Surfing as a beginner in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
We planned to stay in Puerto Escondido for a few nights as a quick stop during our Mexico trip. Apparently, it was touristy, lacking in charm and overcrowded … but … that could not be further from the truth!
We absolutely loved Puerto Escondido and ended up extending our trip by 3 days (which involved asking our Airbnb host for an extra night every day!)
The main reason for us wanting to come here was to surf. Puerto Escondido is world-renowned for its barrel waves, and although it may not be the best place for beginners, we had a fantastic time catching waves in this idyllic Mexican beach town.
Sure, it’s not the quintessential Mexican experience, but it is still full of rich culture despite a large amount of surf-chasing tourists in the town. Also, the food was incredible (full guide about the food coming soon).
Overhead view of surfers chasing waves at La Punta, Puerto escondido
The surf scene in Puerto Escondido
Upon arrival, we quickly discovered that Puerto Escondido's reputation as a surfing hotspot was well-deserved. The town boasts several surf areas, each with its unique character. Zicatela and Punta, renowned for their formidable waves, are the go-to spots for experienced surfers seeking an adrenaline rush. The Zicatela pipeline attracts world-class surfers and competitions every year.
Puerto (as the locals call it), admittedly, isn’t the best place for beginners. However, we found our sanctuary at Playa Carrizalillo. This charming beach, with its gentler waves and serene atmosphere, was ideally suited for our fledgling surfing skills.
Getting Started: Lessons and Guides
Embarking on a surfing journey can be daunting for beginners. That's why finding the right surf school or guide is crucial. We were fortunate to connect with Silva Surf School, run by Ari, whose expertise and warm approach eased us into the world of surfing.
If you can’t get time with them, then there are plenty of surf schools and shops throughout town that you can book with.
Their instructors were skilled surfers and excellent teachers, imparting valuable knowledge about wave patterns, board control, and safety in the water. Ari, Barrita, and Michelle were the ones teaching us during our lessons.
Not only were they great at teaching us how to surf, but they also taught us about life in Puerto, where to go for food and drinks and how to make the most of our time there. They even advised us on other places along the Pacific coastline, like Mizunte and Zipolite.
Each 2-hour lesson cost £72 for both of us, and they provided all the gear we needed, including:
Boards
Sunscreen
Rash vests
Transport from and to your accommodation to the beach
A locked van to keep your valuables
They went over surfing basics on the beach first and then took us out to the sea after explaining how the waves worked and where the safe areas of the beach were.
You can find them on Instagram @silvasurfschool or give them a message on WhatsApp +52 954 110 9183 to arrange a lesson.
Our instructor Ari from Silva Surf School
Our Surfing Experience
Our surfing experience at Playa Carrizalillo was a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. On the first day, we were greeted by strong winds and chaotic waves. It was intimidating yet exhilarating.
Our guides' expertise shone through, helping us navigate the tumultuous waters safely. The following days were more forgiving, with gentler waves allowing us to build our confidence and skills. Our second 2 lessons were also much earlier (7 am), which meant much calmer weather and fewer people on the beach (Carrizalillo can get pretty busy with beginners fighting for the best waves).
We ended up doing three 2-hour sessions over four days, and we would have loved to stay for another week honing our skills if we could!
Our lessons started with us doing some drills on the beach before heading out to sea. We would be told which directions the waves were coming from, and our instructors helped us catch them by swimming along and giving us a push.
Practical Tips from Our Experience
Surfing, while thrilling, comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips we found invaluable:
Tipping Etiquette: At Playa Carizalillo, there is a car park, and it is customary to tip the attendant 5-10 pesos. This small gesture helps support the local community.
Physical Demands: Don't underestimate the physicality of surfing. After our two-hour lessons, we were often exhausted, dehydrated, and our muscles were aching from the previous day's exertions. Give yourself some time to relax on the beach after your lesson.
Hydration and Health: The sun can be intense. Staying hydrated is crucial, as is protecting your skin from the sun. Additionally, carrying your surfboard up and down the almost 200 steps to Carazilillo Beach is a workout in itself. Bring lots of water with you!
Respect for the Ocean: The ocean is a magnificent but sometimes unpredictable force. Respect its power and always heed the advice of your instructors.
Get out early: The sea, weather and atmosphere were much nicer when we got out at 7 am compared to the afternoon.
Be prepared: Grab some tacos the night before and watch some videos on the basics so you have an idea of what to do. we found the videos on Barefoot Surf’s YouTube channel very helpful.
Conclusion
Our surfing adventure in Puerto Escondido was an experience we'll cherish forever. It challenged us, taught us new skills, and allowed us to connect with the sea profoundly.
The instructors at Silva Surf School were exceptional, making our introduction to surfing educational and incredibly fun.
We loved our surf experience so much that we have planned a surf and food trip to San Sebastian in June 2024. If you'd like to stay updated on how that goes, you can subscribe to our newsletter below.
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