2023 WSL Pro Cabarete – A professional Surf Competition comes to Cabarete!
Last year ushered in a new era for the Dominican Republic as Cabarete featured its first WSL competition. 2023 raises the bar as WSL returns to Cabarete stronger and more ambitious than ever. We’re talking killer waves and lofty goals. I was able to attend the first round of competitions on day one and you could definitely smell the enthusiasm in the sea salt air. Surf aficionados from around the world eagerly watched as some of the best and bravest paddled out from Encuentro Beach, one of the most well-known surf beaches in the Caribbean. Here you will find consistent waves where you can “drop in, pull in, and kick out” even on a bad day. I mean, c’mon, a bad day surfing is better than a good day working, right? Boom! Well, WSL 2023 is all good vibes and good surf. Add live music and activities for all ages to the equation and you might not need to return home. Known as the capital of wind, adventure and wave sports in the Caribbean, Cabarete is an iconic destination for surfers of all levels and spectators alike. In addition, Cabarete is a well-traveled fitness and wellness destination for those ready to embark on a health journey, or re-commit to a healthy lifestyle. Whatever your goals may be (weight loss, confidence-building, community interaction, etc.) Cabarete is a hot spot melting pot for fitness and fun. smack! Extreme Cabarete is a unique hotels providing fitness and yoga classes, kitesurfing, surfing, and more. Extreme Hotel , offers a unique weight loss program geared to those who are seeking to get in shape, reboot their fitness routine, or attend a yoga retreat in a tropical locale. A signature staple of this 100% eco-sustainable resort — all meals are prepared at eXtreme are pure vegetarian farm-to-table with ingredients grown in local farms; exactly the fuel you need to smash those waves and get healthy at the same time! It was the fuel I needed for my morning bike ride to WSL at Encuentro Beach, an easy mode of transportation in Cabarete and another way to burn a few extra calories for the day. Hop on a bicycle, which can also be provided to guests at eXtreme Hotel Cabarete, if you want to B-line it down to town or to the beach. As I sipped my freshly made juice sold by a local vendor right on Cabarete Beach, WSL Pro announcers gave us play by plays; on-seers like myself were captivated by the breaks and barrels of those Cabarete waves, not to mention the star-studded lineup of talent paddling out to make their dream of winning the 2023 WSL Pro a reality. WSL Pro 2023 Cabarete is making a splash for sure. For the town of Cabarete, Dominican Republic, it’s in more ways than one. We’re all quivering to see what transpires for this vibrant beach community and what’s in store for years to come.
Dealing with Loneliness in the Midst of a Pandemic as a Remote Worker
One of the issues that has come up during this pandemic is loneliness. Once a taboo topic, it’s now out in the open, as we’ve all cut back on our social interaction considerably and are having to deal with loneliness to a degree. COVID-19 also reduced our social lives to a bare minimum. Remote workers were especially affected. Their lives were previously taken with fun social gatherings, time at the gym, time at the coffee shop, and meeting up with others for adventures. Now’s that’s all gone, and with winter upon us, the thought of a cold nights is hard to bear – but worry not, there’s a solution! Take advantage of living this remote working life! Life will always present us with choices – now you can make the proverbial lemonade. We are offering you the choice between remaining inside watching TV shows and add on a couple of more pounds to your COVID15 or BOOM: take a leap of faith and join us! Come live your remote working life by the beach, in a community of like minded people where you will find you happy self again. Safety is a priority for us with the virus is still out there, and here you’re surrounded with people like you. Thanks to our zero guest policy and a very small footprint of staff, your viral safety is practically guaranteed. We offer a quiet environment to get some work done, combined with interesting people to eat, with chat with and tons of activities available right out front. As a beachfront property there’s surf, SUP, snorkel (all in the mornings) and kitesurf (in the afternoons) and beach walks. On site we have a pool, hammocks, a beachfront yoga loft, an aerial arts space (static trapeze, silks and hoop) and a crossfit style gym. Before you decide to join us, we want you to be aware of a few things. There’s WiFi available all over the property and plenty of quiet places to work below palm trees or beachfront if you don’t want to stay in your room. Electricity and wifi are reliable 98% of the time. To avoid stress we recommend getting a local backup internet plan (they are affordable) and bringing some power banks. Electricity usually comes back after 30 min. or so, but still, if you are working these 30min can seem to last forever ;) We can connect you with instructors if you want to learn a new watersport – after 15 years we know them all and can fit you with the perfect one. Local teachers are very dedicated, supportive and take pride in sharing their passion for surf or kitesurf. Rooms are clean and functional and as we’re right on the beach, no need for air conditioning. It’s better for your lungs and skin and better for the environment too. Most of our life happens outdoors and you will find yourself running around barefoot. A common problem here is to forget where you left your flip flops. We have nothing against an occasional evening beer, but usually we go to bed early, practice yoga at sunrise, do some watersports and get our working hours in. Meals are simple, cooked with love and farm fresh produce (from our own organic farm!). Even after living here for several years, tasty papayas, mangos and avocados are a highlight! After being isolated for months, this is an opportunity to escape winter and to refuel in a Caribbean community especially for digital nomads. We are a fun place for like minded people sharing a healthy, active life. Come join us, get a tan, spend time in the sun and in the ocean, refill your Vitamin D levels and enjoy your remote worker life.
