Want to eat fiery tacos and have salty hair? Hey, Mexico is calling. To put it simply, surfing in Mexico is a great way to have fun and get into some trouble. Get your board, put on reef-safe sunscreen, and go to latamsurfing.com/mexico before you book your travel. No time to lose.
Begin with Oaxaca. People talk about Puerto Escondido a lot, and for good reason. One word: barrels. Heavy, empty tubes that break easily. If you haven’t paddled out in huge waves before, don’t do it. It’s not a pool for kids out there. But if you’re new to this, head north to La Punta. There are soft waves and surf instruction on every corner, and the people are more “let’s chill and share fish tacos” than “who can drop in deepest?”
Now jump to Baja California in the west. Don’t listen to anyone who thinks it’s solely for people who like cold water. Yes, the Pacific is rather cold. The Baja shore has more to offer than just cold sea bites. San Miguel has strong rights for intermediate surfers. Go to Scorpion Bay for long, peeling lefts that are nearly worth the leg cramps. After one session out there, you’ll see why people sleep in rusted vans for weeks to get that enchantment.
You will meet other surfers all around the place. Half the fun? Talking to someone while waiting for the next set or while your leash is broken. You might join in on the old custom of complaining about surf forecasts. Everyone has a hypothesis about the wind, the tide, the moon phase, and the swell. Accept that Mother Nature is in charge.
The breaks in Sayulita and Punta Mita are great for people who want nice waves and forgiving surf. If the lines are long, grin and wait your turn. You’re not at a wrestling match, so don’t worry. Also, a mango popsicle on the beach will quickly help you forget about any crowded party wave.
The Yucatán is a must-see. It may not be at the top of every list, but it’s worth a trip during hurricane season. A storm can make surprising sets. One afternoon you’re floating on ankle slappers, and the next you’re paddling out with butterflies in your stomach.
Knowing the area is really important. Get a coconut from the man who is selling them out of a cooler. Ask him where his cousin goes surfing at sunset. Chances are, you’ll locate that hidden place the internet forgot. Also, be polite to the people that live there. A knowing nod or brief “thank you” goes a long way—much better than acting like you own the beach.
Timing is important, so keep that in mind. Southern swells normally come to the Pacific from April to October, although hurricanes and wind systems like to break the norms. Get up early. It’s worth it to go on dawn patrol.
Bring only what you need, but be ready for everything. Reef cuts heal and sunburns go away, but that memory of riding your first wave in Mexico? That stays with me. If you get on the wrong bus after a sunset session and can’t find your accommodation, simply enjoy the ride. Those are the finest stories to tell back home.