JAMAICA SURF SPOTS

Rastafarians, good coffee, rum and Red Stripe. Thats what most people relate to Jamaica but not surf spots right? They shocked the world when they jumped in a bobsled so why was anyone surprised when not only good surf, but great surfers were found in Jamaica?

Break away from the "all-inclusives" and the cruise ships and you'll find a country with a rich cultural past, warm, friendly surfers and world class surf potential.

The most wave rich region is the south eastern side of the island from Kingston around to Long Bay and Boston Bay on the East side. Some of the better and more well known spots are listed below.

Starting out from Kingston, the first spot to take note of is on the island of South East Cay. It's situated just outside Kingston harbor and if you can find a boat to get you out there you'll come across a nice long lefthander. It breaks more consistently in the winter and the trades usually keep it clean in the morning. 

Outside the Kingston airpot is the Lighthouse. Barter with the gatekeeper and he might let you park on the lighthouse property. What you'll find there is a long left that starts working when the East/Southeast swells hit 4'. The right at the Lighthouse is one of the best barrels in Jamaica and can hold its shape to well overhead.
 
8 miles East of Kingston you'll find Bull Bay which over the last decade or so has become the epicenter of Jamaican surfing. Bull Bay locals and legends Billy Mystic and the Wilmot family get credit for showing the world that Jamaica has not only great surf, but great surf riders too. Bull Bay's most famous break was Zoo which was all but obliterated by a hurricane Ivan in 2004. Possibly the next best option is Copacabana (or just Copa to most). This is heavy wave with a lot of power when it gets big. Big, long rights can be had here if you've got the experience and the lung capacity. Not a beginner wave. Cable Hut Beach is also in this area. A rather mellow beach break sits inside the outside left point break that starts to show when the east/southeast swells get bigger than 6 feet.
 
Heading east out of Bull Bay the road winds towards Yallahs. Just off the road in Yallahs is Makka, one of the most consistent waves in Jamaica. Though not super critical, Makka is a fun left point break that's been known to hold to more than double over-head.
 
The coastline between Yallahs and Morant Point is home to countless breaks and all kinds of surf potential. Most of the spots aren't named and the ones that are, well, not many people would recognize the names if you asked for directions. A lot of the spots can be found by keeping an eye on the water as you drive along the coast. A couple spots to keep an eye out for include a fun rivermouth break that's ridable from about 2 feet up (keep an eye out for crocs around rivermouths, especially on the south side of the island) and a couple of left hand point breaks. One breaks off a giant rock headland and only works when it's bigger than 4-5 feet. The other's a mellower left point that breaks over cobblestone into a bay and is marked by a lone palm on the headland. This spot's ridable when it's small but you'll be dragging your fins on the rocks.
 
Exploration through Port Morant gets a bit more difficult as the main road ventures inland but a little time traversing side roads can produce quality surf with no one around. A word of caution when surfing this region.. A lot of the waves that break here break on headlands that are the last stop before open ocean. Wind patterns and swell can change drastically in a matter of minutes and if you're not careful you could end up being swept into the middle of the caribbean ocean. Don't surf here if you're inexperienced or not prepared to paddle a long way against a current if neccesary. Also, it's never a good idea to surf alone but that's especially the case here.

The Morant Point Lighthouse is another spot of interest if you're making you're way around the eastern-most tip of the island. Grab a map or ask a local what the best way is to get there. If you can navigate the maze of dirt roads through seemingly endless fields of sugarcane, past old sugar mills and a small bay you'll reach the lighthouse and the point. Out in front of the lighthouse is an wind-drenched open-ocean beach break that is rarely flat. The winds do have a tendency to keep this place churned up so don't be surprised if it's blown out when you get there. Regardless of the surf conditions, the trip to the point is well worth it. A 4x4 isn't a necessity if you're used to driving sandy dirt roads but it is recommended. Especially if it's been raining.

Back to the main road heading north up the eastern side of Jamaica you can see countless headlands and rock outcroppings with waves peeling into the bays. If you're not up for hard-core surf exploration than the next spot worth checking is the Ranch.

100+ yard rides aren't out of the question at the Ranch. North of Manchioneal this bay boasts 4 unique breaks that show up depending on swell direction. it's extremely consistent because it picks up swell from the north as well as east and south east. Years ago there was a small sign right off the main road with a parking lot as well as beach camping and a bar. Not a bad spot to spend a few days.

Up the road a ways from the Ranch, Long Bay and Boston Bay are two of the best known spots in Jamaica. Though widely known throughout the island crowds still aren't a major factor. Long Bay is a beautiful and, you guessed it, long white sand beach. If you're in the market for souvenirs there are plenty of vendors peddling their wares up and down the beach. If you're there to surf make your way to the northern end of the bay and you'll find a nice left. Its really the only surfable spot in the bay. The take-off zone on an average sized day is next to the giant bolder. Watch out for rip currents when it gets big here.

Jerk chicken and Jamaican surfing... the legacy of Boston Bay. Located just north of Long Bay, Boston Bay boasts the longest history of surfing in Jamaica. First surfed in the 1960's, Boston Bay was THE place to surf in Jamaica for decades. Though not the best wave in Jamaica (the much more consistent Long Bay is a short drive away) Boston Bay is still definitely worth a surf. This horseshoe-shaped bay works both ways depending on the swell direction and when it's on you can ride the current back out to the line-up to conserve energy. Boston Bay is also home to the islands first surf shop. Don't expect to pick up a new board while your there though. This "shop" is really just a shelter lined with surf photos where the locals hang out. You might be able to barter for wax or a fin key if you need it. Make friends with them and they may just show you a few secret spots.

The northern coast, although not as consistent as the south and east coasts, has a lot of great surf spots and a ton of potential. Details on the North Coast coming soon