Last updated on November 21st, 2023 at 07:19 pm
In this post, you will find the best surf spots in Puerto Rico for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Puerto Rico
Although Puerto Rico is part of the US, it is situated on a Caribbean Island. The Southern part of the Island faces the Caribbean Sea, which is pretty much flat. However, the North Shore Receives consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean, especially between November and April.
Puerto Rico is one of the most popular surf destinations in the world. Due to its proximity to the US, warm weather, and great surf, it is the perfect winter holiday escape. Although giant waves and hollow barrels are a common thing here, there are also good beginner surf beaches in Puerto Rico.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Puerto Rico for beginners:
Sandy Beach, Rincon
Rincon is, without a doubt, the surf capital of Puerto Rico. This famous surf town on the North West Coast is the main attraction for surfers, mainly due to the variety of great breaks in the area. Most of the surf spots in Rincon are very powerful, but there are several “user-friendly” waves too. For instance, the best beginner spot is Sandy Beach. As long as the swell is not too big, you can easily practice on soft waves over a sandy bottom. Other great beaches for beginners and intermediates are Antonio’s and Maria’s.
Besides surfing, Rincon offers a great tourist scene, with various shops, restaurants, and night parties.
For more information, check out our post about surfing in Rincon.
Surfers Beach, Aguadilla
The beach strip of Aguadilla was recently announced as the first surfing reserve in the Caribbean. There are many different breaks to choose from, and luckily, it is much less crowded than the Rincon area. In general, the waves in Aguadilla are suitable for all skill levels and offer slow and mellow rides. The most recommended beaches for novice surfers are Surfers Beach and Gas Chambers. Although the waves break over a reef, it is not a dangerous one, and as long as the swell is under 4 feet, both spots are great for newbies.
Jobos Beach, Isabela
Isabela is another great surf town along the Puerto Rican Coastline. Actually, two of the best beginner surf beaches in Puerto Rico are found here. While Jobos Beach is a wonderful place to take some surf lessons, Middles Beach is a bit more powerful. In fact, this beach hosts the annual Corona Pro surf competition and can be pretty challenging when the swell is big. However, just down the beach, there are several mellow peaks for the newbies with the soft boards.
Pine Grove, San Juan
San Juan, the Puerto Rican Capital, has everything a big city can offer. On the one hand, you can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, but on the other hand, massive crowds and pollution are also part of the deal. As for the surf around San Juan, it is terrific, just as it is all over the country. If you are after a beginner’s wave, the best spot for you is Pine Grove. This is a typical beach break with small waves over a sandy bottom. Once you get some confidence, you can try your luck with some punchier waves in the area, such as La Ocho and Playa Aviones.
La Pared, Luquillo
La Pared, which means “The Wall” in English, is maybe the best beginner surf beach in Puerto Rico. It simply creates a shelter from wind and swell, and therefore, novice surfers can practice on small waves over the sand. Luquillo is located only about 40 minutes from San Juan, so the access to this beach is pretty easy. Moreover, it is a great place to take some surf lessons or just rent a board.
Online Surf Training to Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip
As a beginner going on a surf trip to Puerto Rico, 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. 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 Puerto Rico.
2. 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 Puerto Rico, click here.
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 Puerto Rico for beginners. Luckily, there is a great variety of breaks of all kinds and for all skill levels. Whether you are a complete newbie or an experienced surfer, you will definitely find good waves in Puerto Rico. Not for no reason surfers love this Latin Island so much, it simply has it all.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Puerto Rico, or the one about surf resorts in Puerto Rico.
