Surf: Puerto Rico’s big wave testing ground, which needs a really big winter swell, preferably from the NW to get going. The last stop on the unbroken reef that starts up at Domes is boosted by a submarine canyon that focuses and magnifies the swell. A gun will help overcome the chop hops down the face then wide open, rumbling walls provide a large canvas for large turns. Rips and sneaker sets keep the crowd to manageable levels and only a few will make it out when it is properly firing, which is hardly ever! Environment: Good equipment and respect required. Surf: General: PR's most famous big-wave break is usually bigger than it looks; and the comparisons to Oahu's Sunset Beach are just about right on. Tres is essentially the last bit of reef that begins up towards Domes; it sticks furthest out and has a deepwater trench that focuses long-period swell into big meaty peaks that draw up and attempt to swat you off your board as it free-falls down the face. If you do make the board-chattering drop, prepare for some thigh-busting bottom/top turn combos for the next 75 yards. Think swoop and carve, not flit and air -- this is real open-ocean juice. It doesn't even start breaking till it hits double-overhead. The good news is that there's a great big channel that runs south of the reef; the bad news is that if there's any W in the swell, Tres Palmas' famous, gigantic sneaker sets arrive. So no matter how wired you think you have it, or how far out on the shoulder you think you are -- you could still get swatted. Tides: Not the biggest tidal changes but lower generally better. Size: Double-triple overhead++ Wind: East Swell: NW, N Bottom: Reef Paddling: Just a little. Spot Rating: The premiere big wave spot in the Caribbean. Access: Park right there; paddle around. Crowds: Crowd Factor: When it's small (double overhead) there can be a crew, which dwindles as it gets bigger. Local Vibe: Big wave surfers can be an antisocial bunch, but as always, humility and respect will go a long way. Environment: Not bad. Hazards: Big, sneaky west sets and the plan old fact that this wave doesn't really start working until it's at least double overhead. Season: Late summer and fall for tropical cyclone swells but late fall through early spring for consistency.