How to Read a Surf Report
In the olden days, surfers would have to grab their board and head down to the beach to see if there were waves to surf. Using their eyes, can you imagine? Now, with the magic of surf reports, you can get a pretty good idea of what the waves will look like for the next week without having to leave the house. Surf reports are generated using information from sophisticated equipment that tracks variables like the weather and ocean activity. Based on this information, you can model how the wind, swell and tides will behave and get an accurate idea of how surfable the waves will be. Pretty cool. What does a surf report look like? Surf reports take the form of charts, full of numbers that indicate the elements at play. Above, you can see an example of a daily surf report for Playa Encuentro, taken from Magic Seaweed. The chart shows how the the day will progress in terms of wave height, wind speed and direction, swell direction and rating, and weather. How do I interpret the chart? Learning to interpret surf reports to accurately predict what the waves will be like on a given day takes a lot of practice. You need to take note of what the varying factors look and feel like, what it feels like to be out in a medium cross-shore wind at low tide, so you can gain a sense of how the numbers translate into real life. You’ll gradually learn what are the ideal conditions for you to have an epic surf session. It’s all about experience. Having said that, there are some things that will help speed up your journey to becoming the ultimate surf report reader. Swell height and period You might see a wave height of 0.7m on the surf report. While this may seem small, you need to look at the period to know the power of that 0.7m wave. A period indicates the time interval between waves. Technically, it’s the time for two successive wave crests to pass a fixed point. But you can think of it as a measure of how spread out the waves will be. A long period, say of 15 seconds, tells you that the waves are more spaced out and were likely formed in a ground swell. They travel a large distance to get to shore and gain more speed and power on the way. Short periods, say of 5 seconds, mean the waves are likely to be caused by wind from a nearby storm. They haven’t travelled as far and will be less powerful. So, a 0.7m wave height with a 15s period could mean great, surfable waves, whereas the same 0.7m at 5s could spell a weak flop. The swell direction will also affect how the waves come in and break. Wind speed and direction Wind is generally undesirable for surfers. A windless, glassy day is the dream. The best thing to do to minimize wind affecting your surf is to get out early. Wind tends to pick up speed over the course of the day. That’s why in Cabarete we surf and SUP before 10am then switch to kiteboarding and windsurfing after the wind picks up at around 11am. It’s good to have options. As well as the speed, the direction of the wind is important to note when reading a surf report. On shore wind blows from the ocean towards the land. Most often, these are not ideal for surfers, since on shore winds can break up the surface of the water and make it choppy and difficult. It also usually lowers the wave height and neatness. A light off shore breeze, on the other hand, creates much better surfing conditions. Off shore wind blows from the land out to sea, and allows for nicer, better groomed waves to form. The breeze catches the face of the wave and holds off the break a little, so the wave is smooth and is more likely to break in a barrel shape. These are the waves where you can really get slotted. Tides Like werewolves, tides are controlled by the moon. Unlike werewolves, tide behaviour is highly predictable. There are two low tides and two high tides every day. The way Nature’s clock works means that these high and low points will shift forward every day by 51 minutes. Watch out for super high and super low tides under the full moon. In Encuentro, we have a reef break which can feel a little iffy at a very low tide. The water gets shallow and you have to take care when you jump off, as the water level might be lower than your waist. If this freaks you out, watch out for low tide. Some surfers believe it’s best to surf when the tide is on the rise from lower to high because the momentum is coming into shore. This is called a ‘tidal push’. Others are adamant that the ideal tide varies depending on the break you like to surf, and the interplay of other conditions. Generally speaking, if the tide is too high, waves will be slow and mushy, especially if they are not high-powered enough. They will tend to break onto themselves in a slushy mess. If the swell is low, they could end up breaking too close to the beach to surf. If the tide is too low, though, it can suck the power out of the swell, as the water level is too low to carry enough force. It’s a complicated science, and people definitely disagree on how tide affects surfable waves. Get out there! Again, the best thing you can do to become master of the surf report is to get out there and gather experience. Check the numbers, and then go feel out the conditions for yourself. With practice, you’ll get better at knowing when is the right time for you to surf. Remember, you can always consult with the locals. They
Sailing: Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta
The Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta is back in Cabarete, Dominican Republic for its 17th annual sailing event. All aboard, sailors, the North Coast of the DR is your midwinter Laser sailing destination! CaribWind has announced the Midwinter Regatta will take place on the 18th to the 20th January 2019. This is deliberately timed not to overlap with the big Miami Regatta on the 27th January. There will be two classes racing, Laser Standard and Laser Radial. All members are invited to register. Ali Barshi and his wife MJ created CaribWind in 2003. Though avid windsufers, they missed sailing and craved a place to rock up and sail with proper supervision, at any time of the year. The couple saw the wind conditions in Cabarete as ideal for Laser sailors. The sheltered bay is perfect for sailing. The wind picks up over the course of the day, so you can be selective and sail at the time that suits your ability. Eleven years on Ali and MJ have no regrets. The CaribWind training program is thriving. It is open to sailors and aspiring sailors of all abilities. Even if you don’t own a Laser, the team at CaribWind will sort you out with everything you need to get out on the water. The CaribWind coaches are world-class. They take a highly personalised approach to training, focussing on the specific dynamic of the boat-sailor relationship. With their expert knowledge and analysis, you will see real improvements in your manouevers. Goal-setting is an important part of the teaching method, as you will target key skills to push your technique to the next level. The high-quality training centre has attracted a good amount of talent over the last decade. The proof is in the pudding. An impressive four world champions, 25 Olympians, and 15 national champions have come to Cabarete to train with CaribWind’s coaches. The deadline to register for the Regatta is midnight on the 17th January. But don’t cut it too fine! For specific details of the event, like how to register, who is eligible, and scoring details, check out the official race announcement. Contact Ari Barshi at info@caribwind.com with any questions about the Regatta or CaribWind’s training program. Ali will be happy to help you out! Sailing is just one of the many sporty adventures that Cabarete has to offer. With our consistently amazing wind conditions and reliable swell, there are so many options for watersports lovers. Kiteboarding, surfing, SUP, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving – we really do have it all! If you’re feeling restless and in need of an active vacation, Cabarete may well be the tropical paradise destination for you!
Diving and Snorkeling in Cabarete
On your adventure to the Caribbean, don’t miss out on exploring the lively delights of the underwater world. Diving and snorkeling are great activities for all the family. Planning a day trip can be a nice way to break up an active week of watersports, and venture a little outside Cabarete. Don your mask and duck underwater on an early morning before the wind picks up or on a rare no-wind day. You can snorkel around Cabarete and take a look at the reef, but most of the underwater action happens down the road at Sosúa. Sosúa is less than 15 mins’ drive from eXtreme hotel, we can help you coordinate transport for you or your group. There are plenty of PADI-certifed dive and snorkel companies in Sosúa, with experienced instructors who know all the great local spots for all abilities. There are over 20 dive sites around the Sosúa/Puerto Plata area, which have earned the region the reputation for the best diving on the North Coast. If you’re a beginner, stay close to Sosúa and enjoy the colourful coral reef life in the protected, calm water. More advanced divers can take trips to check out some awesome wrecks and deep walls nearer to Puerto Plata. Most dives are accessed by speedboat, so just check all transport is included in the tour. What to look out for The coral reefs around Sosúa are bustling with life. Come face-to-face with a wide variety of reef residents including triggerfish, large jewfish, grunts, starfish, sea horses, spider crabs, shrimp and barracuda. Look out for rays taking it easy on the ocean floor, and the slither of a well-camouflaged sand snake eel. Depending on the season, you could also see octopi, squid, lobster, and turtles. Be careful not to startle turtles, as they can be easily spooked. When is best to dive? The best time of year for diving around Cabarete and Sosúa is the summertime, as the wind and waves are calmer, allowing for better visibility. Having said that, Sosúa is very protected and has year-round crystal clear water. Sea temperature ranges from 24°C to 29°C (75°F and 84°F) throughout the year, so you can dive very comfortably even in the depths of winter. January to March is humpback whale breeding season, when around 3,000 of these enormous mammals migrate to Silver Bank in Samana to breed and calve. It’s quite the spectacle. You can watch the whales from the shore or, for a real treat, go underwater to listen to their song. It’s an otherworldy experience you won’t forget. Favourite diving spots The Airport Wall is a favourite among divers who come to the region. It is well-known as one of the most beautiful and diverse diving spots in the Dominican Republic. The Wall is a 10-minute boat ride from Sosúa, and well worth the trip. The dive starts at about 10m (33ft) and drops down to nearly 30m (98ft). The caverns and tunnels around the wall make for an exhilarating and memorable dive. You’ll see the hard and soft coral is teeming with life: large and small fish, eagle rays, and even reef sharks. If you love a good wreck dive, check out Zingara Wreck. The ship was sunk intentionally 20 years ago, and now houses a stunning coral ecosystem 36m (120ft) under the surface. Other favourite spots include the caves at Laguna Dudu, Cayo Arena, La Puntilla, and Canyon. Come prepared to dive in Seeing the colourful and vibrant coral reef up-close is an unforgettable experience. Diving and snorkeling is a fantastic way to get even more out of your active vacation. Don’t forget to pack your GoPro or camera, if you have one – underwater photography makes for a great souvenir of your trip! Be sure to read up on how to protect the ocean before you dive into the fun. Check out our post on what to pack for your eco trip to find out which common sunscreen ingredients damage the coral reef. Then, avoid packing them, please! As always, please be respectful of the wonderful, life-giving ocean. Leave only bubbles behind!
