The Best Time to Go to the Dominican Republic For a Water Sport Holiday

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If a surf holiday doesn’t sound like a great time to you, then you probably need one urgently. It’s both a relaxing and thrilling getaway.

You’ll likely be in a picturesque location wherever you decide to go. But we want to talk to you about the Dominican Republic for now.

Why? Because it’s a fantastic spot for a surfing getaway. You do need to know how and when to go about it, however. The surf season Dominican Republic has to offer is long and beautiful, but there are some finer points to be aware of.

So here’s your guide to taking a surf holiday in the Dominican Republic.

Surf Season Dominican Republic Style

Here’s something you probably didn’t know—there are actually four surf seasons in the Dominican Republic. That’s right, no matter when you come, you can be assured of catching some waves.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t differences that might matter to you.

Summer (June- Jul- Aug)

Summer is the time when many people are thinking about making a trip. If you’ve never surfed before, this might be a good time to take your vacation. The waves are smaller and this is ideal for learning to surf.

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Fall (Sep-Oct-Nov)

This is when things start to pick up a little. The fall surf season in the Dominican Republic offers slightly bigger waves than the summer The waves are around waist to head high, and you’ll find them to be largely consistent from day to day.

Great for beginners and intermediate surfers

Winter (Dec-Jan- Feb)

Winter is when the biggest and most frequent swells and waves come in.  Winter is great for surfers of all levels, Beginners and Intermediate surfers surf the inside of the surfbreaks, experts try to catch the big waves on the outside

Spring (Mar-Apr-May)

In the spring, storms become less frequent. Average waves size is around waist to Chest high, ideal for people who have never surfed before or intermediate surfers that want to work on their thechnique. Big Swells still occur, but they slowly come to a halt as summer approaches.

Tons of people come down to learn how to surf in the DR. A surf holiday doesn’t have to just be for those who already know how to surf.

Other Considerations

As you start thinking about when you want to head to the DR, you may be thinking about more than surfing. Since you can surf year-round, it’s important to think about other considerations.

1. High Season

High tourist season actually coincides with the winter surf season Dominican Republic provides. That’s because winter up north is a good time for many people to escape down to the DR.

If you do choose high season, remember a few things.

  • You’ll likely pay more for flights and hotels.
  • There are tons of great festivals and activities going on.

So you’ll want to make all of your reservations as soon as you can. Everything from flights to restaurant reservations should be handled ahead of time. That way you can enjoy the beauty of the island, or the waves, in peace.

2. Low Season

From late April into the summer months, prices drop and tourism slows. It actually doesn’t get much hotter. It’s basically hot all year round, which isn’t a bad thing for most people.

Keep in mind that there isn’t really a rainy season, either. It can rain at any time, but generally not for long periods of time. So there aren’t weather-related reasons that low season is so, well, low.

But as I mentioned earlier, the surf season Dominican Republic offers during the summer is much better for beginners. For experts, it simply won’t be as challenging. Here are a few things to think about when considering coming during low season.

  • It’s less expensive.
  • It will be less crowded and more low-key.
  • But that could mean hotels and restaurants are renovating or undergoing construction at this time.

3. Festivals

We mentioned that high season includes some great festivals. If you’re intrigued by that, then take a look at this quick list of some of the better-known festivals.

Guloya Festival

Held in January in San Pedro, this festival includes rowdy drummers making their way through the streets. Huge crowds make this a can’t-miss for avid party-goers.

Carnaval

Carnaval in Santa Domingo is the largest annual celebration in the DR. If you’re in the country during February, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In fact, there’s a street party every Sunday that month. So you can catch some fun even if you aren’t there for the culminating blow-out party.

Festival de Merengue

Feeling glum because you’re coming during the low season? No worries! There’s still the Festival de Merengue during the last week of July and the first week of August.

The music is incredible, with the world’s top meringue bands playing for two weeks. It’s the perfect way to experience the culture and music of the DR.

Wrapping Up

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Have you made a decision about when you’d like to come? With the year-round surf season Dominican Republic provides, it can be a tough choice.

Come in high season for big waves and lots of festivals, or low season for smaller waves and a (somewhat) quieter stay.

Whatever your choice, I’d encourage you to give us a call at Swell Surf Camp. At Swell, you’ll be surrounded by people just like you who are there to surf, relax, and have a good time.

There’s no need to have surfing experience. Our qualified instructors are top-notch and have taught thousands of people to surf.
Read our 5 reasons why a visit to the Dominican republic will satisfy all adventure holiday makers

How about a Family Surf Holiday?

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

So what are you waiting for? Have a look at our surf accommodation, find a surf package  Contact us today!

Single / Solo Traveller? Read this article why Swell is the place for you

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7 Reasons to Ride the Waves and Learn to Surf

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Picture this. The sun’s shining, the palm trees are swaying, and you’re riding your first ever wave over the crystal clear Caribbean water. There’s no doubt about it, nothing beats surfing!

In addition to having fun and embracing a new challenge, surfing comes with a whole host of other benefits. From improved fitness and better core strength to reducing stress and encouraging you to get outdoors, what’s not to like?

Regardless of age or ability, it’s never too late to learn to surf. You’ll learn to trust yourself and your instincts like never before. We’ve rounded up 7 ways of how surfing will help you live life to the fullest.

Read on to learn more!

You’re Going to Get a Whole Lot Fitter When You Learn To Surf

learn to surf holidaysSurfing comes with many physical health benefits, which is great news for all of you looking to get fitter. In fact, surfing is the perfect combination of strength and cardio training.

When you learn to surf, you’ll be doing a lot of paddling to get used to the board and feeling of the water below. Although this can be a little tiring at first, it’s a killer cardiovascular workout. You’ll have some pretty toned arms by the end of your holiday, that’s for sure.

Your shoulders and back are also going to get stronger and stronger every time you paddle out to catch a wave.

Every element of surfing pushes your strength, agility, balance, and stamina.

Once you’ve learned to pop up on the board (you’ll get there, trust us), your legs and core are going to be working to keep your body balanced and standing upright. That feeling when you’re riding your first wave – however short that moment may be – is something you’ll never forget.

You’re Going to Feel Happier and More ‘Present’

happy surf campSurfing is a fantastic outlet for releasing stress and tension.

The endorphin’s released through physical activity provide a natural happiness high and immediately make you feel better about the world.

A study of 107 surfers in California investigated the mental health benefits of surfing by asking them to describe how they felt before and after a session. They reported feeling calmer and more tranquil afterwards.

When you’re surfing, there are no distractions of modern life. It’s just you, the water and your board.

Taking on a New Challenge Is Good for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Eleanor Roosevelt famously said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

When we learn a new skill or sport, we’re challenging our mind, body, and soul. And when we are faced with something new, we have to work that much harder to get it right. When we achieve our goal, the reward is that much sweeter.

Remember when you learned to ride a bike? It doesn’t come immediately, but before you know it, you’ve got the hang of it! It’s the same with surfing. One day it will click, and you’ll wonder why you’ve taken so long to give it a go.

You’ll Learn More About Yourself

learn to surf holidayIt takes courage to leave your comfort zone behind and connect with something bigger than yourself. Venturing out into the open waves for the first time can seem daunting and alien. But trust us when we say that you will learn more about yourself in an hour learning to surf than you will by lying on the beach trying to get a tan.

You could surprise yourself with your patience, determination, and love for the ocean. Nobody is perfect and learning to surf encourages you to push through fear and doubt.

As in all parts of life, continuous effort and a positive attitude can take you anywhere.

You’ll Meet New People

surf schoolFor many people, surfing isn’t just a sport but a way of life. In fact, surfing is one of the oldest sports on earth and is thought to have originated in Polynesia in 2000 B.C.

Out of a sport marked by salty hair, sandy toes, and colourful boards, a major subculture has emerged. From surf art, surf tourism, and international contests, surfing has captured hearts across the globe.

When you learn to surf, you’ll inevitably meet new people, make new friends and experience the culture of the sport.

Getting Outdoors Is Always A Good Idea

sunrise surfingGetting close to nature  and really enjoying the natural environment around us is something we should all prioritise. Those who surf often speak of the feeling of overwhelming freedom when they are in the water.

When we’re outdoors, we gain perspective on life. Even when you’re in the beginning stages of learning to surf, you’ll be immersed in the rhythms of the ocean and the great outdoors.

It’s Never Too Late To Learn A New Skill

Nobody wants to reach 80 and think “I wish I done X, Y, and Z.” If learning to surf is on your bucket list, why not get ticking?

And you don’t have to be 21 to learn to surf either!
We have taught people in their 40’s – 50’s and 60’s how to surf

One British man, Paul, learned to surf when he was 61 years old and hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s opened up a new dimension in my life. A feeling of freedom. You’re basically on your own, on your surfboard in the sea…one to one,” Paul said.

At Swell we aim to be the best surf camp for adults who want to learn the sport of surfing.

Final Thoughts

Staying fit and active is always beneficial, but when you’re outside doing something you love and learning a new skill in the process, it feels that much more rewarding.

INTERESTED IN JOINING SWELL

Have a look at the following pages to see if the learn to surf holidays we offer are something that would suit you.


Swell offers adult surf camps for people people that are looking for the best place to learn to surf

SEE WHAT A SWELL SURF HOLIDAY IS ALL ABOUT

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!


Check out our prices here.

How about a Family Surf Holiday?

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

Single / Solo Traveller? Read this article why Swell is the place for you

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