El Nino has a tendency to surpress the tropical Atlantic high pressure into the Caribbean Sea, pretty much killing any tradewind in the northern Caribbean islands. But constant low pressure systems exiting the east coast have been sending solid 6-10 foot ground swells our way. With light winds, the surfing and SUP has been all time, so who needs a kite?

Local SUPer Ernie Alvarez on a bomb last Sunday:
http://www.puertoricosurfphoto.com/surf ... _6199.html

Todd Mitchell on a screamer:
http://www.puertoricosurfphoto.com/surf ... _6100.html

and another beauty:
http://www.puertoricosurfphoto.com/surf ... _6237.html

Another larger swell is hitting now forecast to peak this afternoon. The video camera is all charged up ready to go. Possibly some wind this afternoon as well.

After 10 years of hitting PR this time of year, it always amazes me how spoiled they are over there. They have officially adopted the idea that there is no wind unless it is averaging about 25 knots. If it is blowing 15-20 knots noone is out. I had 2 days this week where I went down to the beach and pumped up a 13 meter, and was able to stay upwind no problem on the point by myself. Sure, it is more fun if it is blowing 25, but the 13 Waroo shines when it is averaging 20 knots.

The other thing to remember when it comes to forecasts and models is that NOTHING beats a good old-fashioned actual observation. Do not depend to what other people say. People have their own individual ideas of what is good and what is not. Go down to the beach, look at the water, feel the wind, and determine if you can go on your own equipment. That way you will get more sessions than anyone else, and feel good about it.

I have also had good luck with having the right equipment. This trip I realized that my thin short surfboards just do not cut it in big long-period ground swell breaking on shallow coral reef. No matter who you are, or how good you think you are, it is easier and more fun to have more foam under you so you can paddle easier, cover more ground faster, and get into the wave earlier. I caught the most waves and had the most fun on a 10'4" SUP. You do not have to paddle out at the most popular peak. Just paddle down the beach a couple of hundred yards and have an empty peak all to yourself.

Here are some photos from this past weekend's surf in Puerto Rico, with St. Augustine's ASP world tour surfer Gabe Kling and local PR surfer Brian Toth:
http://www.surfline.com/templates/article.cfm?id=41109
http://www.mundorad.com/pg/id_26/title_Swell_Febrero_13