Summer season is upon us here in the Dominican Republic, which means the afternoon trade winds start blowing like clock work at around midday.
More and more people are interested in our learn to kitesurf packages. We have created a package that incorporates the pleasant stay at Swell Surf camp in comfortable rooms, healthy fresh breakfasts, 4 dinners and kite surf lessons on Cabarete’s Bozo beach at the best kitesurf school in Cabarete. They have IKO qualified kite surf instructors working for them and teach with the latest 2015 kitesurf gear.
What else is new in Cabarete? The 2015 Cabarete kitesurfing world cup is taken off the agenda unfortunately due to logistical / organisational difficulties. It’s a real shame since for most of the kite surf pro’s Cabarete is their favorite PKRA stop on the world tour. Hopefully the world cup will be back next year for some spectacular action.
SUMMER PRICES
If you are interested in a Kite & Surf holiday in Cabarete this summer we have good news, we have drastically reduced our rates for the summer. Have a look on the pricing page, or send Clare a message to get a price and availability quote today.
SURF CAMP REVIEWS
190 Tripadvisor reviews, Frommers recommends Swell as one of the top 10 surf camps in the world, and Lonely Planet wrote the following about us:
In the popular kids vacation weeks, christmass, summer holiday we are also open for familiy surf holidays to join Swell.
Ready to buy your first surfboard? read our guide on choosing your first surfboard
We get a lot of questions via email from people that want to know how to get to us, so here’s more info on where Swell is and how to get here.
FLIGHTS TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Any easy and quick way to check the various routes is via Kayak and Hipmunk.com
Keep in mind that not all airlines choose to display their routes via those sites. JetBlue, which has direct flights to Puerto Plata and Santiago from New York and Boston (thanks for the Swell surf camp mention Boston Globe)
AIRPORTS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The best (closest) airport to fly into is Puerto Plata (airport code POP). It`s only 25 minutes away from us with direct daily flights from New York (JetBlue and Continental airlines) or Miami (American Airlines). There are also a ton of charter flights that come in from all major airports in the US, Canada and Europe. Transfers to and from POP are included in each package. Another option is to fly into Santiago airport (airport code STI but make sure it`s Santiago de los Caballeros or you might end up in Chile). Flying into STI adds $150 USD round trip to the transfers (this is per taxi, not per person). Santiago is a little bit further away, but still a very manageable 1 hour and 15 minutes by taxi. Flying into SDQ adds $365 USD round trip to the transfers (again, price is per taxi, not per person).
COMMON DIRECT FLIGHTS TO PUERTO PLATA
From / via New York, USA
If you come from New York or are flying via New York ( lots of Europeans do), Continental, JetBlue and United Airlines fly directly into Puerto Plata. Check for their services into STI and SDQ too; they are often cheaper, but bear in mind the extra taxi costs noted above.
From / via Miami, USA:
American Airlines has a direct, short flight to Puerto Plata from Miami
From / via Toronto, Canada:
WestJet, Sunwing & Air Canada have direct flights to Puerto Plata from Toronto
From / via Montreal, Canada:
Sunwing & Air Canada have direct flights to Puerto Plata from Montreal
From / via the UK:
Thomsons has direct flights to Puerto Plata from both Gatwick and Manchester
From / via Amsterdam, The Netherlands:
Arkefly has a direct flight to Puerto Plata from Amsterdam
From / via Dusseldorf, Germany:
Airberlin has a direct flight to Puerto Plata from Dusseldorf and a couple of other German airports.
From / via Frankfurt, Germany:
Condor has a direct flight to Puerto Plata from Frankfurt
From / via Paris, France:
Air France has a direct flight to Santo Domingo (SDQ) from Paris
There are two more airports in the Dominican Republic; AZS (Samana) and PUJ (Punta Cana). AZS has some limited services but is 2.5 hours from Cabarete. Punta Cana has many flights, but we do not see this point of entry as viable as the journey by road to Cabarete is 7 hours each way. Use search engines like Hipmunk.com and Kayak.com – but bear in mind, some airlines, like Jet Blue, will not let their flights show on some ticket searching websites.
Need more help? send us a message and we will point you in the right direction.
Cabarete was put on the map a few decades ago as a windsurfing spot, and it still is a very popular place in the Caribbean for windsports like sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. However Cabarete has more to offer than wind sports, it’s in fact the mornings where the trade winds are not present that surfing is the most popular sport for expats, local dominicans and tourist of all different surfing levels.
Ideal Conditions!
WHY GO ON A SURF TRIP TO CABARETE?
The Dominican Republic is not known for the biggest or longest waves in the world, but 1 feature that makes the DR such a popular spot for surfers is that it caters for 99% of the surfers: from complete beginners to experts surfers.
The other aspects that make Playa Encuentro such a unique surf spot is the consistency of the waves, we have no ‘off’ season, on 350 days per year there’s a surf able wave to be found at Playa Encuentro.
THE SURF SPOTS IN AND AROUND CABARETE
Playa Encuentro
Is about 4 km ( 2,5 miles) west of Cabarete. It’s the most consistent surf spot for surfers in the mornings, several different surf spots for different surfing abilities. See More info about Surfing Cabarete on this page
The bottom is a flat limestone rock, reef, so we provide surf booties for our beginners. For forecasts check magicseaweed, windguru and the webcam at kitebeach for current conditions
Kitebeach
Good surf spot for good surfers, if you don’t mind the distant paddle out, and the shallow reef with fire coral. Only good on North Swells. Bring a good leash.
Mananero
Punchy beach break a few miles east of Cabarete, best in summer months, and when there’s zero wind.
BEST SURF EUIPMENT FOR CABARETE / ENCUENTRO
What is the best equipment for surfing in Cabarete?
Standard shortboard or longboard will do, for winter months or hurricane season maybe bring something that can handle some bigger waves. For summer months bring a board with a bit of extra volume, so it floats you trough the flat sections.
SWELL AND SURFING
We, the owners of Swell, are avid surfers ourselves, and love the variety of surf conditions that the Cabarete area brings. Reef breaks, beach breaks, offshore empty reefs, the North coast of the Dominican republic has something to offer for everyone. Are you interested in a surf holiday in the Dominican republic? Check out our surfing package holidays
Here in the Dominican Republic, the surf season is in full swing, we had a great xmass and new years with another full camp of people learning to surf.
Some days with sizable surf in the overhead + range, but also plenty of days with clean and glassy surf conditions in the 2-3 foot range, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers at Playa Encuentro
Aaron, our ISA qualified head Surf coach has been taking lots of pictures for our clients, and his picture package (40 USD) is in high demand.
NEW SURF INSTRUCTOR
A new surf instructor has arrived.
A first for Swell: Charlie is the first qualified Surf instructor at Swell from New Zealand.
From the cool surf town of Ragland, he is a superb surfer with year of surf instruction under his belt.
Loves to play his acoustic guitar and is also up for a party in Cabarete once every while.
Here’s some picture of what’s been going on at the #1 Surf Camp in the Caribbean in the month of January
Interested in joining us in the Dominican Republic?
We have some spaces left fro February and March, so if you want to you Swell for an incredible surf holiday, send Clare an email today.
So you’ve have had your first experience of riding waves and standing up on a surfboard and you want to take things to the next level, getting your own surfboard to continue surfing at home or to take on another surf trip.
Too much choice?
Off you go to your nearest surf shop, or perhaps you’re looking online: You’re full of enthusiasm with the thought of treating yourself to a lovely new board.