Your Cabarete Healthy Horse Checklist
Knowing your Horse Before you go on any horseback riding adventure, you need to know if the horse you are given to ride is up to the job of carrying you. We all know the fantasy. You know, where you’re galloping down a beautiful golden beach, under blue skies and the lightest fluff of cloud cover, hair flying in the wind? Yeah, that one. Well, to help make that a reality, you’re going to need a healthy horse. There are few things more depressing than sitting on a horse that you worry could drop dead on the mountain path, at any minute. You don’t have to be a horsey expert to be able to do a basic health assessment of a horse. I’ve made you a checklist and everything! The main thing is to trust your instincts. If you suspect a horse might not be 100% well-treated, it’s probably not. Responsible horse owners will never try to make you ride a horse you’re not comfortable with, and they definitely wouldn’t let their horse to go out on a ride it’s not up to. Here are some reputable Cabarete horseriding ranches. With a little bit of street smarts, you will be well on your way to the Caribbean horse ride your inner 10-year-old girl has always dreamed of. Weight You can usually tell this, even from a bit of a distance. Is the horse malnourished? Are they underweight? Can you see their ribs and hips poking out clearly? If the answer is yes, whinny on out of there, that horse is not ready to go. Eyes Eyes are a great indicator of horse health. A healthy horse’s eyes are bright, clear, open and beautiful. Gaze deeply into your horsey’s eyes. If they are dull, cloudy, gummy, gunky, running, or half-closed, you gotta say nay, nay, nay to that ride. Coat Horses’ coats, again: solid health indicators. A healthy horse’s coat is shiny and full. Picture the glossy hair shimmer from shampoo adverts. That’s the kind of condition we’re looking for. If the horsey’s coat is patchy, damaged, unbrushed, matted, or dull, then trot yourself right out of that paddock. Legs Look at the way the horse is standing. Is the weight spread evenly over its four legs? (While you’re at it, check it has all four legs, too.) If the horse is consistently taking the weight off one leg, it might be injured. Sometimes horses will rest one of their front legs when standing, but resting back or hind legs is rare, and usually indicates something’s not right. Is it limping? Limping is an absolute no-go for riding a horse. Imagine if you had an injured leg and someone tried to make you carry a preteen around all day. You would likely not be happy. Hooves A horse’s hoof should not be cracked, stinky, chipped, uneven, or oozing anything at all. The shoes should look well-fitted and not too loose, worn, or short for the hoof. If the horse is well looked-after, its hooves will be in good condition. Other red flags A large man sat atop a small pony Piles of runny horse poop Visible bruising, scrapes, bleeding wounds, swelling, or punctures on the skin An obviously ill-fitting saddle Weird horse behaviour, like staggering, coughing, seizing, shivering, or general agitation Okay, those are all the basics. Again, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to be safe and walk away. It’s also better to pay a bit extra to make sure the horse is cared for and in good health. With this checklist, hopefully you will only mount the happiest and healthiest horses in all the land, and the wind will blow through your hair on your magical beach gallop. Take care of Cabarete horses, and they’ll take care of you.
