Tartane November 2006
I was in Martinique in November 2006 for a 2week trip.I Surfed Tartane almost everyday. The wind speed was still pretty high some days making the surf not so great the first week. But second was really nice. almost no wind (less than 15 knots) and 1 meter swell.Best season for surfing is definitely between Novemeber and March.What you have to know about Martinique is that most consistent spot is in Tartane and is actually unique on the island. So it sounds like crowded and it actually is. But the really good point about it is that surfing community is not so large and most of the people are just nice with each other.So it is not a world class surf destination like Guadeloupe or other places in the Carribean.But the place is really great and the surfing is so nice that anyone who'd been there would probably come back again and recommend it to friends.For people who do not know the island, I recommend you to rent an apparment close to Tartane and rent a car for the week to visit the island. There are really beautiful beaches in the south (Le Diamant and Les Salines) that you do not want to miss.There is a surf school close to Tartane : Bliss where you can rent surf board (referenced into World Stormrider guide volume 2)If you go there for only one week, it is not worth bringing your own board. Personnaly I brought mine (7'6 Takayama) and it was perfect but it cost me 120 euros to bring in aboard Air France flight. Most of people are surfing short boards (6'0 to 6'5). There are some bodyboarders and a few longboarders.Language on the line up is either French or Creole. I haven't heard so much of english.Locals are not hostile as long as you pay attention to priorities.No sharks in the water. The only dangers that I am aware of are sun burns and mosquitoes (Dengue).Night life can be hot but you'll need a car to go to Fort de France (main city ~ 45 minutes from Tartane).Beware that traffic is really crazy and jammed. So be patient and just enjoy zouk music !!And last but not least, local cuisine is just great.Conclusion: great surf, great weather, great culture ...What are you waiting for ???
comment by surf76, 2007-02-04 21:16:32
surfshop ?
hi, i surf in the north ouest of france and i plan to go in martinique in the beginning of march. i would like to know if the swell is usually OK during this period ? and what type of board we should take ? are the waves quick or slow ? is there a surfshop that i can borrow a shortboard for one week ?can u let some adress and phone if you know please.thank you very much by advance
comment by Killer, 2006-02-25 23:46:29
honeymoon in martinique
We went to honeymoon in martinique and then in guadeloupe.We surfed in tartane.Nice spot,beautiful place the sand is black and yellow.Everybody surfed on the leffr but no onr in the right!I understood really quick why nobody surfed on the right!!!Urchain!We werw there on september but the locals told me that the best months are october and november!And we will go again this year.You can find a nice surf school.The guys there are really cool the name was bliss!Nice trip and a so beautiful place!I you have the chance to go there don't hesitate!
comment by Brice75, 2007-05-05 17:11:25