But you are confronted with an overwhelming sight: 400 different types of surfboards, in all different shapes and sizes! Picking the right board might not be quite such an easy task after all and the pressure to make the right choice and avoid an expensive mistake can be stressful!
We see far too many people go and buy a ‘standard‘ short board, thinking ‘all good surfers are riding them, so it must be the right surfboard for me too’. The reason why many people end up buying a shortboard (too early) is that the experts make surfing on a short board look so easy; definitely a lot easier than getting through the lineup with a bigger and heavier board. In reality, many of those guys and gals who look so cool carrying a teeny-weeny shortboard around, aren’t actually catching any waves!
So…….
“What’s the right surfboard for me?”
One of the most important aspects when buying a new surfboard is to be totally honest with yourself about your fitness level and surfing ability. Getting on shortboard too early is not going to make your progress quicker at surfing, quite the contrary; you will find it a lot harder to catch the waves with a board that doesn’t have the correct volume to float you properly.
“If you can’t catch the wave, you ain’t going to improve your riding”
Catching lots of waves is the key to making good progress.
Below we have highlighted some of the more common surfboard shapes and talk you through each of their individual characteristics.
TOW BOARD
The tow in board started to appear in video’s with Laird Hamilton riding monster waves in Hawaii; their general use is uncommon. Characteristics: Small, with foot-straps to stay in contact with the board in heavy chop. Lenght: 4’8 to 6’2′ Fins: 3 or 4 fin setup Good for: Expert surfers, who want to get towed into very big waves. At Swell: We do not have tow in boards at Swell. Jet ski’s and motorised watercraft are not allowed near Cabarete bay or Playa Encuentro
FISH SURFBOARD
Originally the fish was used in the 60’s and 70’s but the design made a come-back in recent years. Characteristics: Short (usually ridden 6 or so inches less than a standard shortboard), also wide and reasonably thick, so relatively good amount of volume. Has a ‘swallow tail’ Length: 5’2 to 6’4′ Fins: 2 big ‘keel’ fins or 4 fins Good for: Surfers who want an alternative way of riding waves. The fish is renowned for use in smaller, mushier waves, but can also be great in larger waves. They tend to have more volume than a regular shortboard, so it makes paddling easier and getting into the wave easier too. At Swell: We have a couple of fish boards at Swell in our rental pool, they work well in the mellow summer waves & as an alternative to a longboard.
SHORTBOARD
The standard shortboard evolved from the fish surfboards in the 80’s when Simon Anderson invented the 3 fin thruster set up Characteristics: Versatile board that works in a variety of waves. Quick to maneuver and generates speed very fast Length: 5’8 to 6’8′ Fins: 3 fin or 4 fin (quad) set up Good for: Advanced surfers who want to perform speedy, sharp bottom turns and ‘off the lip’ manuevers + many more tricks. At Swell: We have a couple of standard shortboards in the rental pool between 6’4′ and 6’8′ for advanced surfers. Works best in winter time when the waves are bigger and have more power.
HYBRID
‘In-between board’ for people that want the maneuverability of a shortboard, but the wave catching ability of a bigger board. Good all-round board or a board to narrow the gap between a bigger board and a shortboard Characteristics: Scaled up version of the standard shortboard, wider and with more volume to make paddling/wave catching easier. Lenght: 6’6′ to 7’2 Good for: People who want to make the transition to a shorter board; intermediates. At Swell: We have some hybrid surfboards in our rental pool.
MINI GUN (OR STEP UP)
Bigger boards for bigger waves. Characteristics: Longer than a shortboard, narrower and normally a round or pin tail for speed. Length: 6’6 to 8’0 Good for:Surfers who want to get barrelled in fast and big waves. Mostly used in Australia, Hawaii and Indonesia At Swell: We have one 6’6′ step up, but it rarely gets used.
EGG
Popular design from the 60’s and 70’s; looks like a mini-mal but is more performance-orientated. Characteristics: Narrower in the nose than a mini-mal and usually also has less volume Length: 7’6 to 8’2′ Fins: 1 or 3 Good for: Surfers who want a more retro-surfing experience At Swell: We have one egg in our rental pool.
MINI MAL
Smaller version of the longboard, little less volume Characteristics: A bit less ‘glide’ than a longboard, but more maneuverability Length: 7’6 to 8’2′ Good for: Cruisey-style of surfing for slow & small waves At Swell: We have a large range of mini-mals at Swell, from NSP and Torq Surfboards, and they fit the surfing conditions of Playa Encuentro perfectly.
LONGBOARD
The original 60’s longboard is still very popular. For learning, these boards have more volume and are covered in a soft EVA deck, for safety and added volume. Characteristics: Great wave-catching ability, long glides, work best in waves that are not too steep Length: 9’0 to 9;6
DIFFERENT LONGBOARD SHAPES
Good for: Surfers who are after a long, cruisey-glide; this is a board that catches a lot of waves At Swell: We have several long boards in our rental pool, from high performance boards to beginner soft-tops in the 9’0 range.
BIG WAVE GUN (aka. RHINO CHASER)
A scaled-up version of the mini-gun Characteristics: Very long & narrow Length: 9’0 to 11’6 Good for: Surfers who want to catch the biggest waves without the help of a jet ski, then this is the board you need. It is strictly speaking a long board but should not to be mistaken for the kind of longboard most people would want: Just because it’s long does not make it a good board for learning to surf, or for those cruisey-rides in small surf. At Swell: No need for a big wave gun at Swell, the waves in the Dominican Republic never get the size that a board like this is needed
Conclusion: There is no one-size-fits-all for surfboards.
To make sure that you buy the right surfboard: talk to a couple of different surf shop owners or local surfboard shapers, and be honest about your goals and current skill set. Renting a board (or borrowing from a friend) is also a good way of finding out if the board is right for you.
To get a guide on what is the right amount of volume for your next surfboard, check this chart
At Swell, we have a large variety of surfboards, so Swell clients can change boards during their stay and experience the different feel of each surfboard.
More information on our surfboards can be found here.
QUESTIONS
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HOW DO FIN SETUPS AFFECT SURFBOARD PERFORMANCE?
Different fin setups dramatically impact how a surfboard performs in the water. Single fin setups (common on longboards and eggs) provide smooth, flowing rides with less drag but limited maneuverability. The classic 3-fin thruster setup, invented by Simon Anderson in the 1980s, offers the best balance of control, speed, and maneuverability for most conditions. Fish boards typically use either 2 large "keel" fins or a 4-fin setup, which provides speed and drive in smaller waves. Quad (4-fin) setups generate more speed and work well in both small and large waves, while offering a looser, more skateboard-like feel compared to thrusters.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER USING A MINI-GUN OR STEP-UP SURFBOARD?
A mini-gun or step-up surfboard (6'6" to 8'0") is designed for bigger waves and more challenging conditions. These boards are longer than shortboards but narrower, typically featuring a round or pin tail for increased speed and control. They're primarily used by experienced surfers in locations with fast, powerful waves like Australia, Hawaii, and Indonesia. If you're surfing consistently overhead waves with significant power, a step-up board can provide the stability and paddle power needed for these conditions.
WHAT MAKES LONGBOARDS BETTER FOR LEARNING TO SURF THAN SHORTBOARDS?
Longboards (9'0" to 9'6") are superior for learning because they offer exceptional wave-catching ability and stability due to their high volume and length. Unlike shortboards that require precise technique and timing, longboards provide a forgiving platform that allows beginners to focus on fundamental skills like paddling, positioning, and standing up. The extra foam and surface area make it easier to catch waves in various conditions, and the stable platform reduces the learning curve significantly. Many learning-focused longboards also feature soft EVA deck padding for added safety and comfort during the learning process.