Horseback Riding Tips in Cabarete
Riding around the countryside on horseback, you’ll get a totally different experience of the Dominican Republic. It’s a great chance to pull yourself away from the familiar comforts of your hotel in Cabarete and try something new. There are several places in Cabarete and a little outside town that are trusted sources of healthy, happy horses. I’d recommend you use one of these, even if it means paying a bit extra for your horseback riding adventure. Sadly, you might see some horses around town that don’t look up to the job of carrying a rider. Please don’t ride a horse that looks malnourished, has dull or clouded eyes, or a patchy coat. Play it safe, if in doubt. It’s not worth adding to these animals’ suffering. Luckily, there are three reliable sources who board plenty of well-treated horses you can ride. Make sure you negotiate the price knowing exactly what’s included. Often there’s the option to add a taxi to come pick you up from your hotel and a Dominican lunch. After all, what’s a horseback ride through the Dominican countryside without a massive plate of rice and beans? Sea Horse Ranch Sea Horse Ranch is Cabarete’s equestrian centre. They offer guided tours around their stunning network of bridle paths and private beaches, as well as lessons for all ages and abilities. They board a selection of Paso Finos, Tennessee Walkers, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and ponies. You’re sure to find a horse to suit your needs. Riding, show jumping, horse care, dressage – Sea Horse Ranch do it all. You’ll find it a short drive outside town, heading towards Sosua. It’s very visible from the road. Rancho Luisa y Tommy Tommy Bernard grew up on the island, riding horses. The Rancho has been operating tours since 1985. It’s a little way out of town in Sabaneta de Yasica. Their 22 horses are beautiful and healthy animals, given plenty of space and love. They offer a few different styles of tours through mountains, rivers, villages, and beaches. As well as full- and half-day tours, Tommy can guide you on a special sunset or full moon ride. These are quite spectacular, especially if your ride is joined by bright fireflies! If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to dedicate a few days to exploring the island on horseback, the Rancho can arrange longer trips, where you stay overnight in little mountain cottages. Iguana Mama Iguana Mama are an adventure company that do all sorts of tours, including horseback riding tours. They offer half-day and full-day outings. Half-day tours last 3-4 hours and you can choose your flavour: ‘Beaches and Villages’ or ‘Mountains and Rivers’. The full-day tour lasts 7-8 hours and you will get the full mountain/river/beach experience. Sore bum comes included on this mammoth tour! Horseback riding tour top tips: Wear long trousers or pants, and closed shoes. You don’t want to lose a flip-flop in the river! Fair-skinned friends, don’t forget sun protection! You can ask the guide beforehand how shady the tour will be, so you can judge how to stay safe in the sun. You can also arrange tours in the morning or evening to avoid the full glare of the Caribbean mid-day sun. Bring small change and coins for snacks. This especially important if your tour does not include lunch. You can likely stop at colmados for a bite to eat or drink. Wear a bathing suit underneath your riding gear for swimming in the river. On a hot day, it’s a beautiful way to cool off, so don’t miss out! Bring enough water. Breathe deep and take it all in: sounds, smells, everything!
The Myriad Benefits of Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a very special way to take in a landscape. A horse offers you a new perspective for a few hours, a little window into how another animal lives and moves. In Cabarete, there are several scenes to take in. You can gallop along sandy beaches, scramble along rivers, or pick a way through rocky mountain paths. You can even do all three, if you’re up for it. I’ve loved riding a horse since I was a child, and it turns out there are concrete reasons why horseback riding is so awesome for you. It offers some serious physical, mental and emotional benefits. Let’s take a look. Work that core, baby If you haven’t done it before, horseback riding involves a fair bit more than just sitting on a horse. You are riding on a living, moving creature. It takes some work to stay on! Have you ever noticed that swimming in the sea is far more tiring than swimming in a pool? That’s partly because your muscles do so much work adjusting to the movements of the water. Treading water, for instance, you might notice your body righting itself in little twitches and clenches. On a horse, your body responds to your horse and compensates for any shifts in your balance. Our bodies are pretty smart, and we do most of these adjustments without even thinking. We use core strength to keep the body steady from its centre. Though you might do crunches and work on your abs to improve core strength, your core also includes your back muscles, glutes and pelvic floors. Horseback riding also works your inner thighs, as you use them to grip onto the horse for dear life. So Zen Horseback riding can be a meditative experience. If you’ve ever meditated, you know how hard it is to stay present when the thoughts are pinging around your head faster than you can keep track. Sure, being on a horse might be scary at first. But, when you’re comfortable, it can be centering to tune into the rhythm of hooves plodding along or your horse breathing beneath you. Focusing on your ride can be an immersive experience, and you may well find distracting thoughts are calmed or at least slowed down. ‘I just have a lot of feelings!’ Studies suggest that being in contact with horses can do wonders for your overall health. Patients who receive equine therapy often experience significant increases in confidence and self-esteem. Being with animals can lower your blood pressure, increase the production of happy chemicals like, while significantly decreasing stress hormones. Caring for horses can improve improve patience and focus, and ease the burden of anxiety and loneliness. It’s not one-way either. Many horseriders say they have an intense spiritual connection to their horse, or to horses in general. Horses are very social creatures and humans can learn important non-verbal communication from them. Building a relationship with a horse requires openness, time, and much respect. Come ride with us Is all that enough to convince you to add horseback riding to your Caribbean vacation itinerary? Check out this post to find out more about horseback riding in Cabarete, what to expect, and how to spot the tell-tale signs of a mistreated horse before you set off. Our eXtreme hotel reception is a fount of local knowledge, our team can help you out or even arrange all the logistics for you. Giddy-up!
