Welcome to Untamed Jamaica, where we explore one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic islands. Step beyond the boundaries of a typical beach resort, and you’ll find a culturally rich and geographically dynamic nation — you can explore rugged mountain ranges and beautiful forested rivers. It’s an incredible contrast.
And the surf culture is underrated: consistent waves are groomed by Caribbean trade winds, and the passionate locals have built an emerging action sports scene that really needs to be explored to believe. Jamaica boasts one of the richest surf experiences in the world, just a short flight from the U.S. coast.
Dane Gudauskas knows. He’s long traveled to Jamaica in pursuit of equipment giveback initiatives to help build local surf communities. We were so stoked to have him host our series on the island. His energy and ability to articulate different situations helped the trip come together seamlessly.
Dane’s return to Jamaica started on the South Coast, known as the island’s “capital of surfing,” and home to Jamaica’s only surf camp, Jamnesia, founded by Billy “Mystic” Wilmot, who pioneered Jamaican surfing in the 1970s.
The multitalented reggae musician still enjoys the waves and regales visitors with his soulful music born of the island. Wilmot’s son Ivah Wilmot joined Gudauskas for a pumping overhead session at a local break known as Copa, alongside Shama Beckford, “one of Jamaica’s first true pro surfers,” as well as local up-and-comer Ronald Hastings.
Switching gears, Gudauskas and Beckford tackled a 3,000-foot road-cycling climb up the legendary Blue Mountains alongside local endurance athlete and bike guru Stephen Collings, and then finished back in Kingston at the Freedom Skatepark with Kayla Wheeler and the Girls Skate Jamaica crew.
Untamed Jamaica gives us an authentic look into the island country’s thriving boardsports culture, as well as the beauty of its diverse terrain. Just like life in Jamaica, it’s an easy watch.
Explore more Jamaican adventures, and learn more from the locals in this guide to Jamaica’s untapped trails, routes, and waves.
This article is sponsored by Visit Jamaica.
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