Have you ever stood on the beach with scorching sand between your feet, looking at the wild Pacific waves and wondering if today is the day you finally get that barrel? That’s what Monday morning looks like on the coast of Mexico. Go to http://www.latamsurfing.com/mexico and the options will hit you right in the face. The country runs along the Pacific and Caribbean for around 10,000 kilometers. That means a lot of different waves that would make a surfboard cry with glee.
You only need a board, sunscreen, and maybe a sense of adventure. If you like piña coladas on the beach, though, there’s still plenty for you. Puerto Escondido: a place of legends. For a reason, they call it the “Mexican Pipeline.” If you want waves that will hit you and then ask if you want to do it again, you’re at the right place. But beginners should be careful. This break can eat up those who are too eager and spit them out, bruised and broken.
But this isn’t just a list of extreme breaks. Sayulita, which is north of Puerto Vallarta, welcomes surfers of all skill levels, from “I-don’t-know-what-a-bottom-turn-is” to “just here for the fish tacos.” That village has a laid-back feel, with surfboards leaning against every wall. You might even end up in a drum circle by accident. The waves are steady, the water is warm, and you don’t need a wetsuit unless you don’t like being comfortable.
Want to be alone? There are parts of Baja that feel like they’ve been forgotten by time. In Todos Santos or Scorpion Bay, mornings start early. The ocean is calm and the wind is asleep. You can walk right onto an empty point break and maybe share it with a dolphin or pelican. Just remember to bring additional wax; there’s nothing worse than finding out yours melted in the glove box.
Every time you go surfing in Mexico, you have a new story to tell. One day, there are big, strong closeouts that make your heart race, and the next day, there is a peeling, chest-high right that sticks in your mind. When locals paddle out, they generally smile and wave, and sometimes they give you a tip. Other times, they just nod. Follow the line-up culture. Don’t be rude, don’t be a jerk, and remember that the tacos at that roadside stand taste better after three good set waves.
Some secret coves are really hard to find. When you get lost attempting to interpret Google Maps en español, bring a wide-brim hat and a sense of humor. Don’t be shocked if the beauty makes you feel excited every time you paddle into a new place, whether it’s the mainland, Baja, or the peaceful Caribbean front of the Yucatan.
Mexico’s surf playground offers a lot of different sides. There are rural hideaways, party towns that never stop, reef breaks that get under your skin, and sandy beach breaks that make you feel better. The best times? When your biggest worry is whether to go for a second sunset wave or get an ice-cold agua fresca. There isn’t a secret recipe for beautiful surf days, but Mexico undoubtedly makes them more likely.