Surfing in Puerto Rico

Surfing

The very best surfing beaches are along the northwestern coast from Isabela south to Rincón, which gained notoriety by hosting the World Surfing Championship in 1968. Today the town draws surfers from around the globe, especially in winter, when the waves are at their best.

Although the west-coast beaches are considered the places to surf, San Juan was actually where the sport got its start on the island, back in 1958, thanks to legendary surfers Gary Hoyt and José Rodríguez Reyes. In San Juan many surfers head to La Punta, a reef break behind the Ashford Presbyterian Hospital, or the Sheraton, a break named after the hotel (it's now the Marriott) with either surfboards or Boogie boards. In Isla Verde, white water on the horizon means that the waves are good at the beach break near the Ritz-Carlton, known as Pine Grove.

East of the city, in Piñones, the Caballo has deep- to shallow-water shelf waves that require a big-wave board known as a gun. Playa La Pared, near Balneario de Luquillo is a surfer haunt with medium-range waves. Numerous local competitions are held here throughout the year.

Not far from Playa La Pared, La Selva Surf Shop (250 Calle Fernández Garcia, Luquillo. 787/889-6205. www.rainforestsafari.com/selva.html) has anything a surfer could need, including news about current conditions. The family-run shop also sells sunglasses, sandals, bathing suits, and other beach necessities. Rincón Surf School (Rte. 413, Rincón. 787/823-0610. www.surfandboard.com) offers full-day lessons that include board rental and transportation. You can also arrange two-, three-, and five-day surfing seminars. Boards can be rented for $20 without lesson. West Coast Surf Shop (2E Calle Muñoz Rivera, Rincón. 787/823-3935) is a good place to pick up new and used surfboards, body boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment or rent equipment. Surfboards rent for $20 per day; lessons are $35 per hour.