Best surfing in Mexico for beginners? Of course! Imagine this: your hair is all knotted, your skin is sun-kissed, and the chilling Pacific is biting your toes. All of this is happening while you try to stand on a board that seems to be trying to grab you. You don’t have to wait long in Mexico. Get a board at Sayulita. The tranquil village is full with surf sounds, and beginners are having trouble with the mild waves. The best part is that no one worries if you fall; everyone is learning and having fun. And if you fall face-first into the saltwater, that’s just “making memories.”

The shoreline of the country is long and thin, as if it were daring you to pick. Playa Zicatela on the Oaxacan coast whispers to seasoned surfers, “This is where the big guns paddle out.” This beach is for people who have been through a lot of battles. It’s known as the “Mexican Pipeline.” But don’t worry, La Punta is close by and has a watery hug for the newest bunch. There are surf schools all over the beach, like sprinkles on a cake. After a few classes, you’ll be able to stand up without having to try out for a slapstick comedy.

Baja California has a wild side. People at San Miguel and Scorpion Bay on the Pacific side treat the waves like old friends. Surfers tell stories in coastal bars, their beers sweating in their hands, while pelicans fly low and mind their own business. The best rides are for early birds when the sun rises. Getting sunburned is a rite of passage. Even the dogs here seem to know where the best waves are; you could see a stray or two chasing froth.

It gets warm. Don’t forget your sunblock, zinc, and a worn-out hat. Talk to the people that hire boats. They know when the tide is going to be rough. Bring pesos for tacos because hunger comes on quickly, and going to the beach on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. People often eat fish tacos to feel better about themselves.

Is there a language barrier? No problem. Everyone knows how to speak surfer. A nod, a thumbs up, or a short smile will do. Don’t be afraid to ask whether places are safe for people who are new to the area. Local knowledge is better than any handbook. There is a sense of friendship, like when you applaud for someone you just met who is riding a wave and smiling like they just won the lottery.

For people who love adrenaline, summer hurricanes can bring big waves. That’s when things start to get real. People who live there keep a close eye on the weather and fill up the beaches. Still, most of the year, clear mornings and languid afternoons are great for practicing.

There is more to surfing here than just boards and waves. At sunset, you can sometimes hear mariachi music. With a cold beer in one hand and your toes in the sand, you wonder how you’ll ever describe this comfort to people who are stuck shivering back home. “Perfect,” you’ll say. And you’ll mean it, even with the sunburn, sore arms, and taco sauce stains.