Puerto Rico - A Short Trip Away

by MITCH KAUFMANN

A Short Trip Away - With freezing temperatures and small surf, the Jax Beach surf scene is slower than the Post Office at Christmas.

This is the time to take advantage of those airline specials, and get the heck out of Dodge!

Puerto Rico, referred to as the “East Coast’s answer to Hawaii,” is a great place to visit to escape the cold and catch some island-quality barrels. It’s quick to get there and very affordable.

With all the cold fronts passing through, Puerto Rico has seen a lot of good surf already this year, with lots more to come until March.

The little town of Rincon (Spanish for “corner”) is like Hawaii’s famous North Shore. All the famous surf spots of the area are found along a tiny stretch of the west coastline about two miles long.

At one end is Tres Palmas. Like Hawaii’s Waimea Bay, Tres holds the biggest waves — up to 40 feet — but only breaks during the rare massive swells.

Traveling down the coast from Tres are such spots as Dogmans, Maria’s (home of the 1968 World Contest), Indicators, Domes, Pools, and finally Sandy Beach.

You can walk this entire stretch in less than an hour and paddle in some of the best surf you’ll ever see.

Puerto Rico offers waves for all ability levels, and has enough nightlife to keep your non-surfing companions happy as well.

Dennis Rich moved to Rincon from Jacksonville Beach in the early ’80s and has lived there with his wife Carol ever since.

His surfing ability and diplomacy has earned him the status of “unofficial mayor”, a standing he’s had for over 20 years.

Last March, at age 50, Dennis was photographed on the largest wave ever caught in the Caribbean, estimated to be 50-feet in height.

Dennis and Carol have several rental places that Jax locals have been staying in for many seasons, located just a walk away from the best breaks.

If you’re interested, check them out at http://www.poolsbeach.com.

Hawaii is pricey and a long flight; Central America is better in the summer, thus making Puerto Rico the place to go for a quick trip to escape the cold.