Baja Surf Adventures: Part 2 of 2 (sorry it took so long)

(remember to click on my photo album to see more pictures of the Cabo Surf Hotel)

I heard about this place from my friend Larry. The way he described it, “the water is so warm in Cabo in July and August, bathtub warm plus. The hotel is really great and is right in front of the surf at Old Mans, just walk across the sand. It's probably the most surf oriented surf hotel I've been to, hence it's name, Cabo Surf Hotel,” I just couldn’t resist going. So I packed my 7’6” fun board and flew from my parent’s place in Maryland to Mexico. Ok…so this being my first time traveling with a surfboard in the US by plane I will put in my little rant here about how the US airlines just rip you off for checking in your surfboard….$100 USD each way!! Another useful tip is to make sure that the plane you are flying on can fit your surfboard. This applies only to regional jets (called RJs) that have smaller luggage compartments. So, having paid my $100 and convinced the check in agent that my board would just fit I settled into my seat and read a little about Cabo.

The Cabo Surf Hotel is located on an 18mile stretch of road between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas called the Tourist Corridor. The corridor is lined with large, impersonal luxury resort hotels, with no less than seven championship golf courses. Hmmm…so I’m going to be at some huge resort hotel. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised that the Cabo Surf Hotel turned out to be this small boutique resort. With only 19 rooms, and located on a quiet end of Playa Acapluquito beach, the Cabo Surf Hotel feels more like you’re staying at someone’s private villa right on the beach, alright, someone’s really nice 5-star private villa with room service and all the amenities, but you get the idea. With rooms ranging from suites to your standard double room, the Cabo Surf Hotel is perfect for couples or even families.

Larry was spot on with his description of the place and he wasn’t kidding about the water. In the mid-afternoon sun, I was sweating on my board and jumping in the water didn’t help cool me off much. Definitely remember to put on your sunscreen; Slip, Slap, Slop as the Aussies say. The break right in front of the hotel is a right point break. Apparently it’s the best beach in the area to learn to surf on as the other beaches along the coast are beach breaks where you can get some strong rips and the usual problems with beach breaks. The only hazards to look out for are the occasional reefs (take note of them before you paddle out and remember where they are) and jellyfish (they’re not always around, but they were in August). Though it usually isn’t a very crowded spot it can be on the weekends and occasionally on the weekdays between sunrise to 9am and from 4pm to sunset, but most of the time there’s only a couple of guys on their longboards and the vibe is mellow. Speaking of longboards, this place is really popular with longboarders, so for you short boarders take note; you may get a little frustrated that they’re getting all the waves. Which is why I ended up renting a longboard and was I stoked. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden a wave so long in my life. It was 4-6ft during my first 2 days, but I’ve never surfed a more gentle and fun 4-6ft wave. It was probably because I was on a longboard that allowed me to catch the wave much earlier then I usually do on my regular board.

The great thing about surfing here is that if you get bored surfing or have family/friends who don’t surf there is so much to do in Cabo; golf, horseback riding, ATV, tennis, shopping, sailing, kayaking, rock climbing, spas, the list goes on. Transportation can get a little pricey unless you have your own rental car, so try to go with a larger group and negotiate a little with the taxi driver. I definitely recommend taking a day to explore the old town of San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is where you go to party, but San Jose is where you go to get some culture. If you’re there go try the Thai food at Baan Thai. It’s more Asian fusion than Thai, but the ingredients are so fresh and the flavors are wonderful, especially the scallops carpacio...yummm…man just writing about the surf and food makes me wish I was in Cabo now!

WHO & HOW MUCH
Cabo Surf Hotel. Mauricio Balderrama is the owner and you can click on the link to go the website to get the latest prices, pictures and more info or type www.cabosurfhotel.com in your browser.

WHERE
San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. Most major airlines have direct flights to San Jose Del Cabo

WHEN
July to September for the best surf.

LESSONS
Surf lessons are offered through the Mike Doyle Surf School (you’ll find a link to the surf school at the Cabo Surf Hotel website). Miguel, the local instructor does a good job of teaching you the basics. However, if you are a first timer or a weak paddler, try to find out what the conditions are before you book lessons. The waves here break way outside, but they reform when the get closer to the beach and then break again right onto the beach. When the swell is over 3ft the paddle out can be intimidating, physically challenging and a little dangerous. I was watching Miguel with a group of 6 first timers and only half of them were able to paddle out pass the white wash. The rest gave up after 15 mins and went back to the beach without even trying to catch a wave…probably not how they wanted to spend their 1hr surf lesson.

WHAT TO BRING
Sunscreen, boardshorts (maybe a Shortie if it’s winter), and a longboard.

OTHER TIPS
The Cabo Surf Hotel is a 5 star resort, which means 5 star prices for food and drinks. All rooms have a bar fridge and some even have kitchens. If you want to save a little make a stop at the Mega store to get some supplies for breakfast and snacks. Make sure you get up to date on your Tetanus shots, since there is a chance of cutting yourself on the reef.