PR gets waves almost year round, from storms, tradewinds, cold fronts and low pressure areas. The main surfing season is from October-April and the western area of PR is best for surfing. The temp usually doesn't go below 70 and the water is always around 80, so leave the suits at home. We decided to stay in Rincon, the westernmost point in PR and surf central. Rincon has many places to stay and you can spend $40-$200 per night depending on what you want. You can usually negotiate a cash deal on a room and save some jack. The first thing I noticed about PR (once we drove out of San Juan) was how beautiful the landscape was especially where the mountains meet the sea, and how much swell at so many different breaks, waves everywhere.

When looking through mags and sites of Rincon I couldn't help but notice the size of the waves and I'll admit I was a little nervous of the conditions especially with all the reef breaks. But what were the chances of us catching a huge swell like that? Well, they turned out to be pretty good. On our first day we decided to surf Maria's, a popular break and the waves were huge. 10-14' faces peeling both ways. Easily the biggest waves we've ever surfed. We went out and had a blast and ended up drifting into Tres Palmas and called it a day. The next few days the swell mellowed out and the average waves were chest to head glassy peelers. The weekends see the most crowded conditions but there's plenty of waves and breaks for everyone, and crowds are easily avoided. Most people in the water are vacationing Americans and the vibe is way mellow. Most all of the spots are reef breaks and a little knowledge of where to enter and exit the water, and where to takeoff and kickout are crucial. You can pick this up easily by watching the more experienced surfers. The main nemesis in the water are the sea urchins, so you don't want to plant your feet on the bottom too much. The reef for the most part is safely deep enough, and there is little cause for concern except during low tide and big waves. The waves are real makeable and high performance up until about 8' feet. Then you can really feel the PR juice, make sure not to be undergunned or you'll pay. Rincon also offers many other activities besides surfing like fishing, diving, horseback riding or pretending you're a race car driver in your rent-a-car. The roads are great! There's plenty of little restaurants and bars, but it's way cheaper to hit the Econo and fill the fridge. Don't drink too much though cause the morning sessions are unbelievable, not a drop of water out of place.

With the waves, accessibility and proximity of PR it is definitely a location every Floridian surfer should take advantage of. With all that, the thing that leaves you dreaming of this place long after you leave is the overall vibe of the place. It is so peaceful and relaxing and at the same time full of raw energy. The people and culture are definitely worth the investment and it's also a great place to take your favorite girl or the fam. This year was my second trip there and I'm already making plans for next.

Puerto Rico Tips:

• It is a US commonwealth
• No passport is necessary
• Jet Blue, Spirit and American fly to PR from Central Florida.
• The US dollar is the unit of currency
• The water is warm all year
• There are a hundred breaks all around the island. The most popular being located on the NW corner.
• Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico but many people speak English.
• Food and lodging are easily accessible
• Most people travel by rental car, they are inexpensive and all the major brands are located near the airport
• Always check over your car before you leave the rental car lot. Be careful with the cars- if a coconut falls on the roof or somehow the paint gets scratched you could end up paying
• Cautions: be careful where you stay, watch out for petty thieves and sea urchins.
• Brisas del Mar

• Lonely Planet guide to Puerto Rico
• The Surf Report PR

• Hector Lavoe
• Willie Colon
• El Gran Combo
• Puerto Rican Power
• Tego Calderón
• Tito El Bambino