Carizalillo Beach: A Novice Surfer's Paradise in Puerto Escondido

Written by Jedediah Watkins

Read Time: 10 Minutes

The Allure of Puerto Escondido's Waters

After my first post on travel surfing, I was asked for a more personal take on the experience so far and I completely agree with it. So come ride this wave with me.

I remember the first time I saw the pristine waters of Puerto Escondido. The sun painted shimmering hues of blue and turquoise across the ocean's surface, and the soft hush of crashing waves beckoned me closer. It's a coastline etched in my memory, where the warm Mexican air mingled with the salty sea breeze, creating an irresistible invitation to dive in.

Here, the lively waters of Carizalillo Beach stand out as a novice surfer's haven, where gentle swells offer the perfect canvas to find your balance and ride your first wave. The waves at first look a little intimidating, but without that soft push necessary to ride the wave, you’ll never get the true thrill, that adrenaline rush that will take you deeper. To me, it feels like this hidden gem was created with the spirit of adventure and the embrace of mother nature in mind.

The water aside, Playa Carizalillo is a serene scene. Cut into a sharp valley (about 200 steps down a winding staircase and all). The steep hills on either side of the stunning golden sands set the vista onto a framed canvas, beckoning your gaze out to sea. Sunbeds line the shade with restaurants offering rest bite from the relentless sun. As the vendors scale the shore offering deals on bracelets, coconuts and more.

I also recently wrote a more information heavy piece on surfing in Puerto Escondido, which you can find right here - 

https://micielotravels.blogspot.com/2024/05/from-playa-to-punta-exploring-surf-and.html

Taking the Plunge: Deciding to Learn Surfing

A few years ago I was blessed to travel down to the south coast of England. There I would away with my worries and be offered the chance to take up a surfboard and set sail to the sea just off of the coast of Devon.

I always yearned to return to the rush of riding waves but hesitated at the shoreline of commitment. The urge bubbled within me as I watched surfers glide effortlessly over the ocean's skin. Eventually, the calling of the sea grew too loud to ignore.

I felt drawn to the shimmering shore of Carizalillo Beach, a haven encrusted in Puerto Escondido, spoken of by travellers and locals alike. A perfect tableau of golden sands and turquoise waters, it promised gentler waves than the beaches down the road for a beginner's uncertain steps. As the sun cast its golden net over the horizon, I knew it was time to face the tides and embrace the surfer's journey.

The Early Trepidations: Confronting the Ocean's Might

I remember my first glimpse of Carizalillo Beach; the water gleamed under the sun, inviting yet daunting. As I hugged my borrowed surfboard, the ocean's roar was a stark reminder of its vast power. Other surfers seemed at ease, their bodies effortlessly slicing through the waves, but my heart pounded with a mix of fear and excitement. I watched the water's pattern, trying to decipher its rhythm, with no chance of unravelling its secrets. With every crashing wave, my doubts surged, yet there was an underlying thrill—the ocean was challenging me, and I was here to accept its call.

Finding the Right Guide: The Importance of a Mentor

In my quest to conquer the waves at Carizalillo Beach, I quickly realised the importance of having a mentor. A good surf instructor is not just a teacher, but a guide who can:

Ease the overwhelming aspects of learning to surf

Provide personalised feedback and practical tips

Help navigate tides and avoid potential hazards

Encourage when confidence wobbles on a tricky wave

Finding the right mentor enriched my experience, accelerated my learning curve, and instilled in me the nuances of surfing that only a seasoned local could impart.

The First Encounter: My Initial Experience with the Waves

I stepped onto Carizalillo's sands, heart fluttering with anticipation. The shore break lightly kissed my toes, beckoning me further. Clutching my rented board, I ventured into the embrace of the Pacific, my eyes fixed on the curves of water. A symphony of surf and breeze filled the air as more seasoned souls danced upon the waves. With surgically repaired knees trembling, I pushed into the ebb and flow, the horizon my silent cheerleader. This crescent haven whispered promises of surf revelations—here, I was no longer a mere spectator; I was a burgeoning wave rider.

