Surfing bartender moving to STT in '05

USVI offers lots of good stuff - surfing is not really high on that list though in terms of 10 most awesome spots on the planet to surf - so.............................

Yup. 32 noted breaks between the 3 main islands. (12 - St. Thomas, 4 - St. John, 16 - St. Croix)

http://shw.fotopages.com/3461414.html

http://www.easternlines.com/travel_vi.html

http://www.bareboatsbvi.com/surfing_tortola.html

Take it easy.

Mike

Paul,

Please e-mail me more info please. lemoinemichael@hotmail.com

Take it easy.

Mike

Hello Mike,

Try contacting the folks at West Indies Windsurfing at (340)775-6530 and see if they might be able to give some surfing contacts/information.

Our high season is Dec-May so getting a job in Bartending/waitering is easier at the beginning months of season. Finding a vacancy will be a little more difficult during season but not impossiable - just less options.

Being on the northside would have you closer to some of the more well known surf spots (Hull Bay & Caret Bay come to mind).

All the best!

--Islander

Thanks for the info Islander. Here are a few more questions I'm hoping you can shine a little light on.

1. I take it, it is easier to find housing starting at the end of the off-season (Mayish) and the Summer? And easier to find work starting before the high-season (October - Novermberish)?

2. Assuming that I will move down and rent short term (a month) while trying to find a more permanet place to live... What are a couple short term places that you would recommend me staying at while looking for a house or roommates?

3. Even with hilly, blind-curve roads I imagine, is it possible to get around the island by mountain bike? (Got a Specialized Hardrock I take offroading all the time)? How bout a scooter then? If not, then what is the availability, compared to the states, in finding a used vehicle?

4. What is the deal with the health test / card? I've read many differing stories about this, but have seen nothing on many of the websites or travel books I've researched. I'm assuming this is to work. Could you please clarify and give any more info?

5. Would you say it's better (money , funner) to bartend or waiter there? At hotels, all-inclusive resorts, restaurants or bars? I know if may sound like an inane questions, but was hoping to narrow my search a bit. I read not to expect to make it living on a server's wages. From the research I've done, the cost of living in DC (Rent- $500-$1000 / month) and bartending wages (Average - $150 - $250 / shift) are comparable. I imagine the food may be a little more expensive, but that is expected. I'm very low maintenance and some would even say a minimalist. Any thoughts about the work situation?

Thanks. Take it easy.

Mike

More questions to follow...

Hello Mike,

1. You will find more apt. availibilities, a greater range and options during the end of off season (late May-Summer), as quite a number of folks come down to work for season and then head somewhere else during off season. And yes there are more job openings in bars, restaurants, tours, shops... at the beggining of season (early Nov.-Dec).

2. www.piratescovevi.com or http://villafairview.com/

Or you can try some of the less expensive inns/small hotels for a few days; or contact the manager and see about special rates for a few weeks.
www.mafolie.com
www.st-thomas.com/islandbeachcomber
http://flamboyantmanor.com
www.villablancahotel.com
www.caribbeachresort.com

3. Getting around by bike... I have only known one man who did this. He was an athlete; participated in compeitions... biking was his sport. He worked at UVI and I'd see him biking to work in the am and pushing his bike up Mafolie hill (a seriously steep hill) in the afternoon. So in my opinion no bikes aren't an option - exception being you are a serious athlete or live/work somewhere between UVI and town - where its relatively flat or you live/work in Red Hook again where its flatter. Scooters are an option - some folks use them, not many - roads are windy, steep, slippery when wet, blind corners, no bike lane or even sidewalks in many cases... you get the picture; safety is an issue. Used vehicles are available from owners, from the lots, from rental car agencies that are moving out their 2 year old cars for new ones... expect to pay more for used cars from owner/lot then the same car would go for in the states.

4. The health card is for food handlers. Health cards are issued at the Community Health Clinic. On St. Thomas the clinic is located in the Roy Schneider Hospital, second floor. The office is open from 1pm-3pm. For more information call the Clinic at (340)774-7477. The cost is around $46 for everything ($30 for the Health Card; and the stool test from a lab will likely run around $16). When I called several weeks ago the lady said you can do the stool test as any lab on island for around $15 and change... $16 and then you bring the results back to them. Requirements that you have to bring with you to the Health Clinic are a photo ID, picture, a social security card and results of the stool test.

5. Better money at popular spots... what atmosphere are you looking; bar scene or fine dining? There are many restaurants :-)... You can look at the cost of living page on this site, click on Home Page at the top and then you can access it - it gives estimates for apartments and even a grocery list with prices...

--Islander