SURFING IN MARTINIQUE

SURFING IN MARTINIQUE The best season for surfing in Martinique is from November to March with N-NE swells driving down the North Atlantic Coast from North America.     Surfing in Martinique offers you the chance to indulge your passion against some of the most picturesque natural backdrops imaginable. Dawn and Dusk are opportunities not to be missed whether you are riding your board or watching others tube riding a short distance offshore whilst you have breakfast or relax with a drink. Its all down to the swells: the biggest arrive from July to October during the hurricane season, often unpredictable and always to be treated with caution.       PRE SURF...   On the beaches of Lorrain and Basse Pointe you can still today see local youths playing amongst the waves as did their fore fathers before surf boards were invented, riding logs down the face of the waves. These logs can also be tied together to form rafts for fishing.	WHERE TO GO The surf spots in Martinique are predominantly to the north along the Atlantic Coast where as the Caribbean Coast generally lacks the swells. There are approximately 14 recommended spots.   The more well known and frequented is Anse Bonville (Plage des Surfers) on the Caravelle Peninsula. If you are lucky enough to be at the Anse Couleuvre (northern tip of Caribbean Coast) at just the right moment its possible to surf some of the best waves on the island: a strong, fast tubular right of up to 3 meters with shallow bed. Those who seek maximum thrills are urges to try the long waves that form a point break at the entrance to the Basse Pointe port flanked by high cliffs. As you can see it’s impossible to be bored if you came with your board in Martinique         Surfing is a sport that has only arrived in Martinique in the last ten years.     There do not exist any large organizations governing the sport but a community of riders who have come together to organize a series of surfing tournaments and a Martinique Championship that nowadays compliment other events on the Caribbean surf calendar. Speaking of riders, even in Martinique there is the territorial nature of local surfers with regard to “their” waves…. Something that over time education will overcome as with everywhere surfers congregate.
ALL OF THE SURF SPOTS ON MARTINIQUE   The list of waves indicated whilst not exhaustive represents those considered of location and size to be safe and enjoyable. Often these locations are without any amenities so you are advised to organize yourself ahead of time.     North Caribbean   Tomate, Le Precheur Beside the fishing village. Right facing and long, especially when fed by the swells descending along the North American Coast during winter. 2 m waves with a bed of sand and rock.   Anse Ceron, Le Precheur Continue along the beach past Le Precheur until you reach the Anse Ceron beach. Another northern swell, though shorter in length it is more powerful and offers a fantastic shorebreak onto a black sandy beach.   Anse Couleuvre, Le Precheur Here you can find some of the best waves on the island . A long tubular right that is fast and powerful….not suitable for everyone. Waves are up to 3m on a shallow coral bed.     North Atlantic Bagasse, Grand-Rivière Powerful barrels left and right, beautiful tube . Waves at 3m with a rock bed.     Charlot, Grand-Rivière For those looking for a long version of the above wave.   Basse Pointe A right break at the port entrance. 3 m waves on a rocky bed    Anse Charpentier, Sainte Marie Between Le Lorrain and Ste Marie to Charpencaye there is a right reef break and ample shore break . Pay attention to the current. 3 m waves with coral and sand bed.   Caravalle Peninsula, Tartane Anse Etang: continuing past Tartane you’ll reach the spot “Cocoa”. From the left fast and powerful…the most dangerous on the island.  Anse Bonville: the Plage des Surfeurs or Surfer’s Beach is the most well know surf spot on Martinique and the venue for most if the islands contests. Right and Left breaks of 2m with a coral bed. Continuing 15 minutes further along the beach Pelle aTarte, strong Left and Right breaks with a deep sea floor hollow. There are few who accept the challenge.   South of the island   Anse Trabaud, Sainte Anne  Reached exclusively by an unpaved road across private property for which you are asked €2.50 to pass by car. Pay attention to the time that the gate is closed at night. Right and Left breaks up to 1m, sandy bed. Ideal for body boarders.   Diamant and Anse Cafard Left and right breaks at 2.5m with a sandy bed. Once again ideal for body boarders

Thanks to the invaluable collaboration of Nicolas

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