Riviera Nayarit Kite Surfing Competition

The most challenging of water sports, Kite Surfing has become very popular, as it takes riders across the waves, combining windsurfing, surfing and parachutes along with a very strong and agile body makes it a very extreme water sport on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico this year. The competition starts on Saturday, March 10th through March 17th with the minimum of four races each day. The judging with be held with the  International Kiteboarding Association regulations.
The competition begins at Huanacaxtle to Bucerias. The International Kite Surfing competition will take place from Sunday, March 11 to Saturday March 17th.
The Kite Surfing competition is big this year, with an expected 50 competitors coming from over 10 different countries. Word has it that the World Champion Sean Farley Gomez, 2010 World Champion Adam Koch and 2011 World Champion Johnny Heineken will be competing this year as well.

The best place to view the racing is Bucerias, where there is plenty of room on the beach to take some great photos and have some fun watching the event.

 Come to Bucerias to watch the Kite Surfing on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico! 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Vallarta News Network

 

The Art of  Surfing in Sayulita, La Caleta, Chacala and on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico

Ahhhhhhhh. Perfect condtions!! Early morning, clear skies, surf cracking on the beach, creating the desired barrel shape – this is what we wait for!  Time to grab the board and wax ! A couple of great places to learn how to surf are Chacala and Sayulita Mexico.  Why not get away to the Riviera Nayarit for some surfing on your Easter Holiday? Here is a great view of the Chacala town and beach.

 

How is a Wave Created?

To understand what causes surf, we look at the swell direction, tide and wind. These factors combined in the right combo creates the desired shape for a  good surf . When a wave rolling along encounters a sand bar or rocky bottom, the lower part of the wave’s energy drags against this resistance and slows down. The top part of the wave’s energy continues moving at the same speed and that is why it starts tipping forward, eventually breaking.  The more dramatic the bottom profile of the reef or sandbar, the hollower the wave becomes. The direction of the surf break is also dependent on whether the area has a hard bottom or a sand bottom. Sand bottom peaks move around the beach and transfers the sand so the peak doesn’t stay the in the same location. These, however, are preferable for beginners to learn this popular sport. Lessons are usually provided for basically all ages. Surfers have progressed into the more “mature” age bracket in recent years, unlike the syndrome of years gone by, where the perception of surfers were associated with youth, hippies, budget travelers, etc. We now see surfers of all age brackets, many with very high tech and expensive boards and accessories.

Lessons in Chacala

We have chosen to focus on the very professional surf  lessons offered by a 40 year surfing veteran in Chacala Mexico.
The instructions are very easy to follow, with an initial briefing, and practical moves and tips out of the water, you will then proceed into the ocean on the sandy bottom conditions of the main beach in Chacala, with the instructor at your side at all times. Check out their website here.  You will slowly be taken through the maneuvers, talked through the formation of the wave that you need to look for and before you know it, your up taking the ride of your life. Riding down the face of the wave just on the sheer power of the natural ocean. The feeling is so exhilarating, and it’s no wonder this sport is becoming so ever increasingly popular and was/is the * sport of kings! *sport of kings – *(exerts from surfing handbook)

Next step -LAS CALETAS!!

Las Caletas is very unique, due to it’s natural and isolated location, with jungle surrounding a slightly rocky point and bay that is most easily accessed by panga. This pleasant short ride will take about 10 minutes for a slight fee, depending on how large your group is. (price is per boat, not per person)
This is only a left break because the rocky point faces south. The waves hit the point and wrap around into the cove.

These conditions make for a larger surf break, hence attracting more experienced surfers from Mexico and around the globe. At the Chacala Hostel and Surf Shop,  include surfing lessons and  boards, along with a beautiful Hostel for rental accommodations. Check out the picture of this surfer at Caleta. Here are some other pics from the 2012 Mexico Surfing Tournament as well, as well as the article with the winners!

 

                                              The Origins of Surfing

Tracing the origins of surfing, we know that the sport migrated from Western Polynesia to the Hawaiian Islands somewhere around 1000 A.D. But, back then, it was much more than just a sport, it was a way of life, bordering on religion. All classes surfed, but the Hawaiian kapu system of laws was in place. Chiefs were tops, and they used the sport to prove their strength, agility and royalty over the commoners. They even held contests with land as the stakes.