Understanding the Ocean: Learning to Read the Surf

Veteran surfers seemed to interpret the language of the sea effortlessly, choosing their waves with a sort of sixth sense, as if privy to the ocean's secrets. I was determined to understand this watery dialogue. With every surf outing, I focused on:

The timing of the sets, gaining patience to anticipate the right wave.

Watching for ripples indicating underwater formations that could affect wave quality.

Feeling the push and pull of the current to position myself correctly.

Checking the height of the waves as they crashed against the valley walls.

Building Skills: The Journey from Beginner to Intermediate

As I paddled out at Carizalillo Beach, I felt both trepidation and excitement. The waves, gentle and forgiving, beckoned me to stand up on my board. Each attempt brought progress - from awkward falls to steadier stances. I hit the water pretty hard a couple times, and it can definitely take it out of you, I felt almost winded at times. Through the laughter and splashes, I built a rhythm with the ocean's pulse. Surrounded by fellow novices, I never felt alone in my fumbles. My instructors supporting me with valuable tips;

Practice session by session.

Feedback from kindred surfers.

Importance of patience and perseverance.

Here, every wipeout was a step forward, turning the soft rolling waves into trusted teachers on my journey from beginner to intermediate.

Embracing the Local Surfing Culture

The vibrant surfing culture there was palpable, swirling in the salty air. Locals greeted me with warm smiles and a casual “Buenos”, eager to share their wisdom on riding the gentle waves.

Waxed boards dotted the shoreline as orange and red sunsets played backdrop to surfers' elegant manoeuvres.

The thatched-roof huts served as impromptu gathering spots where tales of epic rides were as freely exchanged as the communal sunscreen.

Surf instructors, bronzed and barefoot, offered up their knowledge with a casual expertise that was both reassuring and infectious.

Immersing myself into this close-knit community, I not only learned to surf, but to respect and live the laid-back, tide-oriented lifestyle that is the essence of Puerto Escondido.

Setbacks and Triumphs: Overcoming Fears and Achieving Milestones

My heart raced with a cocktail of fear and excitement before my inaugural voyage. Each wave seemed to sneer at my inexperience. But the patient instructors and gentle waves coaxed me out of my anxiety, set by set.

I'll never forget the rush of standing on the board for the first time, feeling like I was defying gravity. Each wipe-out was a lesson, each stand-up a victory. Soon, I was riding waves with a newfound confidence, marvelling at how far I'd come from the anxious beginner who had first paddled out into the surf (bare in mind that was only about 40 minutes before this).

This cove, with its forgiving waves and supportive community, nurtured the surfer in me, turning fears into milestones — one exhilarating ride at a time.

The Zen of Surfing: Achieving Harmony with the Sea

As I paddle out into the calm sapphire waters of Carizalillo Beach for my second lesson, the early morning sun cast a golden sheen over the ocean.

The rhythmic sound of waves soothes my mind, aligning my breath with the ebb and flow of the sea. Each wave I encounter teaches me patience and respect, reminding me that timing and intuition are my greatest allies. Just sitting there on the water soothed my soul. Preparing for the paddle, the stand-up and the glide.

As I finally stand on my board, I experience a transient moment of harmony with the mighty Pacific, a sensation that embodies the very essence of my Zen. Here, I learn to let go, to become one with the ocean's pulse, realizing that the secret to mastery in surfing, as in life, is finding balance amidst the ever-changing tides.

Advanced Techniques: Honing and Refining My Surfing Skills (my tutors guide)

At Carizalillo Beach, my surfing narrative took a vibrant turn. From the basics, I felt ready to challenge myself. Every sunrise, my ritual involved:

Paddling Mastery: I strove for efficiency, conserving energy while I navigated the ocean's undulating rhythms. The first few sessions, my shoulders burned out rapidly. It was a necessity for me to get used to this endless cycle.

