By Aline Zuber
Surf, kitesurf and windsurf, all in one place
If you don't already know, Punta de Mita is a paradise for water sports lovers. Its beautiful beaches, perfect waves and constant winds make it an ideal destination for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. All three use the force of the wind to propel the athlete across the water. They all require a certain level of fitness and balance, but that doesn't stop beginners from trying them out.
Surfing is the oldest and most popular water sport. The aim is to glide over the waves on a surfboard.
It can be practiced on any beach where there are waves, but the best places are those where the waves are big and regular.
Kitesurfing, on the other hand, is a relatively new sport that combines surfing and paragliding. The kiter uses a kite to propel himself on the water. Kitesurfing is a more technical sport than surfing, but it's just as exciting.
Windsurfing differs slightly from these two other sports. This nautical activity requires you to glide over the water using a board fitted with a sail. Once again, it's mainly practiced on windy beaches. Whether on tranquil lakes or ocean expanses, windsurfing demands skill and timing. It's a technically demanding activity, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.
Where to learn how to practice these sports?
In Punta de Mita, Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita there are many surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing schools that offer classes for all levels. These schools offer group and individual lessons, as well as equipment rental.
Here is the list gathering some of them located in Punta de Mita:
Punta Mita Surf Academy
Mita Aventuras
Punta Mita Expeditions
And if you prefer going surfing in Puerto Vallarta, here is another list:
Vallarta Adventures
Vallarta Surf Guide
PV Surf
But there are some too in Sayulita:
WildMex Surf and Adventure
Surf School Sayulita
Where to practice these sports?
Playa de los Muertos is renowned for its waves and strong winds, making it an ideal destination for experienced surfers.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more serene atmosphere while still offering top-quality waves for surfing, Playa del Toro is ideal for beginners and advanced surfers of all levels.
And Punta Mita beach, the longest in the region, is once again suitable for surfers of all levels. The diversity of its waves makes it ideal not only for experienced surfers, but also for families and groups of friends looking for a place to try out these water sports.
What equipment do I need?
For surfing:
When you're getting ready to surf, the choice of board is important. Look for a board suited to your skill level and the characteristics of the waves you want to tackle. Depending on the water temperature, you may want to wear a wetsuit to protect you from the cold. Also, make sure you attach your board to your ankle with a leash before getting into the water. Finally, to make sure you stick to the board, the use of wax is essential.
For kitesurfing:
Kitesurfing requires specific equipment to be able to enjoy this experience in good conditions. Pay particular attention to the size of your kite, depending on your skill level and local wind conditions. The kitesurf board must also match the wind characteristics. For greater kite control, use a harness to attach the pull line to your body. Depending on water temperature, as with surfing, a wetsuit may be necessary to ensure your comfort.
For windsurfing:
For this sport, once again, carefully select your board according to your skill level and the wind conditions you anticipate. Sail size is crucial and depends on both your skill level and the weather conditions. Make sure you have a mast and boom to hold the sail in place and control your direction. Using a harness can also be beneficial to reduce arm fatigue when handling the sail.
When is the best time to visit Punta de Mita?
The best time to visit Punta de Mita for water sports is during the summer season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather conditions are ideal for these sports, with strong waves and constant winds.
How to get to Punta de Mita?
To get from Puerto Vallarta to Punta de Mita, you can choose to take a cab, carpool or rent a car. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Public buses are a more economical option, departing from Puerto Vallarta's central bus station. Private shuttle services are available for a comfortable transfer arranged in advance. Boat transfers, subject to availability, offer a very pleasant coastal option.
Where to stay in Punta de Mita?
There are a lot of places where you can stay during your vacations in Punta de Mita and the area. From luxury hotels to simple cabins, we guarantee you will find the better option for you. Indeed, you can find a place to stay in the Punta de Mita village, in Sayulita, in Bucerias, or even in Punta Mita with the Four Seasons or St Regis hotels.