Barbados is a hidden gem in the world of surfing
Picture Barbados, and you imagine pristine beaches inviting you in to calm shallow waters. This is our experience on the western side, however for the slightly more adventurous, Barbados has something more to offer. Yes, you can even surf here. This island is revered as a hidden gem in the surfing world in fact.
For the beginner, the majority of the surf schools are located on the South coast: Zed’s Surfing Adventures, Burkie’s Surf School and Barbados Surf Trips are the main schools. They also offer board hire, although no need for the wetsuit here! For the seasoned pro, the Atlantic facing east coast should provide a nice challenge. Head to the Soup Bowl, near the town of Bathsheba to experience one of the top waves in the world.
Now as any surfer will tell you, timing is everything! Not to worry however; Barbados enjoys surf for 360 days a year, although the best swells are seen in November through to June.
As Mark and Lisa would tell you, this is not particularly their cup of tea, however I am sure they enjoyed watching me attempt (and fail) to master the waves on the Crane Beach. It also gave them an excuse to return for a day to the east coast, in what seems a world away from the tranquil waters of the Caribbean side. Although you cannot seem to escape the cocktails: look out for the man mixing some Mount Gay in coconut shells at the back of the beach. Although I may advise post-surf - they do not hold back on the rum!