Reading the Waves: With each set, I honed my foresight, predicting the wave's character and the ride it promised. Using my instructors calls to prepare for the wave as a sign of what to look out for.

Perfecting Turns: My turns became sharper, as I practised carving the water's surface with grace. This is so much easier on faster waves, as they push you onwards. The slower waves it feels like driving through mud.

Timing and Pop-Up: Mastery over the crucial seconds that mark the difference between catching a wave or missing it. I started my popping up far too quickly. It’s okay to take your time, the wave won’t rush you.

Endurance Training: I built stamina through swimming; the ocean was both my gym and my teacher.

Each session etched new skills into muscle and memory, my connection with the surf deepening alongside my techniques.

Puerto Escondido's Surfing Spots: A Guide to the Best Waves

When I first caught the surf bug, I was told tales of a surfer's haven in Puerto Escondido. In my quest for the perfect wave, I ventured to Zicatela Beach, home to the infamous Mexican Pipeline, where the waves were colossal, challenging the bravest of the pack. This is a place no novice surfer should attempt. Give it lots of time until you hit these 5 metre waves.

But I found solace and space for honing my skills at Playa Carrizalillo, where the waves curled more gently. Venturing to those shiny sands became my sanctuary, with its beginner-friendly swells inviting a gentle dance on my board.

La Punta, just 15 minutes down the road from Carrizalillo offers a harsher break but not nearly as death-defying as Zicatela.

These spots, each with their character, create a surfer's mosaic that promises a wave for every wanderer in the ocean's embrace.

The Equipment: Choosing My Gear for the Puerto Escondido Waves

Selecting the right gear for the powerful waves at Puerto Escondido was crucial for my enjoyment and safety. I went for a 7'2" funboard, buoyant enough for my novice stance but still offering maneuverability.

A snug-fitting yet stretchy wetsuit provided protection against the sun and board rash, while a carefully chosen leash kept my trusty board close after the inevitable wipeouts (this was used many many times). Mineral-based sunscreen, eco-friendly and water-resistant, shielded my skin from the intense Puerto sun. Without a doubt, the right gear set the stage for my serendipitous surf sessions on Carizalillo Beach.

Conservation Efforts: Respecting and Protecting the Marine Environment

As I walked along Carizalillo Beach, I noticed how the community's efforts in conservation have borne fruit. The beach's cleanliness is no casual feat; it's the result of ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting this coastal haven.

Usage of Eco-friendly Surf Gear: I saw many surfers with biodegradable wax and eco surfboards, a testament to the growing environmental consciousness.

Regular Clean-Ups: Locals and visitors alike participate in beach clean-ups, ensuring that the sands and waters remain pristine for everyone.

Education: There's also a noticeable emphasis on educating visitors. Informative signs about marine life conservation dot the landscape, reminding us to tread lightly.

Each wave I caught felt like a privilege, a reminder of the pact between us and the ocean to safeguard its majestic beauty.

Reflections and Revelations: Personal Growth Through Surfing

As I paddled out, the vast ocean became a metaphor for my own journey. This adventure across the Americas.

With each wave I rode, I learned to let go of control, embracing the unpredictable nature of the sea—and a life full of travel. The push of the water taught me resilience; every fall was a lesson in perseverance.

Out there, amid the salt and the spray, I discovered a strength and serenity within me that I had not known for such a long time. Surfing was not just a sport; it became a conduit for self-discovery, a dance with the elements that echoed the ebb and flow of personal growth.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues Beyond Puerto Escondido

As I pack my board and bid farewell to the sun-kissed Carizalillo waves, I carry with me more than memories. Each wipeout taught resilience, and every successful ride instilled confidence. Puerto Escondido ignited a flame of wanderlust for glistening shores and perfect swells. With a heart full of gratitude, I set my sights on new horizons, where the ocean calls and the journey of surfing continues.

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