Last updated on November 21st, 2023 at 06:53 pm
In this post, you will find the best surf spots in Dominican Republic for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the best surf destinations in the Caribbean. Its North Shore receives consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean during the high season, from November to March. Therefore, this is the favorite time to go on a surf trip. There are many beginner surf beaches in Dominican Republic. The waves hardly exceed 5 feet, and most breaks are “user-friendly”. Of course, once a big swell hits the shore, you can get some massive barrels, too, but even then, some beaches pick up less swell than others.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in the Dominican Republic for beginners:
Bobo’s, Playa Encuentro
Playa Encuentro is the surf capital of the Dominican Republic. It is undoubtedly the best surf spot in the country, and therefore, this is where most surfers choose to spend their time. Playa Encuentro offers 5 different breaks to choose from. While some of them are fast and hollow, the best spot for beginners is Bobo’s. Here in Bobo’s, you can ride some mellow waves over a sandy bottom and also take some surf lessons.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Dominican Republic, please click here.
Rio San Juan
Rio San Juan is one of the best beginner surf beaches in Dominican Republic. The waves here are “fat” and forgiving, so even if you fall, these are not the kind of waves that will hit you hard. Most waves in Rio San Juan offer long rides to the right side, but lefts are also available. If you are more of an intermediate surfer, check out the neighbor break, Playa Grande, which offers some steeper waves and a faster ride.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Dominican Republic, please click here.
Macao
Although the area of Punta Cana doesn’t offer good surf, Macao Beach, just northeast of it, is a great surf spot for beginners. On this beach break, you can ride small waves over a shallow sand bottom to both the right and left sides. Actually, it is one of the most consistent spots in the area and a great place to rent a surfboard or take a surf lesson.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Dominican Republic, please click here.
Playa Bonita
The long beach strip in Playa Bonita offers multiple peaks to choose from. Moreover, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dominican Republic. The waves in Playa Bonita are the most beginner-friendly you can get. For that reason, it is a popular beach among novice surfers. If you want to take some surf lessons or rent a board, check out Carolina Surf School, which was founded by professional surfer Carolina Gutierrez.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Dominican Republic, please click here.
El Burro
El Burro is not as popular as other surf spots in Dominican Republic. In fact, most surfers never even heard of it, and mostly locals hang out here in the water. It is situated in the northwest part of the country and offers a mellow right-hand point break. This beach has a natural shelter from the winds, and therefore, the conditions here are usually perfect for surfing. The long waves are suitable for all skill levels and mainly for those who wish to escape from the crowds.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Dominican Republic, please click here.
Online Surf Training to Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip
As a beginner going on a surf trip to the Dominican Republic, you will face physical challenges. The waves crashing on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to manage. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can get feedback from a professional surf coach? To find the best beginner surf camps in Dominican Republic, click here.
2. Take an online surf course– You can improve your surf fitness drastically by working on specific muscles used for surfing. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Dominican Republic.
What Should You Bring to a Beginner Surf Trip?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the best surf spots in Dominican Republic for beginners. In general, it is one of the most beginner-friendly surf destinations in the world. Most swells here range from 2 to 5 feet and produce clean and well-shaped waves. Moreover, Dominican Republic is not as nearly as crowded as other surf destinations, so you will hardly need to deal with people in the lineup. So, if you are looking for fun waves, warm water, and a sunny sky, you will definitely love to surf in Dominican Republic.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Dominican Republic, or the one about surf resorts in Dominican Republic.
