Learning to surf in Mancora is an experience I will never forget. Why was this experience so memorable? First, it was wicked awesome fun; Second, I actually stood up on the board a bunch of times during my first lesson - this made me proud as punch; Third, let’s face it, people think you’re cool if you know how to surf.
My first attempt at surfing happened about one week after my arrival in Mancora. By that time I had been to the beach several times and had caught a couple of amazing waves on the boogey board. The thrill of catching those waves made me greedy for an authentic surfing experience. Give me that long board baby!
This authentic surfing experience came to fruition when my friends recommended Robbie, a local teacher and also a world-class ranked surfer. Robbie speaks both Spanish and English (which was good for me because my Spanish was not great at the time). What impressed me most about Robbie was his professionalism and easygoing personality. He’s super nice and really encouraging as a teacher. ‘Safety first’ was really emphasized during the lesson as well. For example, Robbie made sure I started out on the sandy area of the beach and not near the rocky break so I was not at risk of getting a ‘tummy scratcher’. With Robbie’s super easygoing style and mad skills as a surfer, I was up on that board in no time.
So there I was on a sunny Saturday morning at Mancora Beach with a white and pink long board, a borrowed surf shirt, and Robbie at my side. My first victory was learning the ‘pop up’ on the beach. My ultimate victory, however, was accomplishing that ‘pop up’ while catching a wave. The thrill of catching a wave was addictive. After that moment, I couldn’t get enough and I surfed almost every weekend.
Luckily my friend was there to snap a few pictures of my first lesson. (Note the giant grin.) That smile didn’t go away for hours and hours. I was so thrilled about my gnarly new skill that I recommended Robbie to every volunteer I met. It’s great way to experience what Mancora is famous for – a killer off-the-beaten-path surf spot. If there could be a star rating system to surf lessons, I would give lessons in Mancora a 5 out of 5. Hands Down!
Just remember to re-apply that sunscreen and you’ll be set for days and days of Mancora beach bliss on your board.
My first attempt at surfing happened about one week after my arrival in Mancora. By that time I had been to the beach several times and had caught a couple of amazing waves on the boogey board. The thrill of catching those waves made me greedy for an authentic surfing experience. Give me that long board baby!
This authentic surfing experience came to fruition when my friends recommended Robbie, a local teacher and also a world-class ranked surfer. Robbie speaks both Spanish and English (which was good for me because my Spanish was not great at the time). What impressed me most about Robbie was his professionalism and easygoing personality. He’s super nice and really encouraging as a teacher. ‘Safety first’ was really emphasized during the lesson as well. For example, Robbie made sure I started out on the sandy area of the beach and not near the rocky break so I was not at risk of getting a ‘tummy scratcher’. With Robbie’s super easygoing style and mad skills as a surfer, I was up on that board in no time.
So there I was on a sunny Saturday morning at Mancora Beach with a white and pink long board, a borrowed surf shirt, and Robbie at my side. My first victory was learning the ‘pop up’ on the beach. My ultimate victory, however, was accomplishing that ‘pop up’ while catching a wave. The thrill of catching a wave was addictive. After that moment, I couldn’t get enough and I surfed almost every weekend.
Luckily my friend was there to snap a few pictures of my first lesson. (Note the giant grin.) That smile didn’t go away for hours and hours. I was so thrilled about my gnarly new skill that I recommended Robbie to every volunteer I met. It’s great way to experience what Mancora is famous for – a killer off-the-beaten-path surf spot. If there could be a star rating system to surf lessons, I would give lessons in Mancora a 5 out of 5. Hands Down!
Just remember to re-apply that sunscreen and you’ll be set for days and days of Mancora beach bliss on your board.
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