SHOULD I BUY OR RENT A SURFBOARD WHEN STARTING OUT?
Renting or borrowing surfboards is highly recommended when starting out, as it allows you to experience different board types and find what works best for your style and ability level. Visit multiple surf shops and speak with experienced surf shop owners or local shapers - be honest about your goals and current skill set. This hands-on approach helps you avoid expensive mistakes and ensures you choose the right board when you're ready to purchase. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for surfboards, so testing different options is crucial.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SURFBOARD VOLUME IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The right surfboard volume depends on your weight, fitness level, and surfing ability. Higher volume boards provide better flotation and wave-catching ability, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Lower volume boards offer more maneuverability but require better technique and fitness. When choosing a board, prioritize catching lots of waves over looking cool with a smaller board - wave count is key to improving your surfing skills.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHORTBOARD AND A FISH SURFBOARD?
A shortboard (5'8" to 6'8") is the standard performance board that evolved from fish surfboards in the 1980s. It features 3 or 4 fins and is designed for advanced surfers wanting quick maneuverability and speed. A fish surfboard (5'2" to 6'4") is typically ridden 6 inches shorter than a standard shortboard but is wider and thicker with more volume. Fish boards have a distinctive swallow tail and work exceptionally well in smaller, mushier waves while being easier to paddle than regular shortboards.
WHAT TYPE OF SURFBOARD SHOULD A BEGINNER CHOOSE?
Beginners should choose a longboard (9'0" to 9'6") or mini-mal (7'6" to 8'2") with high volume and stability. These boards offer excellent wave-catching ability and are often covered in soft EVA deck material for safety. The key is being honest about your fitness level and surfing ability - avoid the temptation to buy a shortboard too early, as insufficient volume will make it much harder to catch waves and slow your progression. Remember: if you can't catch the wave, you won't improve your riding.
WHAT WAVE CONDITIONS WORK BEST FOR DIFFERENT SURFBOARD TYPES?
Each surfboard type is optimized for specific wave conditions. Fish surfboards excel in smaller, mushier waves where their width and volume help generate speed, though they can also perform well in larger surf. Shortboards work best in steeper, more powerful waves that allow for quick, sharp maneuvers and high-performance surfing. Longboards and mini-mals are ideal for smaller, less steep waves where their glide and wave-catching ability shine. Mini-guns and step-ups are specifically designed for bigger, faster waves where extra length provides the paddle power and speed needed to catch and ride powerful surf safely. Hybrid boards offer versatility across a wider range of conditions, making them excellent all-around choices.
WHAT IS A HYBRID SURFBOARD AND WHO SHOULD USE IT?
A hybrid surfboard (6'6" to 7'2") is an "in-between board" that combines the maneuverability of a shortboard with the wave-catching ability of a larger board. It's essentially a scaled-up version of a standard shortboard - wider with more volume to make paddling and wave catching easier. Hybrid boards are perfect for intermediate surfers wanting to transition from a larger board to a shortboard, offering a good all-around performance.
ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Located on the scenic north coast of the Dominican Republic is our purpose-built surf resort
We cater for surfers of all levels, from beginners to expert surfers who are looking for an active surf holiday
Swell offers full surf packages holidays
If you have any questions about this article, send us an email with your thoughts, and feel free to share it on your favourite social media site.
We at Swell have a love/hate relationship with Tripadvisor, what started out as a great idea: real reviews by real guests quickly got abused and turned into: Fake reviews by hotel owners. Swell has had a few fake reviews over the year from competitors. Since it’s hard to get a hold of anyone at Tripadvisor to talk to about these issues, we gave up on actively promoting tripadvisor and switched to sites like google + , or facebook.
The last few weeks we had some very nice reviews on tripadvisor from real guests like the one below.
SO, you’ve probably read tons of reviews already. I’m the kind of person that is incertain of ease of making friends easily with strangers, but I read so many reviews on Swell Surf Camp that I decided to give it a go.
First thing that happens when you land in Dominican Republic is that a cool driver waits with a paper with your name on it. Starts pretty nicely.
Then, you arrive at Swell and the lovely Haudy welcomes you and then the people that stays at Swell welcomes you. You unpack your stuff and grab a beer (if you’re like me).
Now starts the good part, the place is CLEAN, looks better than the pictures and people are super friendly. There will be at least one party person to be your drinking partner, that’s for sure.
On your first morning, you wake up super early, Michel the awesome taxi driver picks you up and trash talk with the surf instructors.
You end up on an awesome beach and then the dream begins. Learning surf is HARD. But other people want to learn and it’s the best atmosphere. Instructors are cool and will go party with you at night.
The free dinners are super awesome, and the free breakfast are pretty awesome too! Both cooks are lovely and will make your craziest meals made from eggs, ham and cheese. Try to beat my 8 different ones.
I made lifelong friends with people from USA, Canada, Switzerland, UK, Australia and even local Dominicans. It was my best trip ever and I’ve travelled A LOT.
Special mention to Norm who beat Brianna at pool, Ken who’s living the dream, Haudy who was the best, Moriah and Sadie who helped me become better at surfing, Aaron, Jack and Neno who made me a surfer, Elisa who was super cute, Selina who didn’t have facebook, Alex who bailed so hard and always stood up, Michele and Piera who were the cutest couple around, Ramone who made me the best domino player around, Cameron who was my Canadian drinking partner, Maja who we called MAHA !!! And all of those who I forget to mention who made this trip my best trip ever.
Oh and the rum is super cheap and doesn’t give hangovers, how couldn’t you like that place?[/quote]
Or another review from Steph, titled “Better than advertised”
[quote]I found Swell Surf Camp after looking for an all inclusive place where I could learn to surf. The best thing about Swell is that the accommodation is part of Swell, run by Swell, not a hostel or hotel that they have a pricing deal with. A very short walk in to Cabarete’s shops and bars right on the beach and a yummy local chicken BBQ place ($4 for dinner!). Everything is really well organised and everyone there is so friendly. The instructors join in breakfast and dinner with everyone and just make everyone feel part of the group. I am going back for my second trip this November and am waiting for their Costa Rica camp to open in the next year!![/quote]
Whilst we enjoy reading these experiences, since clearly these guests had a great time at Swell. We prefer that our guests spread the word via Facebook instead of Tripadvisor.
Enough of the Tripadvisor rant: we still have a few spaces open for September and October, so if you are interested in a learn to surf holiday , shoot us an email
What’s new at Swell Surf Camp?
Summer is coming to an end in Cabarete, it’s been one of the best summer’s we have ever had. Superb wind for the kitesurfers and excellent waves for the surfers throughout the whole of the summer. Swell also had one of it’s busiest summers; most weeks were completely sold out, and as a result the social vibes have been great. Lots of parties, communal dinners at Swell or our in town.
Most of the clients that come to Swell have never surfed before and choose to Learn with us. Why? We are not the cheapest surf school in Cabarete, but most of our clients realise that you get what you pay for.
We use safe soft top boards for the first few days of lessons. We provide good surf booties and rash guards. Besides the lessons we gave on the beach, we also provide theory lessons at the camp for more background on topics such as:
Safety briefing
Where to sit in the line up
Rip currents ( there’s none at Encuentro but at most other surf spots around the world there are)
Surfer’s etiquette ( don’t drop in, priority rules etc.)
Board designs and accessories.
How waves are formed.