White Water Rafting in Jarabacoa
Thrill-seekers, this is one for you. There is arguably nothing quite like hurtling down whitewater rapids in a little raft, along the longest river in the Caribbean. While we are not blessed with rapids to raft in Cabarete, there is a beautiful mountain town called Jarabacoa a few hours’ drive inland. There are a couple of adventure tour companies in Cabarete that offer a whole package that includes transport to the mountains and food along with the rafting outing. Watch out as there is often a minimum number of people to qualify for transport to be included. You can also check out renting a car to drive yourself to Jarabacoa, where you can link up with Rancho Baigate, an adventure ranch that offers amazing rafting trips. As is usually the case at eXtreme Hotel, simply ask our friendly receptionists and they will find the best deal that suits your particular needs. The journey will take you winding through the central mountain range of the island, where the view opens out into some seriously impressive panoramas of the DR’s natural beauty. You’ll get the chance to see bustling Dominican cities up close, and get a better sense of how people live outside of the Cabarete bubble. You’ll arrive at the Yaque del Norte river, a source of life and vitality to the communities of the Cibao region. Here, you can experience the Dominican natural landscape in a whole new adrenaline-surging way. The rapids are no gentle ride, so come prepared for your heart to fly into your throat from time to time. It’s classified as class 3 on a scale of 1 to 4. Not insanely dangerous, but definitely not for the faint-hearted! All the trustworthy adventure companies will have you kitted out in all the safety equipment you need to stay safe on your trip. This must include a lifejacket and helmet, and basic training of rafting protocol. If you have any concerns, let them know before you set off, preferably. You do need to be a confident swimmer to go white water rafting in Jarabacoa, this is not for weak swimmers. You’ll definitely need a set of dry clothes to change into, as you are guaranteed a good soaking in the river! The scenery is very different to Cabarete. A trip inland to spend some time in the mountains provides a good contrast to the beachy paradise of the North coast. It’s also a little cooler up there! You can ask our friendly staff at eXtreme reception to help you sort out an amazing rafting trip. They know exactly where to point you, and can give you seasonal information, too. White water rafting in Jarabacoa is an unforgettable experience, and offers you the chance to see more of the Dominican Republic on your adventure vacation.
Surfing in Cabarete
Surfing in Cabarete? But wait, isn’t Cabarete just for kiteboarding? Actually, as well as top-notch wind, Cabarete also has world-class surf all year-round. But, I’ll forgive you for thinking that, just this once. The small beach town of Cabarete on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic is the ideal place for watersports lovers. It boasts amazing wind and swell. You can even SUP in the morning on the glassy water before the wind picks up. Beautiful. Perhaps the biggest draw of Cabarete watersports is the consistency of the conditions. Playa Encuentro gets upward of 350 surfable days a year, while Kite Beach gets perfect wind on over 300 days a year. No matter the season, you can be happy as Larry out on the water. Your best bet is dawn patrol. Get there at sunrise, well before the crowds build around 9am. Encuentro is not suitable for SUPs or swimming, so stick to the surfboard. Beginner Surfers You’d be hard-pressed to find a more ideal place to learn to surf than Playa Encuentro, Cabarete. The shallow waters inside the reef provide perfect conditions to learn to surf year-round. Even in the winter months, you’ll be safe from the biggest waves inside the beginners area. There are loads of surf schools on the beach in Encuentro, and many a helping hand to get you on the board and having a great time. We partner with Pauhana, whose local, certified staff keeps you safe and teaches how to catch every wave! It’ll cost you around $10-14 a day to rent a board, but you can haggle down to a lower price to rent for a week or two. We also offer package deals that include lessons and board rental. Encuentro by Numbers As you can see on the map above, Encuentro has a fair few different areas. You can be sure to find what you’re looking for with so much variety in the reef break. Be sensible and err on the side of caution to stay safe. Don’t head straight for the black diamond breaks if you’re not totally confident in your abilities! Encuentro is a very non-judgmental spot, so don’t be embarrassed to take it easy. We all start as beginners! Weather conditions Temperatures are