Over 45 Years of Surf Trips to Mainland Mexico — And We’re Still Going Strong

Over 45 years of surf trips to mainland Mexico and we’re still going strong. That thought kept coming back to me this summer as Gina and I traveled the Pacific coast in our 2022 Mercedes Sprinter. What started as a wild-eyed 1979 adventure with my cousin in an old pickup truck and camper has become one of the great constants in my life.

That's Me on the Far Left in San Blas

That first trip at seventeen opened my eyes wide — warm water, mountains plunging into the sea, and people whose generosity I’ve never forgotten. La Ticla, the small indigenous village in Michoacán, captured our hearts in the early eighties and has remained a special place ever since.

This summer we began with two weeks in La Ticla at the local campground. We kept things simple with clean eating — no tortillas, just fresh fish, avocado, vegetables, eggs, and fruit. Gina and I had prepackaged 60 days of beef and chicken before leaving the States, which we supplemented heavily with locally caught fish and shrimp. Every evening we walked to the market together to buy fresh produce, chatting with the vendors and soaking in the rhythm of daily village life. Mornings often included me practicing Spanish and writing short thank-you notes and stories for the indigenous families who run the campground. They’ve taken good care of us for decades, and it felt right to express our gratitude.

The waves at La Ticla delivered the usual fun, consistent rides. At 64 I’m not charging as hard as I did in my twenties, but the stoke is undiminished. Gina and I split time between surfing, beach walks, and downtime. We each read about a dozen books during the trip, which added a nice relaxed rhythm to the days. Starlink through the windshield and our solar setup kept things comfortable and connected when we needed it. Our grown daughters followed along through photos and messages — they grew up on these beaches and still get excited by the updates.

After two strong weeks we moved north into Nayarit for the remaining five weeks. We based ourselves at Hotel Alvarez in San Blas and used it as a comfortable hub while chasing waves. Each day we’d drive to Stoners or Santa Cruz depending on the swell and wind. Stoners offered its own punchy character, while Santa Cruz delivered longer, more playful rides. The flexibility of having the Sprinter made it easy to follow the best conditions.

Gina: "You Still GOT IT Honey!"

Those five weeks in Nayarit were pure freedom. We surfed good waves, explored the estuary and small villages around San Blas, enjoyed fresh seafood, and settled into the relaxed coastal rhythm. Evenings often meant simple meals, sunset watching, and good conversation. The people we encountered — hotel staff, local fishermen, and fellow surfers — reminded me why this coast still feels so welcoming. Respect and friendliness are reciprocated here in a way that’s increasingly rare.

We dealt with the usual realities of extended travel: afternoon rains that turned roads muddy, potholes that kept the driving interesting, and the occasional language mix-up that almost always ended in laughter. None of it felt burdensome. Mainland Mexico’s Pacific side still offers something genuine — small-scale, authentic, and generous.

After seven memorable weeks we turned the Sprinter north and crossed back into the U.S. through Laredo. From there we made the long trek to Santee, California, for some key upgrades at Agile Offroad. The van came out much smoother and more capable for the kinds of surf and hunting trips we enjoy.

Looking back, the summer Mexico trip stands out in bright colors: two weeks of clean eating, evening market walks, and deep connection in La Ticla, followed by five weeks based at Hotel Alvarez in San Blas, driving daily to Stoners or Santa Cruz in search of waves. Forty-five-plus years in and the place still delivers. It’s not only the surf. It’s the warm spirit of the locals, the authenticity of the villages, and the way the coastline still feels like home.

We use the Sprinter for what it does best — getting us to good surf and hunting country — then we’re happy to come home to our regular life, work, and routines in Cocoa Beach. That balance suits us perfectly. No dreams of full-time van existence here; we’ve never understood the appeal of trying to live in one permanently. We enjoy these adventures and then return to the comforts and responsibilities we’ve built at home.

Luiz (with Gina) has been my surfing companion in Mexico for over 40 years.

At this point in life the miles feel different, but the pull of those Mexican waves remains as strong as ever. Gina and I are already talking about next year’s return. The salt water, dusty roads, campfires, books, and friendships continue to be the real treasures.

If you’re considering your own trip to mainland Mexico, my advice remains simple: go. Bring respect, patience, and whatever rig you trust. The waves will be waiting, and so will the kindness that has kept me coming back for over 45 years.

Here’s to many more seasons of salt water and good company.

— Captain Richard Bradley

Cocoa Beach, Florida

July 2026