So I just qualified for a free trip to Cabo via my job for 4 days in mid November. It's a short trip but I will have a significant amount of free time. I've done some research, but if anyone has any tips to help me avoid the bs and have more time to catch waves, it would be appreciated.
Swells have been firing up and hopefully continues for your trip. Rent a board. Have fun and don't piss off the locals. Jealous.
http://http://mikedoylesurfschool.com/en/boards/surfboard-list you could start here, get a board, surf and then maybe check out some other spots. Have fun.
I dealt with Coasta Azul surf shop. They gave me a brand new board for a rental. Super nice people. There was something in the water by the shop the whole trip. That time of year though, you'll want to watch Cerritos, or Totos Santos.
Learn Spanish. Peyote at the beach is $40usd. Not too bad for a 16 hour trip. The rock is shore pound pacific side. Monuments - nice left but balls. Old man, todos, Cerritos I think is a great all around destination. Azul is good people. Don't take cabs to wheel around surf spots - pricey. a lot of locals will offer to drive with you for half the money, and take boards with you. Enjoy. I think the whales are coming in November as well. Food is awesome too. Guac, mahi mahi, and margaritas all day.
rent a car from Cactus in advance, they are much cheaper and give you a "package" rate as opposed to the major companies like Hertz, Avis etc. Do NOT rent from the "known" companies there...although they have the American name, they don't have the American business model and will nickel-n-dime you on EVERYTHING, therefore driving the prices up considerably. Cartel activity has picked up there considerably over the last year since El Chapo was arrested (and escaped), as well as La Paz. The cartels generally don't fvck with Gringos, but if they are taking care of business, collateral damage does not matter to them. If the surf is flat, visit Todos Santos and La Paz. Do your driving during daylight hours. Some travelers will scoff at this and say "it's safe". But I say "why take unnecessary risks". I've been traveling through Mex all my life, and over 35 years as a surfer...it's just common sense. If Costa Azul (Zippers, Old Man's etc) is flat, Towelie is correct by recommending Cerritos and Todos Santos (not the TS island by Ensenada). My personal favorite is Monumentos, which doesn't always need a south swell to break and is not filled with 50 frothing locals. A friendlier vibe, and a nice introduction to Mexican reefs if you haven't surfed many reefs. The sea life on the beach is unreal. Go to Medano Beach to meet crazy drunk chicks and get laid. Learn Spanish, or at least show some effort. You won't need it, but it goes a long way down there. Have fun.
one more thing: when I said visit La Paz, I really meant to visit Balandra Beach. You will be truly amazed.
