Beaches with waves
 

We had a wonderful family vacation in Walea, Maui. As we look towards next year, we'd like a beach with waves suitable for body surfing. Not huge but not too calm. Any Caribean island suggestions? Mexico? Costa Rica? Resorts?

The trick is to find a windward shore that isn't coral bound. Lots of choices in the Caribbean and Bahamas... here are a few:

- North shore beaches of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, including Smuggler's Cove, Long Bay (both Tortola and Beef Island), Lambert Beach, etc. I've heard that Lambert Beach can have a significant undertow in the winter, so be aware of that.

- Windward side of Grenada. Caught some great body-surfing waves at La Sagesse Bay during a December visit. Hopefully, Grenada will have recovered adequately from Ivan by the time you visit.

- Out Islands of the Bahamas -- just remember that the water (and the air) may be a touch too cold if you go December - March. Have seen some nice waves on the Atlantic side of Elbow Cay, Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos; Eleuthera (the sand is pinkish to boot); and the miles upon miles of empty Atlantic beaches on Cat Island.

Indian Castle Beach (aka Windward Beach) near the horse racetrack on Nevis has an active surf that is good for body surfing. The beach, which has no facilities nearby is rather large with soft white sand and is virtually uncrowded (you are likely to be the only one there except on holidays when they are having horseraces).

Look into Barbados. Much easier to get to than most. Many surfing championships are held in Barbados annually. We love the south coast in the St Lawrence Gap area. Very affordable hotels, great restaurants, and beaches with wave action!

Peace, Greenie

My kids had a ball body surfing in Puerto Rico. They even rented boogie boards on the beach. It was the beach in front of the Marriot Hotel. I believe it was in Condada. (??)

Long Bay near Port Antonio, Jamaica;
Rincon/Agadilla on the West Coast of
PR get body surfer's/surfer's waves.
West coast of Mexico far south in Chiapas/Puerto Madero and other offbeat surfer's spots. None are resort/AI areas though the luxe Horned Dorset is in Rincon area.

Bathsheba bay on Barbados. Well known for waves