Travel
TRVL Caribbean: A Journey Through the Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico
2025 / 10 mins
The ocean has always been a space for discovery, but sometimes, the greatest adventures come from stepping off the board and into a new culture. For Rob Machado and Alana Blanchard, their trip to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico wasn’t just about catching waves; it was about experiencing life in its rawest form.
A Hidden Paradise: The Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas, a vibrant corner of the Dominican Republic, is where Rob and Alana met up with Vuori Athlete and Freestyle Skier Thibault Magnin. It’s a place where the laid-back rhythm of surfing meets the energetic pulse of local life, untouched by the usual tourist rush. The locals are kind and welcoming, the food is fresh and flavorful, and the salty air and warm winds promise adventure. With Thibault's local expertise, they ventured beyond the shoreline to discover the island's lush jungle, remote waterfalls, and vibrant communities.
Thibault’s favorite stop: a hike to an off-the-beaten-path waterfall. The sound of rushing water drowned out everything else, leaving the team surrounded by the serenity of nature. Later, they ventured to Thibault’s family ranch, where local food was enjoyed, horses were ridden, and a deep sense of family and connection was fostered for life.
It was the surfing that put the icing on the cake. Rob, Alana, and Thibault paddled out with a group of local kids, who were beyond excited to get in the water with their heroes. Their enthusiasm was infectious. It was a much-appreciated reminder that the best surf sessions are those shared with friends, both new and old, and to always have as much fun as possible.
“My favorite way to travel is to find waves, find interesting people, do interesting things. And have a good time.”
– Rob Machado
Puerto Rico: Culture, Surf, and Soul
After soaking in the raw beauty of the Dominican Republic, Rob and Alana set their sights on Puerto Rico. They met up with Alejandro Moreda, a local surfer who not only showed them the storied streets of Old San Juan but also guided them to some of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secret surf breaks. Chasing waves along Puerto Rico’s North Shore felt like a new chapter of the journey, one where the energy of the city interlaced with the rugged beauty of the coast. Together, Rob, Alana, and Alejandro hunted for the perfect waves and surfed until the sun sank beneath the water.
“That’s kind of what travel is all about. You get to experience things you wouldn’t normally experience. And kind of live the way that the locals live.”
– Alana Blanchard
A Journey of Connection
For Rob and Alana, their adventure was more than just a surf trip; it was a journey of connection, of seeing the world through fresh eyes, and finding inspiration in the simplest moments. If there was one take away from this trip it's that, the best adventures don't just happen on the water; they happen in the moments we least expect, with the people who make those moments unforgettable. It's a reminder to stay present, soak up the world's beauty as often as possible, and surround yourself with people who make you feel alive.