pretty consistent in Cabarete, and the water is always warm. Definitely no wetsuit needed! A bigger concern here is taking care to top up your sunscreen every once in a while. Many opt for swimwear with shoulder coverage, or even sleeves, especially if you’re fair-skinned. You’ll even see the locals’ faces smeared with thick sunscreen paste or zinc oxide, a natural, ocean-friendly barrier to the sun’s rays. Take care of your skin, surfers. Okay, lecture over. Luckily for us in Cabarete, rainy season isn’t really a concern. Sure, it’s less likely to rain in the summer months, but the weather here can be unpredictable. Showers can happen at any time, and they’re usually short downpours which break into sunshine. In short, the rain in Cabarete won’t ruin your day. You may have heard of hurricane season in the Caribbean. This is not really an issue in Cabarete because we are protected from most major storms by our mountain ranges, including the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. Hurricanes avoid high and large land masses, so the storms tend to ‘bounce’ away from us. Storms are usually only ever good news for surfers, as the northerly swells bring consistently strong waves that pack a punch! When to come? As I mentioned, Encuentro has great waves for beginners all year round. High season in Cabarete is December to around June, so the town is full of bustle. Very different vibe in low season, much more chill. Surfer’s choice! If you’re an intermediate surfer looking to improve your skills, then the May to October reliable waves will be perfect for you. The winter swell builds from November to January, and peaks from January to April. If you’re an expert surfer hunting massive overhead waves, then this is your time. To Cabarete and beyond! As well as carving up the waves at Encuentro, you can test out the waters in nearby El Canal, Mananero and Sosua Bay. These are all great quality surf spots, though less consistent than Encuentro. But, still, it can be fun to mix it up a little! Mananero is best very early in the morning, as surf conditions go awry with any wind. A nice summer surf spot. If you head east down the coast, you’ll find Rio San Juan, Playa Grande and Preciosa. All good spots if you like to adventure out of town a bit further. To refuel, there will usually be Dominican restaurants or informal ‘comedors’ around nearby serving tasty chicken, rice and beans. Note that not everywhere will have board rentals, so be prepared if you want to wander outside town. Surf culture is pretty prevalent in Cabarete. You’ll see a good few surf-themed shops and restaurants, while you’re here, so don’t miss out on this side of local culture. Check out our Lesson in Surf Slang article to prepare for that post-sesh surfer chat on the beach! You’ll be getting pitted in no time.
Cabarete – A Runner’s Dream
Running in Cabarete is magical. The trick is to wake up before the heat sets in – which is not that early, only 6:15 or so. I don’t think there exists a more ideal temperature to run in. Warm enough that you don’t have to start with a long sleeve on but also hot and humid enough that when you sweat, you feel like you are working. At 6:15, Cabarete is still waking up–motorcycles and cars aren’t yet flying down the road. That wouldn’t matter anyway though because the eXtreme hotel, where I am living on Kite Beach, is located next to a somewhat hidden running path – a runner’s dream! The path is a dirt road that is located 10-20 meters past the bus station where people wait to go to work west towards Sosua. The path rarely has any traffic–I have only seen a moto a couple of the many times I have run it. As someone coming from the northeast of America, it almost feels cliché how perfectly tropical it is. The path runs parallel to the ocean shore so as you run, the entire time you see flashes of the picturesque crashing turquoise waves. At this time of day, around 6:30am or so, the sunrise makes silhouettes of the palm trees. Even if you are not a runner, it is worth waking up, just to walk it once. You can chose to end the run at Encuentro beach. It is roughly 2.5 miles. A quick turn around and return to eXtreme Hotel makes it a solid 5-mile run. However, if you’re feeling up for it, you can take off your running sneakers and go for a refreshing morning swim or early surf. It is ideal for surfing because the wind speed is typically the lowest it will be all day and the crowds haven’t yet arrived. The ocean is your oyster! After a surf, swim, body surf, SUP, or whatever ocean activity you decide upon, you can wash your feet off at one of the various surf sheds along Encuentro and run back! Alternatively, if your surfing left you too tired to finish, you can always take a motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) back for 100 pesos.