Most other surf schools and surf camps just focus on 2-3 days of lessons to make sure that the client manages to stand up on a board at least once. At Swell we want to make sure that when you leave the Dominican Republic you can not only stand up on a surfboard, but continue your surfing career at your local beach in a safe and fun manner.
SURF HOLIDAY
What does a normal surf day at Swell look like when you are on the learn to surf holiday
Get up at 6.30 for the first morning session.
Quick cup of fresh coffee
Taxi takes you from Swell to Playa Encuentro.
Surf lessons or session until 9 at Playa Encuentro.
taxi ride back to Swell
Delicious fresh cooked breakfast at Swell.
Relax for a bit.
Back to Playa Encuentro for a second surf session ( free surf with tips from the instructors)
12.30 back to Swell
Chill
Grab a lunch in town ( our clients love Gordito’s Fresh Mexican across the road from us)
If the conditions are very good and glassy we might go back for another surf for a sunset session.
Chill at Swell until dinner is served or go in town with the other clients for a nice bite to eat.
Maybe a few cold Presidente beers at one of the bars that’s within walking distance.
Back to Swell, good night sleep in comfortable beds.
Introduction
Cabarete is known worldwide as one of the kitesurfing meccas in the world. Many of the past and current pros on the world tour call Cabarete their home for 6 or more months of the year. Until 15 years ago, Cabarete was mostly known as the best place in the Caribbean for a windsurf holiday, but when kitesurfing started to take off in popularity around 2000-2001 many windsurfers converted to kitesurfing. Why? because kiteboarding is an exciting healthy watersport, and even though it looks like a difficult and dangerous sport, it is actually a relatively easy and safe sport to learn.Why do so many people choose Cabarete as the place to learn this new sport?
For kitesurfing to be enjoyable you need a steady ( not gusty) wind in the 15 to 25 knots range, which is exactly what Cabarete has. For safety a wind that is side onshore is also ideal ( so when something bad happens you float back to the shore safely) , which is what Cabarete has. Because kites used 22 meter ( or longer) lines you need a good amount of large open beaches, which is what Cabarete has.
WHERE TO KITESURF IN CABARETE
Cabarete kitesurfing 2 main and most known kitesurf spots are kitebeach and Cabarete’s main beach ( often called Bozo beach) Cabarete ( bozo) beach
The upwind half of the bay is more used by windsurfers, so if you are kitesurfing here, try to stay our of their way. Starting at Ocean One ( in the middle of the bay) the kitesurfing starts, since there’s no windshadow from the point. It’s a large open beach, easy to launch your kite. Good for riders of all levels. This is also the beach where most years the Cabarete kitesurf world cup is held. ( although cancelled unfortunately for 2014)
Dangers:Can get a heavy shorebreak in front Of Laurel Eastman kiteboarding school, if this is the case walk upwind and launch in easier conditions. Other dangers include Dominican riders showing off very close to the shore. 99% of them are world class and know what they are doing, just be careful with the odd one that doesn’t have the kite skills yet.
The locals guys showing their kiteboarding skills at Cabarete beach
Kitebeach
is located about 2 km ( 1+ mile) west of Cabarete, it’s a good kite spot since the water on the inside of the reef is pretty flat, which makes learning easy, for more experienced riders the waves on the reef are worldclass for wave riding and outside of the reef there’s tons of space for experienced riders.
Dangers: Inside the reef can get crowded. The reef is pretty shallow with urchins and fire coral which is pretty unpleasant if you touch it.
In summer ( july and August) the beach gets pretty small because of seasonal erosion so be careful with landing your kite.
Plenty of kite schools and places to rent kites from to be found here.
Playa Encuentro
is about 4 km ( 2,5 miles) west of Cabarete. It’s the most consistent surf spot for surfers in the mornings, but for kitesurfers that like waves, it’s also a popular spot to ride in the afternoon. Lots of kitesurfers take downwinders from bozo or kitebeach. There’s a few spots between kitebeach and Encuentro where you want to make sure you do NOT drop your kite, since there’s no beach, just very sharp rocks.
Dangers: Small place to land and launch your kite. Urchins on the reef are unpleasant. When doing a downwinder keep in mind that the wind is always 2-5 knots lighter at Encuentro.
No kite schools or rentals are found at Encuentro.
Martha (ex Swell manager) riding waves at Encuentro)
La Boca River mouth
6 km ( 4 miles) east of cabarete. A flat water rivermouth / lagoon. Ideal for flat water freestyle training. It’s a nice place to kitesurf when there’s only a few people there.
Dangers: lack of space, relatively small so a maximum of 3-4 riders at the same time.
KITESURF EQUIPMENT FOR CABARETE
What is the best equipment for kitesurfing in Cabarete?
When the tradewinds are present, expect the wind to start kicking in at around 1 in the afternoon, reach max strength at around 3. Average wind strength is around 18 knots, so for and average kiter that weighs 80 kilos (175 pounds) a kite size between 8 and 11 m2 will be most used. Type of kiteboard depends on your riding preference . There are a few kiteboards shops in Cabarete to replace something if it gets broken. Starkites and Bic Carib center are your best places to go to. Although the schools also sell kites , boards and accessories.
WIND FORECAST FOR CABARETE
We use windguru to forecast the wind for Cabarete. Windguru also has a good option to look at Historic wind conditions over the years, to see which months have the best wind average. Our experiences is that the following months have the best chances ( 75% of days with over 15 knots): June, July, August, December, Januari, Februari,March, April and May. the months of September and October vcan be a bit of hit and miss, since there could be some tropical hurricane activity somewhere far away over the atlantic that disrupts the tradewinds.
KITESURF SCHOOLS IN CABARETE
There are at least a dozen kite surf schools in Cabarete. One mistake that a lot of beginners make is to start shopping around for the cheapest kitesurf school. Some schools offers lessons that are half the price of other schools, why? Because they use dated and old equipment and the lessons are taught by unqualified instructors. In my opinion the oldest 3 schools in Cabarete are also the safest and best schools: Laurel eastman kitebaording( LEK), Kiteclub and Dare2Fly at Kitebeach.
SWELL AND KITESURFING
We ( the owners of Swell) love kitesurfing, we have been kitesurfing for over 10 years ( we learned in Cabarete) and we still love the riding conditions that cabarete offers,they are the best in the world. We have kitesurfed in lots of places around the world, but have yet to come across one town that offers such varied kite conditions as Cabarete does,
Swell is a surf camp, but we don’t just focus on surfing. A large part of our clients do a action sport combo package ; surf in the morning and learn to kitesurf in the afternoon. If you are interested in learning kiteboarding on your holiday, have a look at our kitesurf packages, or feel free to send us an email and ask us some questions.
More info on Swell website regarding kitesurfing in Cabarete:
We don’t think Swell Surf Camp is THE best Surf camp in the world, there’s no such thing as the best surf camp, since every person looking for a surf holiday has different criteria for judging what makes the best.
What we do claim is that we are
THE ONLY PURPOSE BUILT SURF CAMP
in the caribbean, and I think that that is one of the many things that sets Swell apart from other places in Cabarete.
Since we started 4,5 years ago a lot of places in Cabarete have tried to copy what we do, whilst other have just jumped on the bandwagon and have added the term ‘ surf camp’ to their name.
We had very specific demands for the building, a large social area that is integrated into the building for socializing, theory surf lessons, breakfasts and dinner. Swell Surf Camp did not start as individual apartment accommodation, bungalows or long term studio rentals for surfers, we started as a surf camp, and that is the only thing we do, and ever will do.
