Are you going to Mexico with a board covered in sand? That's a smart thing to do. Many surf guides say that waves, tacos, and sunburn make up Mexico's backbone. They're quite close to the truth. Each coast is different, and each break has its own personality. Let's get rid of the salsa and find the best swells, tacos, and weird surf stories on this side of the equator. Check this out.
Baja California is the first stop. Hidden places? Some locals would rather I just write "go home" here, but let's at least give Scorpion Bay a tip of the hat. Imagine six spots peeling off in a row—like a conveyor belt for longboard nirvana. Sometimes the rides are so long that your knees start to talk to your brain about what to do. Don't skimp on snacks or water. Things you need are getting harder to find.
Swing to San Miguel. One word: steady. Even when the heat makes the north all sticky, you'll still be able to get rides while others complain about flat spells. Rocky bottoms can leave a mark after a wipeout, so pack your best duck-dive game and a strong skin, both figuratively and practically.
Sinaloa and Nayarit? Now you're breaking into the Central Pacific. There's a circus in Sayulita. It's lively and hectic, yet it's perfect for people who are just starting out. Want more power? Take a respite in places like La Lancha or Punta Mita on the seashore. Swells here like to take their time. Stretch and paddle out early, before everyone else sleepwalks to the lineup.
Puerto Escondido. The Pipeline in Mexico. Words can't fully describe the place well. Barrels here don't give you a break. Drop-in that isn't right? You will learn that gravity doesn't change. Pros come for the big waves, but every now and again the smaller days let regular people ride too. Go up the coast to find calmer spots. Nothing hurts worse than sand in cuts from a Zicatela wipeout.
Surf etiquette is important everywhere, yet Mexico sticks to the old ways. If you go to a local, they will probably give you the stink eye or hit you in the ribs with a surfboard. Respect will gain you better surf karma.
Don't forgo the street food when you're not on the water. Are you hungry after a paddle? When you're burnt and covered in salt, street tacos become miracles. If you're near a panga boat, get the ceviche. They know what came out of the water that morning.
Sunsets and SPF aren't the only things that matter for safety. Look at the tides. Check the surf report. If someone cries "raja!" you should leave right away. In some estuaries, like Oaxaca, crocodiles are quite interested. And don't hide your valuables under your towel unless you trust the seagulls.
It's smart to pack light. Most communities have hidden surf shops with dusty boards and, if you're lucky, a smart wizard who can fix them. But don't bet with only one leash. Bring an extra. Duct tape is also helpful; it's as important as wax out here.
Everyone departs with stories, like memories of the sun, a fresh scar, or the taste of a taco that no guidebook has ever described. That's how surfing is in Mexico. One minute you're having the time of your life, and the next you're eating dirt or meeting pals who don't want to share their waves. Try things out, keep it light, and keep surfing.