Regular surfing (as opposed to windsurfing) is becoming more and more popular here in Cabarete and the rest of the island. OK, conditions are not like the legend surfing spots like Hawaii but the country does have more than decent surf. Here we describe some of the best spots on the island.

Playa Encuentro: This break is the locals favorite. It is also the home of the Encuentro Classic Surf Competition. Located a convenient 6 kilometers (4 miles) from Cabarete towards Sosua, Encuentro is fairly consistent with a clean left and right break. In the winter the waves can reach up to 3-4 meters (10-12 ft.) over head.

Playa Canal: Only a few meters from Encuentro, Canal is good when Encuentro closes out. Given that Playa Canal can be dangerous on big days, this break is for skilled surfers only.

Playa Grande: Heading west of Cabarete towards a town called Rio San Juan, Playa Grande is a popular spot for surfers and tourists.

Playa Preciosa: A few minutes down the road from Playa Grande is Playa Preciosa. According to a local Dominican surfer, Preciosa is the most consistent in the area with a left and right break.

The South Coast: The tranquil Caribbean Sea is generally not the best place for a surf. Still, the South maintains a few decent spots such as Playa Los Patos, Guebea in Santo Domingo, and Playa Baorucco in Barahona. In fact, Alex Ventura, the well-known Dominican who shapes his own "Ventura" surf boards, is based in the capital.

When to surf: Spring is the best time to surf in the Dominican Republic. Generally this is when the waves are the most consistent. Nevertheless, by the middle to the end of December when the sun has once again emerged in full force it seems as if everyone has got a surfboard under their arm and a Beach Boys song in their head.

When not to surf: May and July are mostly flat and the end of November and beginning of December are too rainy.

Time of Day: The ideal time is in the early morning before the trade winds kick in, it is glassy, and the waves break cleaner and with more force.

Why surf in the Dominican Republic? The country flaunts an average water temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) so there is no need whatsoever for a wetsuit. The air temperature is on average in the high 20¹s Celsius (80 degrees Farenheit), so unless it is rainy rest assured the sun will be shining. The country¹s absence of dangerous sharks is also a big bonus.

Another essential ingredient to great surfing in the Dominican Republic is attitude. Markus Böhm, a local who leads daily surf excursions for beginners with his company Surf Safari, believes that surfing in the Dominican Republic compared to other places has a much friendlier vibe. Unless you disregard standard surfing protocol the only attitude you will get here is a positive one.

Lastly, the Dominican Republic is tourist-friendly, fairly inexpensive, and home to fun-loving people who dance the meringue, drink lots of rum, and are quick to smile and offer assistance.