Expert: Andy Mendyk - 2/8/2004

Question
I am planning a trip to Aruba and my boyfriend is a surfer. (Not a windsurfer)I have seen a few websites that say there is surfing there, however, the sites also say there are no surfboard rentals on the island. It is also said there are a few surf shops on the island. I have had the hardest time finding one. Is there any way you could help? Thanks

Answer
Hi Nikole! Most likely, when they said "surfing", they meant windsurfing. Of all my trips there, I never seen a surfboard myself. Even on the north side of the island where the sea is rough, the waves are not more then 3 feet at best. The resort areas average 2 feet, but waves diminish as they near shore. There are also areas where they have breakwaters to slow the waves down, as beach erosion is a serious concern for the resorts. Of all the questions I have answered, this is the first time I had to give a negative reply for information, meaning, that what you are looking for is not there. It is safe to say that there is no "traditional" surfing there.(probably the reason there is no rentals of surfboards) I can say that windsurfing is big there, since they have a national meet yearly in April. If there is anything else that I can help you with...please do not hesitate to call on me again!!!