Even the making of surfboards was a ritual. Kahuna would search in earnest for just the right tree. Once found, they would sacrifice a fish as an offering to the gods and stand guard over the specimen overnight, praying for successful completion.

What Kind of Surfboard Do I Need?

Surfboards themselves, even further defined the social classes of kapu. There were four types, three of which were surfed upon only by the commoner: The Paipo, a short board, 2’ to 6’ in length and mostly ridden by women and children; the Alaia, 6’ to 12’, for the more agile surfer; and the Kiko’o, 12’ to 18’, for the advanced wave rider. The fourth board was the Olo. It was 15’ to 18’ and reserved for the ali’i, or ruling class.

And the ali’i did surf.

In 1810, when Kamehameha became the Hawaiian Islands’ first king, he united the islands into one royal kingdom. Not only was Kamehameha a great warrior and diplomat, the dude was a surfer, man!
And the sport of kings was the sport of queens, as well. One of Kamehameha’s wives, Ka‘ahumanu, was a surfer, too. The couple surfed Kooka, a break located at Pua`a, in north Kona, often riding lele wa`a, or canoe leaping

In, lele wa’a, surfers jump from an outrigger canoe, with their surfboard, and then ride the wave to shore. Not an easy maneuver, lele wa’a further illustrated the ali’i’s strength and prowess over the commoners.
A half-century later, missionaries came in and not only killed off the better part of the Hawaiian population with STDs, but they also considered surfing hedonistic and banned it altogether. But another king endeared to surfing, would come along to the rescue. In 1872, upon the death of King Kamehameha V, King Kalakaua came to power and immediately reinstated the sport of surfing.

These are the roots of the sport we all love. Surfers are not bums. On the contrary, surfing is, indeed, the sport of kings. And Mexico surfing is alive and well!

 

 Come to the Riviera Nayarit for a great surfing experience on your next Mexico vacation!

 

 

 

Cruise the Beach Bays of Riviera Nayarit

If you enjoy all that goes with vacationing or living near the ocean, then Mexico’s Pacific Coast is the place for you.  Coined the Mexican Riviera, it spans kilometer after kilometer (mile after mile) of dazzling gold beaches framed by beach bays and coves of all shapes and sizes suited to all kinds of activities.

While there are hundreds of bays on the Pacific Ocean, some of the most dynamic are located in the tropical paradise of the Riviera Nayarit, part of the Mexican Riviera.  Mother Nature has bestowed each of these beach bays with varying ocean conditions that match certain water sports and beach activities better than others.

Among them is Bahia Banderas Bay, the largest natural bay in Mexico and one of the ten largest in the world.  This vibrant bay is teeming with tropical fish and sea life that live among underwater rocks, caves, and coral reefs, making it wonderful for snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and sea turtle sightings. Other towns along the bay provide the best conditions for sailing, sport fishing, kiteboarding, and surfing.

Slightly further north are the more authentic Mexican beach towns of Bahia Jaltemba Bay. Home to some breathtaking long beaches and smaller beach coves with island views.  Portions of this bay have calm, clear, aqua sea water and soft, light, gold sand beaches, which are ideal for snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and beach sports.  One of the towns holds the largest open-air market (tianguis) in the region once a week.

Continuing north beyond this bay and the town of Chacala are the natural wonders of Bahia Matanchen Bay.  The towns and beaches along this bay harbor incredible biodiversity, such as marshes, mangroves, jungles, rivers, beaches, wildlife, and historical sites making it ideal for sightseeing, birding, boat tours, and conservation.  Its beaches are known to have some of the best waves in the region for surfing.

Uncover the hidden treasures of the Riviera Nayarit through its bountiful bays on your next Mexico vacation.

 

 

 

Play at Playa Las Tortugas

Protecting endangered sea turtles is an important part of Mexico’s various nature conservation programs.  In the township of Otates, southwest of San Blas and northwest of Chacala, lies a glistening gold beach in the Riviera Nayarit called Playa Las Tortugas (Beach of Turtles). Named for the sea turtles that nest here, this secluded beach extends across miles of pristine Pacific coastline bordered by hundreds of immense coconut palms on a working coconut plantation.

Although it’s not easy to find, it’s well worth the trip.  Heading northwest beyond the charming beach town of Chacala, Playa Las Tortugas is about a one-and-a-half hour drive from Bahia Jaltemba Bay which includes a 30-minute drive along a rocky dirt road that winds through the lush tropical countryside. There are only a few road signs spread wide apart, so just when uncertainty kicks in, “Ah ha!” Another sign points in the right direction.

