Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 04:12 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Mexico for Beginners, you will find them right here. In this post, we listed our top beginner surf beaches in Mexico, where you can learn and practice your surfing game without putting yourself at risk.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Mexico
Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for a surf trip. It is not just the proximity to the US but mostly the incredible surf conditions. With warm weather, consistent swells, and a wide variety of surf spots, who wouldn’t want to surf in Mexico?
Some of the breaks in this Latin country are extremely powerful and challenging. However, that doesn’t mean novice surfers can’t surf here as well. Luckily, there are plenty of great beaches for newbies along the coastline, where you can learn, practice, and improve your skills.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Mexico for beginners:
A List of Mexico’s Best Beginner Surf Spots:
1. Sayulita
Sayulita is a magical hippie town in Riviera Nayarit. This town breathes surfing and attracts surfers from all over the world during the surf season. Between November and April, the north swell from the Pacific Ocean hits Sayulita with a perfect angel, and produces consistent waves on a daily basis.
The surf in Sayulita is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Although the waves break over a reef, it is a flat one, and not from the dangerous kind. Moreover, the takeoff zone is really easy to catch, and the break is soft and mellow. Therefore, as long as you can pop up on a surfboard, you will be just fine.
Sayulita offers 3 different surf spots. The first is a right-hand point break over a reef, the second is a left-hander over the other side of the same reef, and the third is a beach break. If you are really new to surfing or want to take a surf lesson, the beach break would suit you best. Otherwise, try your luck on the reef and get some long, mellow rides.
For details about beginner surf camps in Sayulita, please click here.
2. Cabo San Lucas
The whole area of Los Cabos, on the very South End of Baja California, is abundant with plenty of great surf spots. In fact, some of the best beginner surf beaches in Mexico are found around here. For example, Old Man’s Beach, or “Acapulquito”, as some call it, is an excellent spot for newbies. The waves here are fat and suitable mostly for longboards. You can also rent a board right on the beach, and there is even a nice restaurant with a nice view of the break.
If you are willing to drive further to the East Cape, you can also surf at Nine Palms, an epic right-hander. Due to the length of the wave, you can catch it either from the start or anywhere along the way. The ride here is long, mellow, and super fun.
Apart from surfing, Cabo San Lucas is a trendy tourist destination. It offers crazy nightlife, bars, restaurants, shops, and plenty of activities.
For details about beginner surf camps in Los Cabos, please click here.
3. Cerritos
Cerritos is a beautiful beach on the Pacific side of Baja, about 40 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas. Unlike the beaches in Cabo that perform best during summer, Cerritos is more of a winter spot, with consistent swells from November to April. Sure, it means that you will need a wetsuit if you are sensitive, but it is still warm outside all year long. Cerritos is actually one of the best surf spots in Mexico for beginners. While the right corner of the beach is a beautiful point break, the rest is a pure beach break with multiple peaks to choose from. Here in Cerritos, you can easily rent a board, take a surf lesson, get a massage, or just chill in the restaurant on the beach.
For details about beginner surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
4. La Punta- Puerto Escondido
You probably ask yourself how it is possible that Puerto Escondido is mentioned in a post about beginner surf beaches. Usually, this famous spot is associated with giant barrels and broken boards. Well, that is definitely the case on the main break in town, Zicatela. However, other than Zicatela, Puerto Escondido also offers some great surf opportunities for novice surfers.
For instance, if you walk east for about 10 minutes, you will get to La Punta. This is a left-hand point break with amazingly long waves. Although the takeoff zone is steep and close to some rocks, the rest of the wave offers a mellow ride over the sand. Therefore, as a beginner, catch the wave closer to shore, and you will be OK.
On the other side of the beach, west of Zicatela, there is another good beginner beach, Playa Carrizalillio. This area of the bay is well sheltered from the swell, and therefore, perfect for newbies.
For details about beginner surf camps in Puerto Escondido, please click here.
5. Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a big city on the West Coast of Sinaloa, Mexico. Its coastline is home to several great surf spots for all skill levels. While some of them are famous challenging breaks, such as Olas Altas, others are actually great for beginners. For instance, the main beginner surf beach is Playa Los Pinos. Since the waves here are much softer than the other spots in the area, this is where most of the surf lessons take place. Although the waves here are relatively small, they are still very consistent and usually produce great rides.
For details about beginner surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
How to Prepare for a Beginner Surf Trip to Mexico?
As a beginner surfing in Mexico, you are going to face a few challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be hard to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to shred:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice great online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Mexico.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional coaches? To find the best beginner surf camps in Mexico, click here.
What to Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Mexico?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
4. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To summarize, these are the best surf spots in Mexico for beginners. Needless to say, along the Mexican Coastline, there are plenty of great breaks of all kinds and for any skill level. Almost everywhere you go along the coast, you will find good waves. This country is a true surfing diamond and the safest bet for any surfer who wants to catch some waves on his surf trip.
Before you go, don’t forget to visit our post about the best surf camps in Mexico, or the one about surf resorts in Mexico.
