Stoked for Barbados

[stoneaxe]

A month to go before we head down there. Can't wait....I reached out to Brian Talma about getting a board similar to my Foote for the week...hoping they'll have a Mana 10-0 available. I might try and surf the 1st day in front of his shop so I can try a mix of boards and then rent what I like best. Checking out some of the other shops as well as a backup. Some decent breaks within paddling distance of the resort and I'm going to go up north for a day if the swell is on. So pumped.

[Glowmaster]

I recommend going on the Mount Gay rum tour.

Friday Night Fish in Oistins is the coolest cultural view of Barbados ever.  Fond memories of that night!

Have Fun!

Driving on the other side of the road is interesting, especially at the many rotaries.

ed

[dingfix]

Two weeks and counting for my trip.     Have boards booked with Paddle Barbados, I've used them before and they were excellent, great people.  Hope we both score some decent waves!

[stoneaxe]

LOL...we already talked about doing the Mount Gay tour....we both like Rum... . Oistins fish fry is also in the plans...everyone that has been recommends it.

If Brian doesn't come through I was looking at Paddle Barbados...my last time down there even Brian didn't have much to choose from....7 years ago though so I'm expecting much more obviously. I'm also thinking of converting one of my paddles to a travel paddle. Can't stand most of the rental paddles I've seen.

[Glowmaster]

I also enjoyed a 4 mile downwinder with Jason from Paddle Barbados from Dover beach to his shop.  I enjoyed it very much and would do it again. 

[stoneaxe]

Tough part about downwind for me when traveling is finding a board stable enough. Downwind is a tough discipline for me....my balance sucks so bad and is so visually dependent. When I can see whats coming and anticipate I'm fine...I'm a halfway decent surfer and have little problem getting over whitewash, paddling into wind and chop, or surfing...once I start getting hit from behind though.....shit hits the fan. Maybe though....worth looking into. Though 4 miles is pretty short....if I can find a board that works I'd want to go longer....

I just heard back from Brian. He's going to hold a Mana 10-0 for me and has some others I can try as well. He's also going to donate one of his paintings for auction at the CCBC.....very cool. https://www.briantalma.pro/art/#

[Caribsurf]

Stoney, so glad you are heading to Barbados.  When are your exact dates, as I might be passing through on my way to the Grenadines and could hook up.
Paddle Barbados are great people and have some nice gear. They are just around the corner from a very consistent break "Brandon's" and if you are lucky, there is a fun wave right n front of their business.
I know Brian Talma, a GREAT guy and has been in watersports business for years. There are some good surf breaks in front of his rental business, but it's usually windy and why that area of Barnados is a kite and windsurfers haven. Not the ideal spot to SUP especially in the winter. 
Maybe you could rent a board from him and explore the rest of the island. 
There are so many breaks in Barbados that there is always surf somewhere, but the trade winds can be a factor depending where you surf. Trade winds never bothered me all the years I surfed in Barbados, but since I started SUP it's a different story.  Try and keep to south coast for good protected surf.  If you are lucky the west coast will break and the waves are amazing.
I
PM me if you want Barbados info, happy to help...I am currently at my home  in the Grenadines until Feb 27 but will be return in late March.

[stoneaxe]

Hey Don....we're there the last week of March...I'd love to hook up. The plan is to head over to see Brian on either the 26th or 27th, hanging there for the day if it's decent or going wherever it is...and then taking the board for the week. I'll be doing most of my surfing within paddling distance of the resort except for a couple days when we plan on renting a car and seeing the island/look for surf. PM sent inside info greatly appreciated.

[stoneaxe]

Leaving tomorrow....so stoked. can't wait to just chill for a bit. Slight change of how I'm doing boards. Headed over to Paddle Barbados on Sunday and may head up to the west coast from there if nothing is close by. Even if it's just small and clean there we'll stay though. I'm most interested in my wife having a great time and getting some surf. I'm hoping for at least one day of juice though and later in the week we'll do more exploring from Brian's. Wish I had known the Beach Culture tour was the following week......place should be hopping.

 

[mrbig]

Way to go big guy! South Point, Freights, Brandon's, and many more.

Been a long time since my 40th b-day trip there. I suspect it's very different and the sup support available now Will be awesome.

Don knows all!!

Safe travels!😁

[Caribsurf]

Bon Voyage Stoney, have a great time and just relax, relax, relax and enjoy yourselves..the fun and surf will take care of itself.

When you go to Paddle Barbados, hopefully the break in front is working, if not, you can paddle around the point to Brandon's, it's very consistent

enjoy some rum and flying fish...take plenty of photos

[PonoBill]

Have your wife drive. Women are far more able to adapt to different rules--all part of that "read the directions, obey all laws" thing. I was a hazard to everyone driving in T&C. Lese Li wound up doing all the driving, Diane sat next to her and for any rotary or odd turn would mutter "left side, left side".  I sat in the back where I belong.

[mrbig]

Geez, completely forgot what I did to my mini moke. Mysterious flat tires...Roundabouts wheee!

[stoneaxe]

Some pics...
Brian Talma's deAction beach shop
Sunset catamaran cruise
Juice on our balcony in the morning...shared a cap full with this little guy almost every day.
View from our room