On that note, we have been looking at expanding our surf camp to keep up with demand, either in Cabarete or abroad in places like Costa Rica or Nicaragua. It’s not easy finding another place around the globe that has the benefits that Cabarete has:
Consistent surfable waves 350 days of the year.
Waves for surfers of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced surfers looking for barrels.
Easy to get to (Puerto Plata international airport is only 20 minutes away).
Has numerous good restaurants catering for all different kinds of budgets.
Offers great alternative activities besides surfing ( kite and windsurfing, canyoning, ziplining, Stand up paddle surfing).
A year round warm climate ( with warm water, no wetsuit is ever needed).
We have visited many places around the world in the last years to find a good alternative location, and there’s really only a handful of spots that we would consider building another surf camp. At the moment we are still orientating, so for now our Surf Camp in the Dominican Republic is your best bet for a one of a kind surf holiday.
It’s no longer mainstream to ride only high-performance shortboards. In fact, it’s no longer mainstream to ride anything mainstream. Today, at any given lineup you will, of course, find your standard shortboards, but you will also be met with a plethora of fun size crafts, grovelers, twin fins, stand up paddle boards, soft tops, and even foils. The recent eruption in popularity of the alternative surf craft has done wonders for the advancement of fun, which is what surfing is really all about.
There’s no point in trying to force your 6’0” leaned out thruster to go on a two-foot day. There’s no fun involved in stomping repeatedly down the face of a wave with your front foot, only to have the wave close out on you because you couldn’t make the section. Riding boards that are designed for the waves you’re actually riding will increase your fun levels tenfold, especially when you have the ideal board for your skill level.
LONGBOARD
A longboard is anything 9 feet and over. Traditionally, longboards have single fins, but now it is common to see longboards with a “two plus one” set up. Meaning two thruster style fins with a traditional large single fin in the middle.
Longboards are truly an every man’s tool. All surfers start out on them, they’re excellent for learning. But plenty of advanced surfers choose to ride longboards as well.
SKILL OF RIDER As previously mentioned, longboards are the perfect option for beginners. Ideally, a first-time surfer will start out on a soft top, and then progress to a traditional longboard. Longboards are also a great option for advanced surfers who enjoy cruisy rides and want to improve their style. Nothing is more stylish than a skillful long boarder cross stepping his or her way to the noise of their board.
OPTIMAL WAVE TYPE AND SIZE While a truly talented longboarder will take out their trusty log no matter if its 6 inches or 6 feet, most of us turn to longboards when the surf is just a bit too small for a traditional shortboard. Longboards make even the most petite swells enjoyable and riding a longboard (or any board that will increase your wave count) will help improve your understanding of wave mechanics.
WHAT TO EXPECT While riding a longboard, you can expect long, cruisy, drawn-out lines. You will also have the ability to catch and ride small waves that would otherwise be considered uncatchable.
LONGBOARD SURFING VIDEO
FUN SHAPE
Fun shape boards are called fun size for a reason, they make what would be otherwise dull surf amusing. A fun size board is high in volume, wide, and has thick rails. A fun size board stands anywhere from 6’6” to 8’6” in height. One of the most popular fun size shapes is the egg shape, which is often called the “mini-Malibu for its similarities to a longboard.
SKILL OF RIDER
Fun shape boards are a great option for beginner surfers who are looking to progress towards a smaller board. If you have mastered the popup and you can ride clean lines down the face of the wave, then a fun size board will be a great fit for you. Similar to longboards, fun shape boards will give intermediate and advanced surfers a thrill on relatively small days.
OPTIMAL WAVE TYPE AND SIZE
As stated earlier, fun size boards can make a relatively small wave day a lot of fun. That being said, there are a select number of surfers who ride mid-size boards on hollow, barreling days.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Fun size boards offer a similar feel to longboards, with a bit of added performance. Long cruisy rides are met with increased maneuverability that is made possible by the reduced length of the board. Fun size boards offer beginner surfers a chance to begin to learn to carve and turn in the same vein as you would on a shorter board, while still providing plenty of stability.
GROVELER
A groveler may appear to be just a standard shortboard, but upon closer inspection, you will find that a groveler is typically shorter and stubbier than the average high-performance shortboard. What this means is that while grovelers may be ridden at a reduced length, they have an increased width, thickness, and therefore more volume than normal shortboards.
SKILL OF RIDER
A groveler should be part of every surfer’s quiver, whether they are just starting out or they are a sponsored pro. Grovelers serve as a longboard replacement during the small waves of the summer season or any small day for that matter. The increased volume in a groveler allows the board to paddle easily and catch virtually any sized wave. Grovelers are also a great stepping stone for beginner/ intermediate surfers to advance their surfing. The high volume of a groveler will provide more stability than a high-performance shortboard, making them a valuable step in surf progression.
OPTIMAL WAVE TYPE AND SIZE
Grovelers excel in small waves. 2-4 feet is where you will get the most out of a groveler. Most grovelers are too thick to perform well on large waves with steep faces. There are a few exceptions of course if a groveler has a slight entry rocker and a thinned-out tail (such as the Hypto Krypto by Hayden Shapes) then they may be able to perform in larger surf.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As stated above, a groveler will make mushy, small surf more enjoyable. The increased volume allows you to catch more waves with ease. The relatively flat rocker of a groveler gives the board plenty of speed through flat/ closeout sections that would otherwise be difficult to get around. Grovelers will be a tad more cruisey than a high-performance shortboard but will still offer the necessary thrills of performance when the surf is less than ideal.
FUN SHAPE / MID LENGHT SURFING VIDEO
FISH
The fish is an immensely popular shape that has been around since the 1970s. Fishes have a few defining characteristics that separate them from normal shortboards or grovelers. The most notable characteristics of a fish are the wide swallowtail and the twin fin (often keels) set up. Fishes also tend to have a lot of volume under the chest and somewhat flat rockers.
SKILL OF RIDER
Like the groveler, the fish will bring an ample amount of fun to any surf session. The classically drawn outlines of the swallow-tailed twin fin are some of the most stylish in surfing, making fishes popular with intermediate and advanced surfers. That being said, the fish has similar characteristics to the groveler, making it an equally as viable option for progression for those beginner/ intermediate surfers who are looking to improve.
OPTIMAL WAVE TYPE AND SIZE
Similar to any groveler, a fish will turn any small day session into something to remember. Few surfers choose to ride fishes on large days, in part due to their large wide noises, which make steep drops challenging.
FISH SURFING VIDEO
WHAT TO EXPECT
On a fish, you can expect long cruisy lines, plenty of speed, and a loose, skatey feel. A fish may not be able to bank turns like a high-performance shortboard, but when they’re ridden well they sure are fun to watch.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE SHORTBOARD
High-performance shortboards vary in size from about 5’4” to 6’8.” They are designed for one thing and one thing only, to turn on a dime and make the absolute most out of the open face of a wave. A good high-performance shortboard will allow surfers to fit as many turns possible into a wave while maintaining speed and control.
SKILL OF RIDER
High-performance shortboards have thin rails, pointed noises, and low volume. They take time and patience to master, meaning that only advanced surfers will truly have a good time on them.
OPTIMAL WAVE TYPE AND SIZE
There needs to be a bit of size for a high-performance shortboard to truly shine. If the surfer is 4 feet or over, then it is time to grab your trusty shortboard.
WHAT TO EXPECT
High-performance shortboards are generally thin, with low rails, and rockered out. This gives them the ability to turn on a dime and carve up and down the face of a wave with ease. If you’re riding a high-performance shortboard for the first time, expect to work a lot to generate speed and set up each manoeuvre, but know that if you get that cut back just right, it will feel amazing.
