• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Gas Chambers, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Skill Level:
Experienced Surfers
Best Wind Direction:
Northeast
Ideal Swell Direction:
West, Northwest
Puerto Rico is situated in the northeastern Caribbean and consists of an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands. The climate here is classified as tropical marine climate, with an average temperature of 82.4°F/ 28°C, throughout the year. Although it is a small island, the smallest island of the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico provides superb natural surroundings, countless adventure experiences and many places of historical interest.

Aguadilla is located on the northwestern side of Puerto Rico. Its name derives from the name given by the Indians and means garden. Aguadilla has some of the best surfing beaches along the entire coast. In fact, it was the host city for the ISA World Championship in 1988. Gas Chambers is an exposed beach and reef break that offers world class waves, when it works.

The spot mostly attracts experienced surfers, as the swell sizes start from 1.5-2 m/5-6 ft and hold up to 5 m/16 ft and over. In addition, best winds come from the northeast and the ideal swell direction is from the west and northwest. Furthermore, the best tide movement is rising and falling tides and the ideal tide position is all tides. In summer, the wind blows offshore at 0.3%, in autumn it blows at 4%, in winter at 6% and in spring at 4%.

Gas Chamber gets crowded from January to April, as this is the ideal period for waves. It should be mentioned that there are many surf schools and shops in a short distance drive from the surf site. Apart from great beaches for surfing, Aguadilla provides the largest water park in the Caribbean, Las Cascadas Water Park. Note: be careful of rips, sea urchins and rocks.