the surf for at least 20 minutes. Take note of how the local surfers paddle out into the lineup and how they come back into the beach. This can save you serious trouble.

    • 4

      Respect the locals. Enter the water slowly and be careful not to step on sea urchins. Jump onto your board and paddle out using the channel (rip current). Acknowledge you are a visitor and let the locals have the best waves. Use proper surf etiquette such as not cutting others off or "dropping in" on other surfers' waves.