WHAT SURFBOARD SHAPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
There is no right or wrong in the surfboard shape you choose, our advice is to try out the different surfboard shapes in various conditions and see which one suit your style and surfing ability best. Or don’t choose and mix and match boards to the right conditions or state of mind you are into. Some days are better for glide or speed, others are better for a high-performance approach. Whatever you do, make sure to have fun, since that is essentially what surfing comes down to.; putting a smile on your face.
At Swell, we have an extended surfboard rental pool for people that already know how to surf and don’t want to travel to the Dominican Republic with their surfboard. Our range exists of 25+ boards ranging from 5’10’ fishes to 9’6′ performance longboards and everything in between. Never surfed before? Have a look at the learn to surf and surf coaching packages we offer Surfboards for beginners we have too. Links and resources: Mollusk surfboards sell some of the best looking ‘alternative’ surfboards. Channel Islands is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance shortboards
QUESTIONS
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HOW DO FIN SETUPS AFFECT SURFBOARD PERFORMANCE?
Different fin setups dramatically impact how a surfboard performs in the water. Single fin setups (common on longboards and eggs) provide smooth, flowing rides with less drag but limited maneuverability. The classic 3-fin thruster setup, invented by Simon Anderson in the 1980s, offers the best balance of control, speed, and maneuverability for most conditions. Fish boards typically use either 2 large "keel" fins or a 4-fin setup, which provides speed and drive in smaller waves. Quad (4-fin) setups generate more speed and work well in both small and large waves, while offering a looser, more skateboard-like feel compared to thrusters.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER USING A MINI-GUN OR STEP-UP SURFBOARD?
A mini-gun or step-up surfboard (6'6" to 8'0") is designed for bigger waves and more challenging conditions. These boards are longer than shortboards but narrower, typically featuring a round or pin tail for increased speed and control. They're primarily used by experienced surfers in locations with fast, powerful waves like Australia, Hawaii, and Indonesia. If you're surfing consistently overhead waves with significant power, a step-up board can provide the stability and paddle power needed for these conditions.
WHAT MAKES LONGBOARDS BETTER FOR LEARNING TO SURF THAN SHORTBOARDS?
Longboards (9'0" to 9'6") are superior for learning because they offer exceptional wave-catching ability and stability due to their high volume and length. Unlike shortboards that require precise technique and timing, longboards provide a forgiving platform that allows beginners to focus on fundamental skills like paddling, positioning, and standing up. The extra foam and surface area make it easier to catch waves in various conditions, and the stable platform reduces the learning curve significantly. Many learning-focused longboards also feature soft EVA deck padding for added safety and comfort during the learning process.
SHOULD I BUY OR RENT A SURFBOARD WHEN STARTING OUT?
Renting or borrowing surfboards is highly recommended when starting out, as it allows you to experience different board types and find what works best for your style and ability level. Visit multiple surf shops and speak with experienced surf shop owners or local shapers - be honest about your goals and current skill set. This hands-on approach helps you avoid expensive mistakes and ensures you choose the right board when you're ready to purchase. There's no one-size-fits-all solution for surfboards, so testing different options is crucial.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SURFBOARD VOLUME IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The right surfboard volume depends on your weight, fitness level, and surfing ability. Higher volume boards provide better flotation and wave-catching ability, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Lower volume boards offer more maneuverability but require better technique and fitness. When choosing a board, prioritize catching lots of waves over looking cool with a smaller board - wave count is key to improving your surfing skills.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHORTBOARD AND A FISH SURFBOARD?
A shortboard (5'8" to 6'8") is the standard performance board that evolved from fish surfboards in the 1980s. It features 3 or 4 fins and is designed for advanced surfers wanting quick maneuverability and speed. A fish surfboard (5'2" to 6'4") is typically ridden 6 inches shorter than a standard shortboard but is wider and thicker with more volume. Fish boards have a distinctive swallow tail and work exceptionally well in smaller, mushier waves while being easier to paddle than regular shortboards.
WHAT TYPE OF SURFBOARD SHOULD A BEGINNER CHOOSE?
Beginners should choose a longboard (9'0" to 9'6") or mini-mal (7'6" to 8'2") with high volume and stability. These boards offer excellent wave-catching ability and are often covered in soft EVA deck material for safety. The key is being honest about your fitness level and surfing ability - avoid the temptation to buy a shortboard too early, as insufficient volume will make it much harder to catch waves and slow your progression. Remember: if you can't catch the wave, you won't improve your riding.
WHAT WAVE CONDITIONS WORK BEST FOR DIFFERENT SURFBOARD TYPES?
Each surfboard type is optimized for specific wave conditions. Fish surfboards excel in smaller, mushier waves where their width and volume help generate speed, though they can also perform well in larger surf. Shortboards work best in steeper, more powerful waves that allow for quick, sharp maneuvers and high-performance surfing. Longboards and mini-mals are ideal for smaller, less steep waves where their glide and wave-catching ability shine. Mini-guns and step-ups are specifically designed for bigger, faster waves where extra length provides the paddle power and speed needed to catch and ride powerful surf safely. Hybrid boards offer versatility across a wider range of conditions, making them excellent all-around choices.
WHAT IS A HYBRID SURFBOARD AND WHO SHOULD USE IT?
A hybrid surfboard (6'6" to 7'2") is an "in-between board" that combines the maneuverability of a shortboard with the wave-catching ability of a larger board. It's essentially a scaled-up version of a standard shortboard - wider with more volume to make paddling and wave catching easier. Hybrid boards are perfect for intermediate surfers wanting to transition from a larger board to a shortboard, offering a good all-around performance.
SURF VIDEO SURFBOARD TEST
Interested in changing your life to see the health benefits of learning to surf?
The article below is from 2014 so here’s an update on the 2016 Maitai Cabarete Freestyle Invitational.
The new kiteboarding event is part of the world kiteboarding league
When:
Jule 12 to Juli 17 2016
Where:
Cabarete Bay, in front of the Millenium hotel, at Laurel eastman Kiteboarding ( where Swell clients go for kite lessons)
Who:
The worlds best 24 male and 12 female kitsurf riders will compete.
How to watch:
Go to the beach any day after 11 when there’s more than 15 knots and be prepared to see spectacular jumps.
Who to watch:
Local riders Ariel and his young brother Adeuri could have a chance of winning it ( Ariel won years ago) Or Luis Alberto Cruz, who we will be cheering on, since he is a family member of Sypriana, the longest working staff member at Swell.
Inspired? Want to learn to kitesurf? See the details of the learn to kiteboard packages that Swell offers.
See you on the beach the coming week.
Cabarete Kitesurf World Cup 2014
After a few years of absentee this year will be once again the year where one of the most exciting events of the Kitesurf World tour will take place in Cabarete
From June 18 to June 22 2014 the world cup will take place at Bozo beach, (Cabarete’s main beach). Bozo beach is a short 5 minute walk from Swell Surf Camp, so if you are interested in seeing the world’s best freestyle kiteboarders battle it out in epic conditions, send Clare an email to see if we have space for you at Swell.
For people more interested in becoming a kiteboarder that week, don’t worry, kitesurf lessons are still given at the downwind kitebeach.
Surfing in summer time in the DR
Summer is not just a great time for kite and windsurfing in Cabarete, the summer sees perfect surfing conditions for completete beginners or intermediates that have only surfed a few times in their lives. Wave size is a consistent waist to shoulder high in the summer months.
Other activities in Cabarete
There’s no need to be bored in Cabarete, regardless of what season of the year we are in, here’s some of our clients favorite things to do in Cabarete:
Canyoning and the waterfall tours.
