Paddle Boarding Barbados

Carlisle Bay, Barbados. | Photo: Paddle Barbados

BARBADOS, Caribbean - Barbados or Bim, as it is lovingly referred to by its local inhabitants, is a perfect island paradise for the progressive adventuring paddle boarder. With its rich history, Barbados packs a real punch in its 166 square mile package. This lush little coral island sits apart from the Caribbean Archipelago and sits deep into the wild tropical Atlantic. This unique exposure provides adventurous sup surfers with daily wave riding opportunities for beginners and experts alike. The island also has a quiet side. Miles and miles of calm crystal clear water lap its Caribbean West coast offering paddlers the best of both worlds throughout the year.

Highlights

Located in the southern Caribbean, Barbados is just a short flight from busy travel hubs like Miami International and JFK. The island itself is easy to get around and driving from one coast to the other is only a 35 min ride making it a breeze to catch the best waves of the day.

Barbados has been right in the paddle boarding scene from the sports global introduction. SUP is well developed on the island and SUP outfitters like Paddle Barbados can cater to any traveling SUPer’s equipment needs. Wave riding is the main focus here and most SUP shops will carry beginner and high performance boards. No need to bring your own.

Sunset SUP Yoga at Pebbles Beach, Barbados. | Photo: Paddle Barbados

The island is not just for single paddlers. Families and couples have much to see and do both in and out of the ocean. Snorkeling with friendly sea turtles, sailing, kiting, exploring coral caves, shipwrecks, Segways, hiking, lunching at rum shops, driving in circles along the sugar cane, dining Caribbean style and dancing into the night will make your trip an adventure to remember.

Seasons

The temperature remains constant all year long but the humidity changes. Summers can be sticky and the ocean is the only way to beat the heat. In winter, the air is dry and crisp making it the most pleasant time of year. On the coolest nights, long sleeves may be in order. The water temperature hovers around 27 Celsius so only board shorts and a rash vest are needed. All of the surf breaks on the island are reef breaks so pack reef booties if you must but most spots are easy in and out.

Winter is peak season in Barbados so expect higher priced accommodation. Prebook rooms and cars as the island does get busy. Summer is the slow season and prices drop to a reasonable level. Summer deals abound and the crazy crowds disappear.

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Hot Spots

Bathsheba Beach on the East Coast of Barbados is as gorgeous as it gets. | Photo: Paddle Barbados

North Coast

The North coast of the island is wild. Stunning sea cliffs are battered by Atlantic swell for most of the year. At certain times (December thru March) it can be surfed but like all Atlantic Swell, Experts Only!

East Coast

The East coast is beautiful. Winding hillside roads take you to the sleepy seaside town of Bathsheba and the world-class surf break, Soup Bowl. This barreling wave is not ideal for SUP but do not be disappointed. There are a number of great spots in the area, like Parlor and Bath. Summertime is the best time to surf here as the Easterly Trade Winds stop blowing and the Atlantic turns to glass.

West Coast

The West coast is perfect for flat-water paddling. The Caribbean Sea is crystal clear and paddling in and out of palm-fringed bays is everything you would expect in a tropical paradise. Golden sunsets and sleek sailboats keep your company on this Platinum Coast. If you’re lucky, you’ll experience a north swell which brings crisp, clean waves all along the west coast. North swells occur here and there throughout December through April.

The West Coast of Barboados is perfect for flatwater paddling. | Photos: Paddle Barbados

South Coast

The South coast is the island’s most surfed coast and has waves at its many fun reef breaks most of the year. It is also in the thick of things. The South coast can be hustle and bustle so many of its lineups can get a bit crowded especially on the weekends and in the high season. Get there early! To avoid the crowds completely, do an 8 mile down winder, riding wind and catching waves down the South coast is the best way to travel.

Some of the favored South Coast hot spots are …

Pebbles Beach & Carlisle Bay

This should be your first stop for SUP on the island. The bay is 4 km wide and is Barbados's only natural harbor. Located on the south side of the nation’s capital, Bridgetown, the bay has been designated a marine conservation site limiting motorized water craft’s speed and activity, making it a pleasant and picturesque spot to paddle.

Its clear, tranquil waters are perfect for exploring and make a great base for families, couples and individuals looking for an active adventure. The bay is also the home of Paddle Barbados and the Barbados Cruising Club. SUP, kayak, snorkel, surf and sun loungers are all available here and the knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Check out their website for sup surf rental, sup yoga, turtle snorkel tours and much more at paddlebarbados.com

For a special treat have lunch at Cuz fish shack for world famous fish sandwiches (cutters) or sip sunset cocktails on the roof deck at Dippers beach bar. It's all happening at Paddle Barbados on Pebbles Beach.

Click here to find a SUP destination that suits you!

Sarah of Paddle Barbados driving down the line at Freights Bay. | Photo: Chris Padfield Photography

Sarah (left) and Jason (right) of Paddle Barbados having a blast at Freights Bay. | Photos: Paddle Barbados & Chris Padfield Photography

Freights Bay

This break is perfect for beginner paddlers. The cliff top view of Oistins fishing village and the south coast are spectacular. The wave itself is ranked among the top 10 learner waves in the world. Sheltered from the prevailing wind, the bay produces waist high glassy surf almost daily. Most surf schools do their lessons here so it may get a bit crowded in the busy season during lesson times (10-12 noon) but this long left offers plenty of space. Not only will you ride perfect little nuggets here but you will also be amazed by the number of sea turtles that pop up around you.

Drill Hall

This intermediate surf spot is just a 10 min walk from the Paddle Barbados shop and sits just to the left of the Hilton Hotel. It is regarded as one of best breaks that the South coast has to offer. It is a left point break with a soft rocky bottom and consistently offers a chest to head high wave. Beware that it is exposed to a steady side shore wind so don't skip breakfast.

Other Paddlers

Pebbles Beach is SUP Central, you’ll find lots of paddlers entertaining themselves in the picturesque sea and gentle waves of Carlisle Bay, and you’ll always be warmly welcomed by fellow SUPers and the staff at Paddle Barbados. Learn more about Paddle Barbados by checking out their Facebook page here.

To see more paddle boarding destinations, click here.