Barbados

What makes Barbados a special destination for surfers?

We’ve got a bit of everything. We’ve got the lefts and the rights. We’ve got the famous wave, Soup Bowl, but also the best waves to learn how to surf on. And for the more adventurous tourists, we even have these novelty spots that the locals don’t even touch. Brandon’s is the premier left on the island, but you can also go up to North Point, which can be just as fun as anywhere down the coast, with rights and lefts, and you’re guaranteed to be surfing alone. We are accepting of new people in the lineup, as well. It’s pretty mellow in the water, and the water’s always warm. Barbados is just a good experience overall, and people really enjoy surfing here.

What kind of waves can visiting surfers expect?

I’m probably biased, but I’ve traveled everywhere and Soup Bowl is the funnest wave I have ever surfed. There’s an easy channel to paddle out in, but it’s a bit more for the advanced surfer. Then we’ve got Freight Bay, which is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. It’s a really gentle wave to paddle into, with an easy entry/exit to the break, and you get that little added bonus of surfing with the turtles, which will come right up next to you.

What’s the vibe?

The vibe is generally welcoming. You might have one or two grumpy locals that are being greedy and aggressive, but more often than not, we are calm, we love a chat, and we are happy to share what we have here in Barbados. If you take your time, wait your turn, catch a couple waves on the shoulder and then go out to the peak, you will be welcomed and you’ll see that we’re a really lovely people. I remember when I first started traveling, things felt a bit off, like, “Why is no one being friendly and saying, hello, how are you?” I just couldn’t figure it out [laughs].

What should surfers bring?

You don’t ever need anything too big in the way of step-ups. You can usually ride your standard shortboard at Soup Bowl, or Brandon’s if it’s good enough. I also love having a 2+1 round-nose fish for the waves on the south and west coasts that are a bit smaller and not as powerful. If I’m not competing, I’m riding my fish 50% of the time. And maybe bring a mid-length, as well, just in case you wanna ride the little waves at Freights. But more often than not, a shortboard and something alternative is all you need.

When is the best time to score?

Fall is best for Soup Bowl, but it breaks throughout the year. Brandon’s and the waves on the other side of the island are better the first six months of the year, which aligns with our tourist season. I love to see other people enjoying our waves because, at the end of the day, we are a tourist destination and that's how we make our money. Everybody in Barbados understands that our livelihood is affected by the tourists, so we want them to enjoy this place so they’ll keep coming back.

What else is there to do when you’re not surfing?

Oh, so many good things! There’s fresh springs on the east coast, and on the west coast the sunset catamaran tours are amazing. E-bike tours along the coast are a good way to see a lot of the island, and for the more active people, there are Sunday morning hikes every week, and they’re different every time. Snorkel the shipwreck off Carlisle Bay. My favorite place to get drinks and dinner on the South Coast is Cocktail Kitchen in St. Lawrence Gap, which has a really nice rooftop bar, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Also, do the Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour and test the rums, because we’re the ones that invented it! Or you could just get a rum punch and swim with the turtles, and that’s kind of all you need.

What’s your favorite local cuisine?

If I had to choose my last meal ever, it would be flying fish and macaroni pie. It is my absolute favorite. So, if I’m surfing Soup Bowl all day, I always go to Sea View for lunch. I love that place. The lady that owns it, Lily, makes the best lunches, and you can get cheap beers. It’s on top of the hill at Parlour and overlooks the whole east coast. It’s the first place I take people to eat when they visit.

Where can people learn to surf?

Barry Banfield has Barry’s Surf School and Christian Boos has Boosy’s Surf School. I really like Boosy’s, though, because he’s just the most positive, surf-stoked person you’ll ever talk to in a lineup. He can surf for eight hours straight and will be laughing and shouting people into waves the whole time. Yeah, [laughs] the Boosy experience is pretty unique.

What are some things people should be aware of when it comes to local culture and customs?

Always say good morning and goodnight, thank you and no thank you. That goes a long way. Some tourists get freaked out by pushy people trying to sell things. But if you just say, “Thank you, not today. I’m all right,” and treat them like a person instead of just shooing them away, they’ll actually disappear quicker. And their feelings won’t be hurt. Respect is a huge thing here. But we’re generally a kind people. If you need a helping hand or directions, you can ask whoever is nearest and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Any other local tips?

Cover up when going into businesses. We’re a very old, traditional place where you’ve gotta put the shirt and shoes on when heading into the supermarket. We’re an extremely safe island, but still keep your wits about you at nighttime. And look people in the eye when talking to them. I feel the safest when I’m looking confidently at someone.