Windsurfing.
Snorkeling and diving.
Yoga with Molly at Swell.
A night out partying in town.
Mountainbiking with max.
Ziplining at the monkey jungle tours.
Stand up paddle tours ( SUP) in the river Yasica or the lagoon.
So if you are looking for an action packed adventure holiday in the Caribbean,; have a look at our packages to see if there’s something that fits your needs. Keep in mind Swell is a small and popular place so space is limited.
Single / solo traveler looking for an active holiday? You’ll be happy to hear that half our guests are generally solo travellers, so it’s real easy to meet other folks at Swell to socialise and have fun with.
Yes Swell is a surf camp in the Dominican Republic, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t offer any other sports at Swell. In fact the reason we built Swell in Cabarete is because Cabarete is considered the watersport capital of the Caribbean.
Cabarete first became famous because of the world class windsurfing conditions in Cabarete in the mid 80’s. The popularity of windsurfing started to drop in the late 90’s and 2000, just in time for a new sport to arrive: kitesurfing (or kiteboarding same thing).
There are a few reasons that make Cabarete an ideal place for a kitesurfing holiday.
Reasons to go kitesurfing in Cabarete, Dominican republic
The tradewinds that pick up in the afternoon are steady and reach perfect strenght for kitesurfing: between 16 and 22 knots on average ( 4 to 5 beaufort).
The tradewinds are side onshore, which means if something happens to you or your kite, you will not be blown out to see but come floating into safety in a short time.
Large open spaces, cabarete bay, Goletta and kitebeach are big area’s were there is enough space for 100’s of kiters to enjoy the sport without getting in each others ways.
Large variety of conditions to enjoy: from Flat water at La Boca river mouth to the waves at Kitebeach and Encuentro; it doesn’t matter if you are in to freestyle kitesurfing or wave riding, Cabarete offers something for everyone.
Availability of good kitesurf schools in Cabarete: There are at least a dozen kiteboard schools in Cabarete. But just like with Surf schools some are better than others, at Swell we offer our clients the lessons from the most renowned kiteschool located at Cabarete bay. They employ qualified kite instructors, use top quality equipment and have the best safety record.
If you want a change of scenery from just kitesurfing in Cabarete, there’s a few more spots to enjoy in the Dominican republic: Las terrenas is a stunning beach with turquoise flat waters that many Cabarete kitesurfers go to for a few days to enjoy the tranquility of a different kitesurf spot.
Another popular spot going west from cabarete is Punta Russia: no development there, just gorgeous beaches with flat water and great views.
Playa El Encuentro on the North coast of the Dominican Republic is where we do most of our surfing. Why? Because it’s the most consistent surf spot on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Unlike most other surf spots in the Caribbean, Encuentro is a beach that has surfable waves almost every day of the year, ( I think on average it has waves bigger than waist high on 340 days of the year. Besides it’s constency it’s also a place that caters for surfers of all levels, from complete beginners that have never surfed before to die hard surfers with 20+ years of surfing experience.
[unitegallery swellgall]
How do we get to Playa Encuentro?
Playa Encuentro is about 3 miles out of the Cabarete town center ( where we are located), as a result we take our guests by taxi to Encuentro for their surfing. Contrary to what places that are located at Encuentro try to make you believe, staying in Cabarete is by far the best way to enjoy the best that this surf town has to offer. We are within walking distance to most great restaurants and bars. Encuentro is great for surfing, but there’s absolutely nothing else to do, eat, drink there during the day.
Feel like you are missing out on good surf?
Not when you are staying at Swell, we are always the first ones in the water ( if you choose to go on the sunrise surf session) and we go back to the beach several times during the day if the conditions are good for it. If you stay at basic accommodation at Encuentro yes you canb walk to the surf in the morning, but you are stuck way out of town for the rest of the day and night. Moto taxi’s; not if your life is dear to you.
Ok, here’s some surf spots of surfers of all different levels at Encuentro
Interested in Surfing Encuentro?
We still have places open at our surf camp, so have a look at our packages and contact us.
See you soon
High season is about to start in Cabarete, and for us at Swell this means we get more and more facebook & email messages every day. Clare, who answers the emails, is very good and quick with replying to everyone, but since there are some recurring questions that come back on a daily basis, I thought I’d answer some of them here.
When is the best time to visit the DR for surfing?
For beginners: any time of the year is a good time to come and learn with Swell Surf School in Cabarete
For intermediates if you just started catching unbroken waves, spring / summer and autumn are best, for more advanced intermediates the winter is a good time to start challenging yourself with some bigger waves.
Experts Surfers: best time to come is between October and April when the winter swells roll in for overhead + conditions most of the time.
Can you convince me why I need to choose Swell?
In short? No
We do not try to convince people to stay at Swell over the email. Have a good look at our website, read the reviews, check our facebook page to see what our current clients are up to, check the photo galleries on our site and you should be able to get a very good idea what Swell Surf camp is all about. We are honest in our marketing, we do not try to make our place look better than it really is, we are NOT going to promise that you are going to have amazing waves in the time you are with us, since we cannot control nature. What we CAN control is things like how clean our place is, the freshness of the food, the quality of the lessons etc.
What about this other…. hotel / apartement / ‘surf camp’?
Kind of the same answer as above. Have a look at their website, prices, photos etc and compare it with what we offer. Swell is not the cheapest place in Cabarete. If price is your only criteria for choosing your surf holiday, then Swell is probably not for you. There are other places in town where you can book a surf camp in the $15 to $35 per night price range, BUT
Are they at the best location in town?
No
Do they provide quality surf lessons from qualified surf instructors?
No
Do they offer daily maid service for your room?
No
Is there going to be 10-20 other guests to socialise and surf with?
No
Owners / managers with years of experience in the surf travel industry?
Nope
Are they purpose built to be a surf camp like Swell?
No
Have the owner(s) ever done much surfing, kitesurfing, SUP or windsurfing?
No
We are not saying we are top pro’s in these sports, but they are our lifelong passions, which we think is important to provide the top service that we like to give at Swell. Would you trust a chef that doesn’t eat his own food?
Ok, here’s the only pics of us (the owners) on this website doing what we love doing (besides making sure all is well at Swell)
We could go on, just be careful that the term ‘surf camp cabarete’ has become very popular in Cabarete the last few years. Apartments or budget hotels have quickly rebranded themselves as surf camps to attract clients. If you want to stay in an apartment, old house or old hotel as the only surfer, then the above places might suit you well. If you want quality and are willing to pay a bit more for a top surf holiday, send us an email.
Last question
What are the waves going to be like..next week / month etc.
We use MagicSeaweed and Windguru for wind and waves forecasts, they are pretty accurate.
I hope this answers some questions, also every page on the main part of our website has some FAQ’s as well, so maybe your question is answerd there.
Who is team Swell?
Swell is owned and founded by Jeroen Mutsaars & Clare Mutsaars
Jeroen Mutsaars has worked in the surf travel industry for 20+ years.
Here’s some information regarding the different surf spots , conditions and what to expect on a surf holiday in and around Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
Surf spots close to Cabarete
The most popular surfspot on the North Coast of the DR is Playa Encuentro, it’s 3 miles west of Cabarete town.
The beach of Playa Encuentro or ( or just plain Encuentro as everyone calls it) has several different surf spots:
From West to East they are:
Destroyer: like the name suggests, not a wave for beginners, it’s fast and barreling and best in the winter months. It’s shallow with pretty sharp reef so kamikazes and bodyboarders only!