Trusting the road and bouncing through rural Nayarit unveils this secluded beach, tucked away in a remote location – one of the reasons why it’s worth the visit.  There are virtually no people; the beach is empty and peaceful; and there are no vendor stands or shops.  If you plan to stay a while, bring plenty of drinks and snacks.  One thing you will find is a small community of brightly colored villas for vacation rentals or retirement homes surrounded by lush tropical gardens at the end of the road.

On the villa grounds at Playa Las Tortugas is a turtle rescue sanctuary for protecting the offspring of endangered sea turtles that nest on the golden sand.  Supported by donations and volunteers who scout the beaches looking for the turtles’ shallow nests, they save the eggs; bring them to the sanctuary for incubation; and then release ready young hatchlings into the ocean.  Visitors are welcome to observe and learn about sea turtles, and participate in turtle releases – a wonderful experience!

What else can you do at Playa Las Tortugas?  Plenty. Besides swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, this beach happens to be a secret spot for surfing and boogie boarding for its long, intense waves.  Other popular vacation activities include kayaking along the beach and canoeing through the coconut palm-lined estuary.  Surrounding tropical rainforests, marshes, and mangroves are natural habitats for hundreds of native and migratory birds making this an ideal spot for birding and bird watching.

Enjoy a true escape to Playa Las Tortugas northwest of Chacala and southwest of San Blas in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

 

Sayulita Lodging for Everyone

The New Hostel in Sayulita

Whale-watching season is just around the corner and whether you enjoy surfing, sailing, or sightseeing, the golden sand beaches of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit are waiting.  Once you’ve decided to vacation here, the first question is where to stay.  Whether you’d rather ‘rough it’ or prefer to be pampered, you’ll find just the right Sayulita lodging that fits your style.

The eclectic style of this beach town is what makes Sayulita so popular among tourists, retirees, and locals.  Travelers can opt to stay anywhere ranging from youth hostels, tents, or beach bungalows to ocean view hotels, condos, or luxury villas containing one or more bedrooms with kitchens or kitchenettes.  You can choose lodging fit for king or camp on the beach like a sand crab.

Lodging Services

If you select one of Sayulita’s luxury hotels, you can expect to receive a full range of services from housekeeping, room service, restaurants, bars, spas, pools, Jacuzzis, Internet access, money exchanges, gift shops, tour coordination, laundry, and more depending on the hotel selected.  Of course, if you choose basic accommodations like a hostel or bungalow, you’ll need to fend for yourself (which can also be fun in its own right).

Camp Grounds in Sayulita

The Riviera Nayarit is not just sand and surf.  No matter where you stay, you can be sure to soak up the sun and breathe in fresh tropical air. As a mountainous jungle region, its rolling hills are decorated with vibrant palms, lush bushes, colorful flowers, tropical fruits, and exotic wildlife.  In similar fashion, the Pacific Ocean is etched with sparkling gold beaches and brimming with tropical fish and rare sea life.

From Banderas Bay to Jaltemba Bay and all the way up to San Blas, Nayarit’s Pacific Coast offers hundreds of beach coves with fluctuating ocean conditions suited for various water sports activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, or just plain swimming and sunbathing. No matter what you enjoy, you’ll find something magical about the region whether your Sayulita lodging is simple or elegant.

Select Sayulita Lodging that fits your style in Sayulita, Mexico, on the Riviera Nayarit.

 

If you are a surfer, chances are you have heard of Sayulita MexicoSome people claim it is one of the top 10 spots in the Pacific to catch good waves. Clearly, there are plenty of folks who believe this, even if you judge the attitude simply by the number of surf shops and surfing school in Sayulita that cater specifically to newbies wanting to learn how to surf.

Sayulita, on the Riviera Nayarit, is only one hour from the busy beach resort town of Puerto Vallarta.

Known for its surfing, Sayulita is really a hippy town with a feeling of throwback into the sixties.  These days, the older hippies have retired over to San Pancho, so Sayulita is full of the next generation “kid hippies”, those teen and twenty somethings with no money looking for an adventure.

So if you want a surfing Mexico Vacation, Sayulita on the Riviera Nayarit may be the choice for you!

 

© 2012 Riviera Nayarit Fun Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha