Barbados: The Perfect Refuge from the Cold
March in Barbados starts with a bang, with the first weekend reserved for the Annual Sandy Lane Gold Cup. The premiere horse racing event in the Caribbean, sees steeds from the leading Caribbean stables and some extra-regional runners vying for the prestigious Gold Cup. If you’re in Barbados, it is not to be missed, as the pomp and pageantry is second to none, with a true carnival flair and atmosphere to be mixed with the formal proceedings of the grandstand. A novel and memorable experience though is really to enjoy the race day from the grounds of the UNESCO Heritage site Garrison Savannah. Just drive up, early, in your rental car and secure your vantage point for the day. Tailgating is the order of the day and the atmosphere is uniquely West Indian, with new friends made throughout the day. It is not to be missed.
But, about this arctic blast you’ve been experiencing on the eastern seaboard of the United States Barbados is the perfect refuge from a bitter winter as it drags on and on. Not only for the tropical climate and close proximity to the Eastern US, but also for those seeking amazing waves. Yes, for each strong cold front which you get on the east coast, we get the resultant north swells which produce epic surf on the East and West coasts of Barbados.
The world famous Soup Bowl in Bathsheba on the east coast is the obvious choice for reliable powerful north Atlantic swells, which attracts the biggest names in surfing including Kelly Slater. The true Bajan (what we call ourselves) ‘secret’ is the West Coast of the island. Known for its normally tranquil waters, the arrival of a north swell brings with it some of the most perfect surf anywhere in the world, against one of the most gorgeous backdrops. From Duppies and Maycocks in the north of the island to Batts Rock and Pebbles at the southern end, perfect barrels await the intrepid.
Don’t let the scale of the map fool you though, you will need to rent a car to truly make the most out of your surf vacation, as many breaks are located quite a few kilometres apart on the road. For some of the more remote spots, a 4x4/SUV option is recommended, but not required. Breaks such as Tropicana and Church Point are definitely not for the faint of heart, as the shallow coral reef demands an expert skill level for true enjoyment.
The constant tradewinds and sun kissed white sand beaches all contribute to the warmth of your experience in Barbados. Year-round warm water means that wet suits are made redundant and sunscreen and a couple pairs of boardshorts are all you’ll need for your surfari. Staying on the West Coast is going to be pricey, in season, but with a vehicle you can make the whole island your playground.
So load up your car with as many boards at it will carry, and your good friends, and attack the surf. Sign up for lessons or a full blown adventure and tour the island discovering the break to suit your enjoyment level. We invite you to come for the sun and we’ll provide the fun. Just make sure that you order the GPS option when you collect your car from Stoutes!
