Overview
Maycocks is a right-hand reef break on the northwest side of Barbados, and when it turns on it's one of the better waves on the island. The wave starts far up the reef, peeling too fast to ride, before it reaches the takeoff section where it slows down enough to get in. From there it bends into the bay as a long, lined-up speed line, brushed clean by the offshore trades. Depending on swell size, direction, and tide, there are barrel sections along the way. The catch is that it doesn't turn on all that often.
When It Works
Being tucked around on the northwest coast, Maycocks needs swell from north-northwest to north (NNW-N) to wake up. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, which covers everything from chest high up to double overhead. Winter is the season to watch, since that's when those north swells show up. The reef itself is rock.
Wind and Tide
The break faces into the prevailing trades, so the everyday east-northeast (ENE) wind is offshore here, which is a big part of why the wave lines up so cleanly. The workable wind window runs from east-northeast to east (ENE-E). Lower tides are the call, with the wave working through low and mid tide and a rising tide generally the better bet.
Local Tips
The lineup is usually quiet and the atmosphere mellow, though it can feel a little reserved. It suits intermediate to expert surfers on either a shortboard or a longboard. The paddle isn't bad on the inside, but expect real work if the outside is firing.
Access
Drive north along the west coast, past the Port St. Charles condos, then take a left. Continue past the cement plant and take the next left, then another left after the bakery. Park on the side of the road and hike down one of the paths. The walk up and down the cliff is the main thing to be careful with.
