Top Row: “MEXICAN SURF MAFIA” SURF SHOP; VILLA AMOR FLOOR; SURF CYCLE BICYCLE AT “SURF ‘N ROLL”; Row 2: LOCAL CHECKING OUT THE SURF; EVENING PADDLE SURF SESSION; “HAPPINESS” THIS WAY; Row 3: LOVE DOOR; ROXY PRO VANINA WALSH; BEADED WAVE BRACELETS; Row 4: MORE SIGNS OF HAPPINESS; CARROT CAKE AT PANINO’S; SURFBOARD RENTALS
Welcome to Sayulita, Mexico, and the Punta Sayulita Classic, an annual long board and Stand Up Paddle Surf Contest. Nestled in a cove on the Riviera Nayarit, about 40 minutes north of Puerta Vallarta, Sayulita has got to be the most perfect little surf town. Instead of the usual tourist t-shirt shops, the town is filled with unique surf and clothing shops, each with an irresistible selection of swim suits, board shorts, surfboards, jewelry, bags and other great accessories.
With its gentle waves and 3′ – 6′ foot year-round break, Punta Sayulita is considered one of the best places to learn Stand-Up Paddle Surfing (SUP). Board rentals and instruction are available everywhere. And after all the surfing is done, deliciousness awaits from the baked goods at Panino’s to the burritos at Burrito Revolution to the Italian food at Mangia Fuoco. As you can see by all the signs around town, its all vibrations in Sayulita!
Top Row: RACE BOARDS; RACE START BANNER; SETTING UP RACE BUOYS; Row 2: LIMITED EDITION SOULCYCLE RASH GUARD, POST RACE; BEACHSIDE FOOT MASSAGE
Now in it’s fourth year, the Punta Sayulita Classic is weekend long competition of longboard and SUP wave riding and racing, attracting the top competitors in the world. In addition, there is a 2.2k fun race open to all levels daring enough to test their paddling skills in the ocean swells. Despite slightly foreboding conditions, yours truly and the intrepid Stacey Griffith, SoulCycle’s most in demand instructor who joined me on this adventure, decided to give it a go. Sometimes its better when you don’t think and just “paddle, paddle, paddle!”
Our equipment was provided by Pacific Paddle, Mexico’s premiere Paddle Surf company, based in nearby Bucerias. In addition to rentals, Pacific Paddle offers SUP instruction and excursions, in addition to Kite Surfing, Outrigger, and Windsurfing. Thanks to Adam and his team!
