The Dominican Republic is a great place to start and develop a love affair with this beautifully invigorating sport. We tell you when and where to surf and what it looks like on your vacation's Caribbean island.

The first surfers in history are considered the inhabitants of the Polynesian islands (Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Easter Island, etc.), and the first mention of them dates back to the mid-18th century.

Then history followed a classic vector with the arrival of European explorers: acquaintance - colonization - the spread of Christian norms (that's where work - church - work, not some planks on the waves). Thus, the aquatic pastime, which even before was not available to everyone but to the very well-to-do islanders, was forgotten.

Forgotten, but not clogged!

In the early 20th century, surfing broke into the hearts and souls of Americans thanks to the swimmer of Hawaiian descent, Duke Kahanamoku.

Since then, sliding on boards has become popular worldwide and even developed its cultural layer, including international competitions, its association, created films about surfing and surfers.

Punta Cana.

The gathering place for board lovers here is Macau Beach. The road to it from the hotels in Bavaro and Punta Cana will take about 20-45 minutes, depending on the hotel's location or rental housing.

This is home to one of the best surf schools on the island, where you can learn with professionals or just rent equipment and go on your conquest of the waves. The waves decide: along the beach, you can find a spot with shallow waves for beginners and those who want to practice their skills in jumping and maneuvering through the swirling waves. 

Pros:

• There are no reefs to get hurt on.
• Sandy bottom
• The type of waves allows you to get up on the board on your first try
• No sharks or other sea life in the water
• No hotels or large crowds
• Comfortable temperatures year-round, no wetsuit required.

How to get there:

On your own - by cab or rented car.

Buy lessons at the Markus Wischenbart Punta Cana's school: representatives will pick you up from the hotel and bring you directly to the place.

North coast

The resorts of Cabarete and Rio San Juan are popular with professionals. The waves here can reach a height of 300 meters! This is a favorite destination for those who can't imagine their life without speed, adrenaline, and boards.

Pros:

• High waves and spacious beaches for surfers.
• the unique atmosphere and a large number of pros from around the world
• Surfer hangouts, theme cafes, and bars, surf schools
• North Coast is famous for its unique kind of recreation: non-tourist flavor, eco-hotels, mountains, jungle, national parks