Fifty eight years ago, Rincón hosted the World Championships of Surfing. The 1968 World Surfing Championships were held between Domes and Maria’s Beach. This event put Puerto Rico, and more specifically Rincón, on the international surfing map.
From November 7th – 14th, 1968, professional surfers from all over the world gathered here in Rincón, Puerto Rico to compete for the title of World Surfing Champion. The primary venue for the event was Domes Beach (just down the road), with Maria’s Beach (our backyard) being the backup location. The first six days of competition saw mostly small waves at Domes, but Maria’s Point turned on for the finals day featuring her signature 6-to-8 foot, long, blue, ripable walls. Fred Hemmings from Hawaii won the men’s division and Margo (Godfrey) Oberg from California won the women’s division.
A Historic Surfing Event in Rincón
Not only was this a historic event for professional surfing in Puerto Rico, it also played a big role in what’s known as the “shortboard revolution.” The 1968 World Championships were the first major international surfing event where surfers transitioned away from longboards in favor of more maneuverable shortboards. ABC’s Wide World of Sports broadcast the event (and yes, you can watch it here!), marking the first time a major television network ever covered a competitive surfing contest. This event was also the last time that surfers officially represented their individual countries in a world championship until surfing debuted at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Along with these slew of firsts, before the ‘68 World Championships, the surf break now known as Maria’s Beach was referred to as ‘Rincón Point’ by visiting surfers. Long before AirBnB, many visiting surfers would camp on the beach to surf Rincón Point, and the matriarch of our family, Doña Maria, would look after them.
Doña Maria, The Matriarch of Maria’s
Where Maria’s Luxury Villa is today, Doña Maria lived in a little wooden house. Visiting surfers would camp in the grass near her house, right in front of the beach and the waves. They would buy rice and bring extra money for Maria. She would cook the rice for them and sell them sodas. And she’d look out for them, many of the surfers remember her like a motherly-figure as they were young and far from home. If you want to hear stories from the surfers themselves, check out our 2018 Interview series, “Memories of Maria” over on the Maria’s Luxury Villa YouTube page here.
Once the surfers got to know Maria, the name ‘Rincón Point’ didn’t last long. The beach and its waves quickly became known as Maria’s Beach — and the name remains today. When Maria passed away, she left the house to her son Ramón. Ramón was also a friend of the visiting surfers and he continued the family legacy of welcoming travelers and guests.
A note from Russ Acevedo, Ramon’s son:
“Maria Garcia was my grandmother and Ramon Acevedo Garcia was my father. As I was growing up I spent summers with Maria. The goat seen in the picture of Maria and a surfer was my pet goat! Fortunately for him as a pet he lived a long life! Surfers were constantly visiting us. I spent many nights on the beach with them. They tried to teach me to surf, but I never was able to stand up. Nights were especially memorable. There was very little artificial light and the stars were incredibly bright and numerous. On a full moon you could read a book by moonlight! I had my first paella right on the beach, made with freshly caught fish and complete with sand. Then there were the antics of a surfer named Frenchie….those who were there know what I mean!”
Maria’s Today
Now, Maria’s Luxury Villa continues to carry that legacy of Doña Maria. Three generations of hosting and welcoming travelers, surfers, and their friends and families. We wanted to honor the memories of Maria and Ramon. The house has two sides each with a distinctive character. The Ramon side has darker, more masculine woodwork and furniture while the Maria side is more feminine. Throughout the house there are pictures of Maria, Ramon and the area dating from 1945 to the early 2000s.
When you’re ready to stay with us, booking is done through Twin Palms, Maria’s rental, and onsite management. Please visit our booking page on this website to view the availability of Maria’s and fill out our convenient contact form. If you have any additional questions regarding Maria’s, you may call Elizabeth at 787-685-6648 (español: Cristina at 787-449-3673).
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Sources:
World Surfing Championships 1968, The Encyclopedia of Surfing