Monkey Jungle in the DR
In Cabarete, our heroic wind and waves make for some pretty solid watersports conditions. But, on a rare day off the water, there are some great spots around Cabarete to explore. Monkey Jungle is a fantastic outing for the family. You can go and play with their gorgeous monkeys, thrill-seek on a zip line, or check out their shooting range. There’s something for everyone! Monkeys, Zips and Rounds The Monkey Jungle has a 5-acre park where adorable tame squirrel monkeys roam free! They are very friendly. They love to sit on heads and shoulders, and eat from special feeding plates. I smell a new profile picture. The monkey tour takes 40 minutes, perfect for little ones with short attention spans. You’ll learn all about the monkeys and pay a visit to the rescued capucin monkeys. These little guys have had a hard life and so aren’t up to playing with the others. They are super cute, and looking much healthier than when they were found! The Monkey Jungle mountain-to-mountain zip line tour is well worth a visit. It’s ACCT-certified, with every safety measure taken to let you relax and enjoy the ride. On your journey along the 4500ft zip line, you stop at 7 different stations and 2 suspended bridges. For the most fearless of adventurers, there’s an optional freefall belay that drops you 50ft into an ancient bat cave. Not a bad story to take home to your friends. Another great thing about this zip line is that you can control the braking system by hand. This means that you are in charge of your speed the whole time! I love it. If you’re looking to let off steam, you might head over to Monkey Jungle’s 7 station shooting range. You can choose between 9mm handguns and 12-gauge shotguns, and learn how to fire a weapon safety. Anyone up for target practice? The Monkey Jungle Story On the face of it, Monkey Jungle might sound like just an awesome adventure tourist attraction. It is that. But, it also has a pretty noble and heartwarming story behind it. Monkey Jungle was set up in 2009 to support a medical project in the DR that was rapidly expanding and in need of funds. Two entrepreneurs from Nashville, Tennessee were determined to use their lives to help those more vulnerable than themselves. Chuck and Candy Ritzen moved to the Dominican Republic and set up Haitian and Dominican Assistance Corp (HADAC) in 2008. They opened a clinic to serve the local community of Haitian and Dominican residents. The clinic was named after the couple’s two dear Haitian friends, Bernie Leon and Maurice Laroche. There was such great demand for the clinic that people were travelling long distances to see the doctors, who gave their care without charge. Every Saturday, around 60 patients were seen, and the numbers kept growing. The HADAC team knew they needed some income to pay for medicine and equipment. They got to work planning a commercial tourist attraction. And so, Monkey Jungle was born. Many of the patients had known little medical care in their life and had often never seen a dentist before. In 2013, HADAC opened a dental clinic dedicated to Dr. Gerry Pinsonneault, a Canadian dentist who served the community until his death in 2014. Chuck and Candy flew medical supplies and food to Haiti in 2016, after Hurricane Matthew. Sadly, their sea plane did not make the journey home to Puerto Plata. The HADAC mission continues and their dream lives on through the efforts of the clinic’s volunteers and physicians. How to get there Take the main road from Cabarete to Sosua (the next town), heading West along the coast. You’ll see the sign for Monkey Jungle after you pass the Sea Horse Ranch, a landmark equestrian centre. Don’t get too distracted by the Ranch’s horses that you miss the left turn! The turn should also be signposted, so keep your eyes pealed. Follow El Choco road for 9km and you’ll arrive at Monkey Jungle. From eXtreme, it’ll take you under half an hour. Our friendly concierge staff will be happy to arrange transport if you need. Lend a hand The clinic gratefully accepts donations of basic medical supplies from visitors to Monkey Jungle. So, have a look at their wishlist and consider popping something in your suitcase to gift to the team. You can also support them financially, the information is all on their website. Monkey Jungle could just be that extra outing that takes your adventure vacation in Cabarete to the next level. Come and experience the thrills for yourself!