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Puerto Rico

The current weather in Culebra

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Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alex (---.dsl.sndg02.pacbell.net)
Date:   01-01-05 09:47

We're headed to Culebra this February-- very excited to camp on the beach! Can anyone tell me if there is a surfing presence on the island? I assume the swells are best on the east side, but would love to know which spots are best. Also is there anyone or anywhere that would have a board to rent?

Thanks,
Alex

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.230.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   01-01-05 11:46

I have been visiting Culebra for more than 20 years, I do not remember seeing surfers.
Maybe in the beach you will be camping, that's the north, if there are favorable winds from the north you may see the swells you are looking.
On the east... I do not think so.
Watch this forum for other responses, but I do not recall seeing surf boards for rent or sale.
Hope for the best.

Nice stay.

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: julie (209.190.129.---)
Date:   01-03-05 12:08

I'm not a surfer, but I think the other side of big island is where the surfing is, like around Rincon. there is good diving though.

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.rr.com)
Date:   01-04-05 15:46

Alex,
There are only two spots to surf in Culebra and they are not easy to get to. One is Brava beach which has the best waves and Resaca beach which would probably be very difficult to get to with a board. Brava isn't easy but you are not climbing down a mountain. It's just a long walk through a little brush. If you do go to these beaches though you will probably be the only ones there and that makes it worth it.
Ron

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ron (---.columbus.rr.com)
Date:   01-04-05 15:51

Alex,
It's Ron again. I have checked my e-mail if you have anymore questions.

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jay Schwerman (---.com)
Date:   01-07-05 10:39

Alex,
I just returned from Culebra two days ago and the surfing was pretty decent. There is a pretty good North swell kicking, but it was pretty windy and blown out at most places. Flamenco beach was actually pretty good, tossing some small barrels, but I heard this was very unusual. The beach break couldn't hold the bigger swells that were coming in, so it was closing out pretty quick. Somebody was talking about the reefs outside at Flamenco, but it's one heck of a paddle and I don't know what the bottom is like out there. I went to Brava also, which was worth the drive/walk. When you rent a truck, make sure you rent either a jeep or a sazuki with 4 wheel drive, as there are many places you have to use it. Drive to Brava and go past the farmhouse until you see a little parking spot in the weeds on the left side. Then you have to walk for about 30 mins down the hill and through the mangrove (make sure you watch for the trail that heads off on your right). You'll come out on a beautiful beach with powerfull surf. We had at the beach to ourselves all day, which was amazing. It was pretty blown out, but I caught a couple and my brother had a boogyboard and had fun on the inside. I didn't see anywhere to rent a board, and there aren't many places to look. You can rent a boogyboard, which might be your best bet if you aren't going to bring your board (it was $80 each way to take my 6'5" on the plane). Good luck and enjoy, it's very hard not to

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: mikey (---.ny325.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-09-05 13:51

Is it worth it to bring a board down? I am hearing mixed reviews.

80 each way is a lot for me simply to rely on a blown out wind swell.

However, i do like the idea of an adventure through the woods to find waves.....

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.171.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   01-09-05 16:25

If you want to be dissapointed go ahead,
But there is no surfing on Vieques or Culebra.
Take from me... I'm not a teenager, and have visitng these islands for over 21 years.

Good Luck

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: laura (---.126.251.245.hfmus.com)
Date:   01-10-05 14:26

I just got back last week and was shocked to see surfing on the main beach. I stayed at the villas there in February and it was calm as a pool. So, now waves, next week none.

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jimmy R (---.plsntv01.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   01-14-05 23:53

alex,
i believe that most of the surfing is Puerto Rico is in the north west coast. Ricon beach area.

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john jelks (---.tybout01.de.comcast.net)
Date:   01-16-05 22:34

Yes, there is surf all over the outer Carribean islands. At first glance, Capt. J Guzman is quiet correct, the commonly traveled beachs simply do not pick up the swell. Most beachbreaks, save Brava and Resaca, do not handle a big swell, (beach pound mostly). Some, like myself, would be reluctant to give away island secrets. That being said, anyone with a fast boat, two deep water anchors, timing (big booming cold fronts passing through), and a zeal for exploration will find some serious surf on the Norte and Del Este side a select island.

Doubt me? Then I reply that when the Caribe is closed out with a big swell, all go look at well known breaks in Tortola; Apple Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Hull Bay. Check photos in Surfer's Journal, (a Pezman publication).

What I found near Culebra; 12 foot faces, (not Hawiian standards, sorry), peeling across a live coral reef for long winding ride in 5-10 feet of water, dumping out into a deep water channel. I judged height by watching the other 2 stand up surfers, (locals). I am a kneeboarder, (ride a Ron Romanosky quadfin), and had the barreling waves of my life, (started at 8yrs old, I am a well-traveled 47 yrs old). It was all a series of lucky connections, with Mother Nature bringing in a major fronte. The images still float around in my pea brain . . .

Visitors may not get lucky. The locals have it dialed in.
My answer to ALEX is bring a board. If you do not, and it's going off, your family and/or partner will not like watching yout head implode due to lack of board. Be prepared to pay $80 board fee to SJ, and another fee to Culebra. Make SURE to tell them the exact length of you board in meters or you will do what Laura and I did on the first trip- rent your own charter for the trip to Culebra so the board can ride in the isle, ouch $$$ (boards in isle not permitted on "public" flights). Sorry to be vague, but the waves go to those that hunt far afield. I tell no tales. -JJ- p.s. watch the urchin spines!

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: john jelks (---.tybout01.de.comcast.net)
Date:   01-16-05 22:43

Oops, my sincere apologies to the Hawaiians. Mispelling.
What Jay said about the east side (Brava and Resaca) is good info.
If you want a boat, go to the surf shop by the ferry dock. It's the only shop. Bring your NOAA weather radio, make friends with the owner and make arrangements. Make the time and you will not be sorry. -JJ-

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jay Schwerman (---.com)
Date:   01-17-05 10:45

I'm no teenager either, and I heard that what I experienced when I was on Culebra was very odd. In regards to the North Beaches, the tourist map you can get in San Juan has a map of Culebra the size of an apple, but does have a surfing icon at Brava, so I'm sorry to the Capt., but it seems there is surf on Culebra. I just know that I had fun and for me, I'd pay $160 round trip for my board just to go sit out in knee high surf, get a tan and escape reality for a couple hours. Also, it's free to take your board on the ferry if that is how you're getting to Culebra.

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Re: Surf Culebra?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Sandie (---.port.east.verizon.net)
Date:   01-22-05 12:55

I saw surfers all week @ Flamenco. Again, as these guys are saying, because of the recent weather (rain and winds) the surf is most likely different than usual. But to say there's no surfing on this island is flat out wrong, there were clearly locals hanging @ Flamenco.

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