Puerto Rico Delivers World-Class Surf as ‘Hawaii of the Caribbean’ Lives Up to Its Name

Puerto Rico recently experienced a swell that showcased its potential as a premier surfing destination, earning it renewed recognition as the “Hawaii of the Caribbean.” A five-day trip yielded exceptional conditions, particularly in the northwest corner of the island, attracting both local surfers and photographers like Ryan “Chachi” Craig.

A Photographer’s Perspective

Ryan “Chachi” Craig, fresh off an assignment in Hawaii, arrived in Puerto Rico for a Quiksilver shoot and was met with a fortunate convergence of swell, and timing. “I went over for a Quiksilver shoot the day after I got back for Hawaii and we scored a few days of really good swell,” Craig stated. Despite a short timeframe, the conditions proved to be highly rewarding. He noted the variability compared to Hawaii, where offshore trades are more consistent, but emphasized that when Puerto Rico aligns, it delivers comparable waves.

Local Surfers Capitalize on Fickle Slabs

The swell brought to life notoriously fickle slab waves, providing opportunities for local surfers like Mauro Diaz and Dwight Pastrana. Diaz, in particular, was noted for his early morning dedication, scoring barreling waves before sunrise. “Mauro was super on it, he was out in the dark before first light,” Craig observed. “I got to the beach at sunrise and didn’t even have time to set up my tripod before seeing him pull into a meaty one before anyone else was even in the water.”

Kobe Hughes Joins the Action

Surfer Kobe Hughes, known for his ability to make heavy waves appear manageable and often riding self-shaped or Ryan Burch-designed equipment, added to the excitement, linking up with Craig for some notable rides.

Quiksilver Team Explores Global Waves

This swell occurred as part of a broader Quiksilver team excursion documented in the film “Repeater,” which showcases epic waves across multiple locations including Ireland, Réunion, and Australia [The Surfers View]. The film features surfers Griffin Colapinto, Andy Nieblas, Mikey Wright, Kael Walsh, Lungi Slabb, Rolo Montes, and Al Cleland Jr.

The Allure of Puerto Rican Surf

Despite the challenging nature of the slabs, requiring local knowledge and timing, Puerto Rico’s surf scene continues to gain recognition. The recent swell served as a reminder of the island’s potential to deliver world-class waves, solidifying its reputation as a Caribbean surfing paradise [Surfer], [YEW!].