Considering it’s position next to wave-drenched Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic should have a much longer history and established surf culture. It has managed to duck the spotlight and remain relatively low-key until recently, as north coast hotspots are now getting swamped by surfers from the US, Puerto Rico, Europe and a growing local contingent. The Amber Coast extends along the central, north-facing part of the island, picking up the constant N-E swells, either wind generated or from North Atlantic frontal and pressure systems. Either way, its hard to avoid the wind, which blows hard from the NE or E most days from 10am or sometimes even earlier, resulting in towns like Cabarete becoming world-class kite and windsurfing centres.
When to Go
Between November and March, 2-15ft N swells arrive from lows located off Florida. Early winter is usually good despite regular rain which diminishes before the trade winds pick-up from mid-January. Prevailing winds are either side of E all year-round, getting super strong in winter, so surf early before the trades kick in. Hurricanes and SE windswells awaken the south coast, mainly through the summer months. Tidal range remains under 0.6m.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
N -NE |
N -NE |
NE -E |
NE -E |
N -E |
N -NE |
swell size (ft) |
3-4 |
3 |
1-2 |
1 |
3 |
3-4 |
consistency (%) |
80 |
65 |
30 |
30 |
60 |
75 |
dominant wind |
NE -E |
NE -NE |
NE -SE |
NE -E |
NE -SE |
NE -E |
average force |
F4 |
F4 |
F4 |
F4 |
F4 |
F4 |
consistency (%) |
79 |
76 |
89 |
81 |
84 |
79 |
water temp (C) |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
wetsuit |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
|