Ashley Tuttle Attorney: Riding Waves & Rum-My 2024 Adventure in Barbados

Turquoise water spotted.

When I think back on my 2024 travels, Barbados instantly stands out — a vibrant island where turquoise waves, fresh seafood, and rich culture come together in a way that feels both exhilarating and laid-back. From dawn surf sessions to evenings filled with music and rum, my days on the island were full of unforgettable moments.

Surfing Freights Bay

As a longboarder, I couldn’t wait to paddle out at Freights Bay, one of the most famous breaks in Barbados. Tucked away on the island’s south coast, Freights is a dreamy left-hand point break with long, peeling waves perfect for logging. The water was impossibly clear and warm, and I quickly found myself in that perfect rhythm — gliding down smooth faces, connecting turns, and soaking up the island sunshine between sets. It’s the kind of spot that makes you fall in love with surfing all over again.

Loggers Left at Freights

Oistins Fish Fry: A Local Feast

No trip to Barbados is complete without a Friday night at the Oistins Fish Fry. Imagine picnic tables set up under the stars, the scent of fresh-caught mahi-mahi, tuna, and flying fish sizzling on open grills, and the sounds of reggae and calypso drifting through the air. I feasted on grilled fish with rice and peas, macaroni pie, and plantains — simple but bursting with flavor. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was electric: locals and visitors mingling, laughing, and dancing late into the night.

Tasting History at Mount Gay Rum

Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without visiting Mount Gay Rum Distillery, the world’s oldest rum brand. Touring the distillery was like stepping into history — from the early colonial sugarcane days to the modern craft of blending. Of course, the highlight was the tasting. Smooth, complex, and rich, each sip carried the island’s character. Needless to say, a bottle (or two) made its way into my suitcase.

Exploring the Island

Beyond surf, food, and rum, I made time to explore the island’s diverse offerings. I wandered through Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial architecture and colorful streets. I hiked along the rugged east coast near Bathsheba, where powerful Atlantic swells crash dramatically against giant boulders. Inland, I found lush gardens, limestone caves, and friendly villages where Bajans welcomed me with open arms.

Why Barbados Stole My Heart

Barbados is more than just beautiful beaches — it’s an island alive with culture, flavor, and rhythm. Whether you’re paddling into a perfect set wave, savoring fresh-caught fish, sipping centuries-old rum, or exploring hidden corners of the island, every moment feels rich and full of life.

For me, Barbados was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation — the kind of destination that feeds both the traveler and the soul. And while I came for the surf, I left with so much more: new friends, new flavors, and memories that will keep calling me back.