The left at Encuentro: a quality left hander that can peel for a good distance, barrel sections, works in NE and North swells, and when it does you will not be the only one out there, so can get a bit crowded with good surfers
Encuentro main peak: a fun , consistent ( breaks all year round) wave, the right is longer, the left shorter and faster. Great for short and longboarders, also good for intermediates and experts.
Bobo’s point: right in front of Bobo’s surf school, a fun left and right wave for surfers of all levels.
Coco Pipe: good right hand wave, that only gets good in a North swell with some size. Barrels and good walls to hit. Shallow and uneven reef below the surface, so not for beginners
Cabarete’s main bay also has waves that you could surf, but it’s a long paddle, 30 minutes on a shortboard. Not the easiest place to surf since it’s hard to predict the peaks, No crowds, just the occasional Stand up Paddle surfer.
East of Cabarete is Mananero: best in East swells, without wind, so early summer mornings. It’s fast & it has a good punch for intermediate and experts surfers.
About 45 minutes east of Cabarete is Playa Grande which has several surf spots in the region. Playa Grande itself has a fun beach break, great for bodyboarding & bodysurfing. The next bay has several surf spots, the most well know spot in Preciosa, a world class reef break in front of a headland, the left is better and longer than the right.
These spots are the most well known surf spots in the Cabarete region, there’s a good amount more spots, some are surfed less frequent in their consistency, some are secret spots, so you’ll need a willing local to share the info. At Swell staff has lived here for over 10 years, so we know all the major spots, but will not publish them here on the web ( maybe at Swell after a few beers, we can be bribed;-)
If you are looking for an active water sport holiday in either the Dominican Republic, then Swell Surf Camp is your place to be!
Why Swell is the ultimate watersport holiday
It’s not just surfing at our surf camp, there’s a ton of other water sports you, your family or your friends can do with us in the Dominican Republic.
Kitesurfing
Cabarete is widely considered one of the best kitesurfing destinations for beginners and advanced kiteboarders. From flat water at La Boca to the waves at Encuentro and kitebeach there’s different types of kitesurfing conditions to keep everyone happy.
Steady tradewinds: No gusty offshore winds here, steady trade winds that are side onshore make this a very safe spot( if something happens you float back to the shore in no time)
Top kitesurf schools: There’s a ton of kite schools in Cabarete, we work with the 2 best schools at Swell, that have been in business for 10+ years and that work with a large school of professional & qualified kitesurf instructors.
Warm water: no need to bring your wetsuit!
Stand up paddle surfing
Cabarete has great SUP conditions, and just like kitesurfing, the North coast offers a wide variety of SUP conditions to keep everybody happy: From paddle surfing in the waves at Encuentro, to the flat water SUP tours on the La Boca rivers.
Lessons and rentals are available, from easy beginner stand up paddle boards to advanced wave SUP boards, all is available in Cabarete
Fun for the whole family on their water sport vacation, kids as young as 6 years old to 70 year old seniors can enjoy the sport of paddle boarding.
Windsurfing
Before kitesurfing and surfing made the DR a popular place, Cabarete was put on the map by the windsurfers 20 years ago. Cabarete bay offer unique windsurfing conditions for windsurfers of all levels. The morning when the wind is light and the water flat is ideal for beginners, when something goes wrong, the side onshore wind will return you to the safety of the beach in no time.
For intermediates and advanced windsurfers, there’s the slalom and freestyle conditions with medium chop and waves inside the bay, for advanced waveriders the reef offers plenty of waves to practise your jumps and wave riding.
Quality windsurf lessons and rentals are all available on Cabarete bay
For kite, wind and wave surfing check the forecasts on Windguru and MagicSeaweed
Canyoning, rafting and white water stand up paddle boarding.
We work closely with “Kayak river adventures” they offer great trips. The waterfall / Canyoning trip is weekly trip most Swell guests do, and they love it. Climbing up waterfalls, sliding down natural slides into turquoise water and doing big jumps. Gets the adrenaline going and is highly recommended
Sailing
Cabarete has 1 main sailing center in the upwind part of the Bay called the Bic center. They give sailing lessons in Laser’s and a 4 person sail boat
Bodyboarding
When the waves are too big for the surf spots to work properly, some good BodyBoarding and bodysurfing can be done inside the Cabarete bay.
Horse Riding and Mountain biking in and around Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Ok not watersport holiday activities but still great things to do when you don’t want to be in the water for a day.
Keep in mind that all these active water sport activities are optional at Swell Surf Camp, if all you want to do is Surf and chill, then Cabarete is a great place.
What is the core business of Swell Surf Camp? Hard core surfers? Travelling surfers? Nope, teaching people that are completely new to the sport of surfing all the basic essentials of how to ride the waves. We want to provide high quality surf lessons for our clients, and one way to ensure this is by using quality surf material: Safe big soft top boards for the first time surfers, rashguards, leashes but most importantly by using internationally qualified surf instructors that are fluent in English.
Our surf instructor to student ratio is pretty much guaranteed to be below 6 students for 1 instructor. We have 2 international surf coaches working at Swell with years of experience teaching surfing in a safe, fun and structured manner.
Besides those 2 coaches we also have a permanent Dominican Surf instructor, who is widely regarded as one of the best surf instructors in the country: Neno, He speaks English fluently, is very patient and an all round nice guy with a huge smile.
Quick tip: Swell is a popular place and as a result we can sometimes fill up months in advance, so if you are interested in joining us, don’t wait too long; send usan email today.
Learning Surfing
What kind of people take lessons with Swell? Well we only give lessons to the clients that stay at Swell, to ensure that the student / instructor ratio is kept low. So unlike other surf schools and surf camps in Cabarete, we do not give lessons to non clients.
Swell Clients:
What else sets the surf lessons from Swell apart? Besides the actual beach lessons, we also give at least 2 surf theory classes per week at Swell. These are highly informative classes that go in depth into things like: How waves are created, tides, currents, dangers but also about positions in the line up that are best to sit in order to catch the best waves.
So what are you waiting for? Cross one thing of your bucket list , and learn to surf with the professionals in the Dominican Republic on your next surf holiday
Now that we launched the new Swell Surf Camp site successfully last week, we are now going to be working on this blog.
We will be posting about all things related to our surf camp; reviews, photos and news but also about special events in Cabarete, surf news or other thing we think you might like to read about.
TOW BOARD
FISH SURFBOARD
SHORTBOARD
HYBRID
MINI GUN (OR STEP UP)
EGG
MINI MAL
LONGBOARD
BIG WAVE GUN (aka. RHINO CHASER)
A longboard is anything 9 feet and over. Traditionally, longboards have single fins, but now it is common to see longboards with a “two plus one” set up. Meaning two thruster style fins with a traditional large single fin in the middle.
A groveler may appear to be just a standard shortboard, but upon closer inspection, you will find that a groveler is typically shorter and stubbier than the average high-performance shortboard. What this means is that while grovelers may be ridden at a reduced length, they have an increased width, thickness, and therefore more volume than normal shortboards.
The fish is an immensely popular shape that has been around since the 1970s. Fishes have a few defining characteristics that separate them from normal shortboards or grovelers. The most notable characteristics of a fish are the wide swallowtail and the twin fin (often keels) set up. Fishes also tend to have a lot of volume under the chest and somewhat flat rockers.
High-performance shortboards vary in size from about 5’4” to 6’8.” They are designed for one thing and one thing only, to turn on a dime and make the absolute most out of the open face of a wave. A good high-performance shortboard will allow surfers to fit as many turns possible into a wave while maintaining speed and control.
