Surfing in Barbados

The best surfing is on the east coast, at Bathsheba Soup Bowl, but the water on the windward side of the island is safe only for the most-experienced swimmers. Surfers also congregate at Surfer's Point, at the southern tip of Barbados near Inch Marlow, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Dread or Dead Surf Shop (Hastings Main Rd., Hastings, Christ Church. 246/228-4785. www.dreadordead.com) promises to get beginners from "zero to standing up and surfing" in a single afternoon. The four-hour course—"or until you stand up or give up"—costs $75 per person and includes a board, wax, a rash guard (if necessary), a ride to and from the surf break, and an instructor; additional lessons cost $37.50. Intermediate or experienced surfers can get all the equipment and the instructor for a full day of surfing for $150.