3 Werner-migos Stand up in Puerto Rico.

(words by Danny Mongno. Photos by Jim Miller.)

Far and away the best part of my job is that I work with my friends and that says a lot considering how many great things there are about working at Werner Paddles.  So when the plans to stand up paddle in Puerto Rico this winter with Bruce Furrer and Jim Miller were finally laid down, when the boards were loaded on the plane and the first cocktail was ordered, I knew it was going to be a great trip.

We certainly wanted some good surf, no doubt, but the last thing we wanted was to be stressing on vacation.  One of the Atlantic's surf meccas, the North Coast of PR can dish up whatever you are looking for, need a gut check they got plenty of that trust me.  Luckily with the help of the best surf/SUP shops on the Island, Beach Cats, Aquatica Dive and Surf and Mar Azul, we found what we wanted, perfect stomach to head high glass.  We stayed at The Ocean Front at Jobos Beach and surfed some there and depending on the wind and swell directions also travelled to Wilderness, about 15 minutes and down to Little Malibus in Rincon, about 45.  (Check out the map provided by Mar Azul to get a lay of the land.)

 
We all agreed the key to good SUP surf trip is to avoid the heavily surfed, localized spots and Jobos is great for that and really consistent.  The folks at the Ocean Front were awesome, the rooms were clean and affordable and the food was authentic.  Thank you to all the friendly staff, especially Javier and Leo, our drinking and life advisors at the open air bar.  Now if you want to be closer to the surf city of Rincon, Bunger Surf Shop on Long Island NY has a sick hotel walking distance to Sandy Beach, Antonios and Marias and a short drive to Tres Palmas and our favorite Little Malibus.  A right hand point break with an easy paddle out through the harbor it was a great place to hide from the wind and catch some killer waves.  The water was crystal clear and super warm, however we all at one time or another had wished there was a bit more of it between our fins and the razor sharp reef.

If you are just looking to get some sun and see the gorgeous coral reefs and abundant aquatic life from your stand up board, both Bobby at Mar Azul and Jose at Aquatica had some killer touring options as well.  In the end we all felt Puerto Rico was a really easy, laid back winter vacation spot.  You know we have Dan Gavere, Nikki Gregg and Kainoa Beaupre on our team to charge the big stuff.  The 3 Werner-migos however were just looking to take in the Island vibe, catch some fun waves and enjoy stand up for what it is.  So if you are looking to get out of the cold for a bit there are plenty of SUP opportunities with the dealers we mentioned, from San Juan to Rincon and some great places to paddle.  Sadly I will report the rum reserves took a serious hit but I am sure they will be back at full strength when you arrive! 

 

Please send a comment to this Blog, attention Jim, and tell him why you should be our staff photographer on our next trip, we had too much fun to even take the cameras out!

Comments

[Rob Casey]

Jim,
I'm responding per the need for a staff photog on your next trip so you all can relax and surf and paddle at will. Why me?

Totally stoked on stand up paddling and with a background in sea and surf kayaking, I have the skills to paddle a kayak or board in all conditions with camera in hand while you all do your thing. That said, I'm also a professional photographer with clients such as Men's Journal, the former NGS Adventure, and Stand Up Paddle Journal. You can also find my stock images with Getty and on my own collection at www.robcasey.net. I've spent the last year documenting the sup culture in the Pacific NW.

I'm also writing a book on stand up paddling for Mountaineers Books, teach sup, and am doing some marketing for a Seattle based sup biz, called Hemel Board Company, which is just getting started. I run a blog called Stoke Magazine that has regular postings on sup techniques, gear, where to paddle, and other observations.

I'm working on long term project to smooth out my farmer's tan and am availalble to travel to tropical locations on short notice. Yet am always willing to put on my 5mm for a good paddle. You can often find me several days a week surfing freighter waves in Puget Sound on my board or waveski.

Thanks!
Rob Casey