Contents - Los Cabos Magazine

Los Cabos is a tropical, aquatic paradise, as well as an unprecedented, majestic oceanic playground on the edge of the earth. Land’s End seems to mark the entrance to the ethereal currents of heaven itself. As the Pacific embraces the Sea of Cortés, I am immersed with the possibilities of learning how to surf.

The wonderful adventures awaiting me in the water instinctively stimulate my imagination. In my mind, I can instantly imagine myself paddling into paradise, gliding gracefully backwards upon the foaming crests of giant waves, while cascading toward the golden crescent shoreline. I can see myself performing tricks like a natural born aquatic acrobat.

Playa Acapulquito, also known as Old Man’s Beach, and Playa Costa Azul (Blue Coast Beach) are where you’ll find two of Los Cabos’ most famous breaks. Both provide great surf, with Old Man’s break on Acapulquito and Zippers break on Costa Azul. Zippers break is a little more intense and not suggested for those who don’t know how to surf. Although the break is usually consistent, swimming is not recommended at Costa Azul. Acapulquito is a peaceful scenic beach, where people can swim with caution, and is often completely uninhabited. While soaking up some sun or enjoying the water, you might even have the entire beach to yourself. There are beach restaurants, stores, and other services available within walking distance.

I have been looking forward to my first surf class, and first serious attempt at hanging ten, for quite some time. Certainly, there is no better place to give it a try than the Mike Doyle Surf School, named after the legendary surfer himself. My initial impression is one of beguiled wonderment, as I gaze outward from the waterfront patio of the refined Seven Seas Restaurant. Looking toward the glowing oceanic horizon, I am mesmerized by the waves, as they rise higher and shimmer beneath the golden early morning sunlight, before colliding with the crimson shadowed shoreline.

I have no surfboard, and the waves appear much larger than those in my dreams, fortunately, everything I need is provided. My instructor, Miguel, puts me at ease, handing me a wetsuit with a wide grin and a firm handshake.

After an introduction to the basic paddling maneuvers, it is time to hit the waves. I am the last to submerge myself, and subsequently, blast myself in my head for being such a coward. The water is not even cold, I tell myself, as the others take an early lead. I struggle to catch up; paddling with all of the muscle I can muster, forgetting about the water altogether, until it splashes me in the face. I laugh, and continue past the break line. My arms and hands are already feeling a little bit tired, and I give credit to the surfers who make the sport appear so leisurely, graceful and easy.

After paddling against the wind, and eventually making it out past the jagged rocks, the instructor gives us more advice about improving our paddling techniques, surfer’s etiquette, and perfect positions on the board. The first large wave approaches, and one of my companions catches it with ease, drifting leisurely into the swell and standing up on the board with style and grace. The exuberant instructor screams cheers of appreciation and I’m inspired to give it a try. He enthusiastically tells me to paddle and gives me a swift push.

I follow his instructions and battle the wave with passion, as it catapults me forward. The velocity rapidly increases as I get up on one knee and endeavor to stand. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to remember exactly what I’m supposed to attempt, and instead of standing elegantly, I smash head first into the refreshing surf and laugh at my submerged initial effort. I paddle back out with unfathomable determination, like an aquatic cowboy thrown from his ocean saddle, listening to the melodic waves, as they take me down again and again.

The instructor never gives up on me, and after another hour of subsequent attempts, I finally catch a fresh wave and ride it to the shoreline, before colliding with the sand. Even though I realize that some of us are never going to become professional surfers, that morning I was given the opportunity to live out my dream.

Acapulquito and Costa Azul beaches are located just prior to arriving in San Jose del Cabo on the Transpeninsular Highway at kilometers 28 and 29. You can access Acapulquito at Cabo Surf Hotel and Costa Azul under the Costa Azul Bridge, through the arroyo.

Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - 30 July 2007 - AAS