How do I Surf in Ixtapa, Mexico?
- 1). Assess your skill level. Ixtapa is unique in that the region can be surfed by surfers of various skill levels. Ixtapa is not a sleepy town but a major beach resort, located 5 km outside of Zihuatenejo, the capital of the state of Guerrero. The Mexican government constructed the city in the 1970's, in the hopes of bringing additional tourism to the region. The town is home to a number of well known hotel chains, as well as several major resorts, such as Club Med. This is also a very popular stop for cruise liners as well. With all that being said, if you are a novice surfer, and this is your first trip, you can find a number of companies and resorts that can assist you. For instance, the hotel/resort The Tides or the surf shop Catcha L'Ola can arrange everything for you, including equipment, transportation, and surf lessons. If you are a novice, it is advisable safety wise that you have the trip arranged for you. Surfing on your own in a foreign locale with little water experience is a danger not only to yourself, but to others in the water as well.
Even if you are experienced you can still stay at one the main resorts, as you will not have to worry about transportation or gear related issues, while still surfing excellent waves. However, if you choose to be adventurous and plan your own surf trip without the aid of any surf companies or resorts, then it is important that you prepare your gear, local transportation and accommodations before entering the country. Along the terms of other accommodations that are not surf resorts, there are a large number of affordable and reputable hotels in the area, such as Hotel Las Palmas, Hotel Amuleto, or even The Holiday Inn. - 2). Research the breaks. Prior to arriving in Ixtapa, research the available breaks, and asses them concerning your skill level. For instance, Escolleras is a break that is located in the marina at Ixtapa. It is a powerful beach break wave that can often offer epic barrels, and it breaks around 3/4 of the year. This is the perfect kind of wave for an experienced surfer, looking to push the boundaries of their wave riding abilities. However, if you are a novice, then it would be suggested that you pursue surfing at a much friendlier break, such as Playa Saladita. Despite not being centrally located in the heart of Ixtapa like Escolleras, the wave is very gentle and breaks for a long distance. This would be an ideal wave for someone who is either learning or is just looking for a relaxing and fun wave. Researching the breaks will give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive in the area, as well as an idea of what you may need to bring equipment wise. This will also assist you in assessing the distances between the breaks you would like to surf and the hotel where you will be staying.
- 3). Assemble your surf gear. This applies to anyone not renting their surf gear at Ixtapa, which is advisable for experienced surfers, who may want to utilize a variety of boards/wetsuits for varying conditions and waves. For some of the barreling beach break waves during the summer, it is advised that you bring your trusty shortboard thurster or big wave gun when the swell is sizable. However, if the surf is small or you would like to surf one of the many point breaks, then you also might want to bring a longboard or fish surfboard. When transporting your boards, make sure they are properly packed away in travel board bags. The water is usually very warm, so a spring wetsuit should be fine. Otherwise, bring any other surf gear you can possibly imagine. Leashes, wax, rashguards, a medical kit and anything else you can think off in order to be properly prepared for any circumstance.
- 4). Acquire your local surf transportation. Once again, if you are choosing to stay with an established resort, such as The Tides, then arriving to your surf break should not be much of an issue. These types of resorts are either extremely close to certain breaks, or will provide some form of transportation for you. However, if you are not staying at a surf resort or utilizing a surf company travel package, then you may need to rent a vehicle. If you are flying, when you arrive at the international airport at Zihuantanejo, you can rent a vehicle there with a rental companies such as Avis or Hertz. If you arrive by cruse liner, you can arrange for a rental veichle or taxi either through your hotel, or through a local vehical rental agency.