Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States, dollar is the currency and no passport is necessary for travel.
Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico, but most everywhere someone speaks English.
Puerto Rico is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST). In late Fall and Winter, an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The rest of the year, Puerto Rico is in synch with Eastern Daylight time.
Crime exists in PR, but violent crime is rare. It is up to the traveler to secure his/her belongings and to be aware of their surroundings.
When surfing in the Puerto Rico water, RESPECT the locals! Who knows, maybe one can take you to a surfing spot not on the map.