The local fishermen from years ago named Punta Abreojos for a reason.Translated in English Punta Abreojos means the Point of Open Eyes. When the fishermen came back from sea after fishing all they could see where what looked like open eyes in the ocean. What they were looking at was perfect wave barrels that go on for miles and the wind sprays off the top of the wave making it look like an eye and it’s eyelashes – cool!!
This ‘break’ is some where you go just with your friends to have a good time. It is very remote and the breaks are never crowded.
Fact File
| Windy Season | All year round. June – August windiest period |
|---|---|
| Wet Suit? | Yes, long arm summer suit. |
| Average Wind Speed | 20-25knots by the afternoon |
| Flight Time (From UK) | 10-12 hrs from Europe |
- How To Get There
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I drove to Punta Abreojos from San Diego, California. (This break is furthur south then Punta San Carlos, home of Solo Sports.) It took one whole day to drive starting at 0430 through to 2030. It’s a 14 – 16 hour drive and you can do it in one whole day or two half days. I would recommend making it at least a weekend trip and sightseeing a bit more on the way down. It costs about $130 – $150 in gas to get you there and back. Just make sure you have all your equipment with you and extra gear in case of breakage.
The Mexico Highway 1 will take you down to Punta Abreojos. You just head down the Baja penisula past Turtle Bay and then look for signs to Punta Abreojos. Just follow the signs and when you hit bumpy dirt roads you’re going the right way.
- How The Wind Works
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The direction of wind is south and is a starboard tack. In the summer time (June-August) it is the windiest. Most of the days were 20-25 knots when I was there in August. The wind starts to pick up mid-day and becomes stronger throughout the day. It’s always calm in the morning therefore ideal for surfing.
- The Sailing Spots
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Beach faces: South.
Best wind direction: North winds.
Tide: High tide is best.
What’s on the bottom: Sand.
Any hazards: Rocks on the point and sting rays in the water.
Other water users: Very few if any at all.
Suitability levels: Intermediate to advance.
Wipe-out-factor: If you break your gear and can’t get back in after the point than it becomes very dangerous as the winds turn off shore which makes it difficult to come back in. There are fishing boats for rescue if needed. It depends on where you lose your kit because if you’re sailing close to the point the gear can either go into the rocks or out to sea. If you lose it in the beach break there is no problem as it will just end up downwind.I was told that many guys involved in the very beginning of windsurfing found this place and windsurfed it many times. Many of the guys also bought land here when it was cheap and now have beach front property right in front of the point break.
- Water State
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The waves are swell driven and the ‘break’ picks up both north and south swells. Late summer and early winter is best for waves (August-November). The average sizes of the waves are 5-10 feet front side. You definitely want to bring a wetsuit as the water is a bit chilly. I used a 3/2 shorty wetsuit. It’s a great break and you can go out to the point and ride or go on the beach break. There are a ton of spots that you can drive to for more wave riding if you have a 4X4. All along the coast are break after break of perfect waves!
- Instruction And Kit Hire
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NONE!
- Accommodation
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Camping is what everyone does for accommodation. You set up camp and store your equipment right with you. What you bring down is what you will have. Make sure to really think about everything when you go camping because they don’t have much to sell when you get down there.
There is one place to stay inside the town called Chelos Restaurant. It’s a tiny town and is easy to find when you’re there.
- Food
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The food factor is limited to about two restaurants and two supermarkets. Chelos Restaurant and a taco stand are about it for eating out. It’s all really cheap, but just be aware because sometimes they try to charge you extra after they see you are not from Mexico. Bringing your own supplies from home (or stocking up in San Diego) will guarantee you the best meals although catching your own fish and grilling them up takes some beating.
- Nightlife
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The night life consists of sitting around a bonfire and having a beer with your friends. The local beer is Tecate and is about 50- 70 cents a bottle. As far as I know you can drink where ever you like and there are no restrictions to drinking on the beach.
- Bored Of Windsurfing
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If you want to take a break from windsurfing you can get a ton of good waves for surfing. You can also go fishing, kayaking, driving 4×4 on the beaches, travelling to Camp Rene, walk on the beach, pass out stickers and clothes to the local kids or just chill out in the sun, read, tan, or relax!
Hot Tips
On the water
Where the wave breaks on the point it can be difficult to line up in the right spot. The trick is, when you’re in the water, to line up the light house with the middle of the only hill in the background.
Off the water
The locals will really appreciate you more if you bring down any second hand clothes to give them. The local kids are also super stoked if you bring them surf stickers.
- Conclusion
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I loved it and want to go back with more of my windsurfing buddies!
- Tourist
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Name: Tatiana Howard Local beach: Ho’okipa, Maui How many years sailing: 5yrs Last windsurf move you cracked: Forward What you’re working on now: Back loop Competition results if applicable: Most recently 3rd in Ibiraquera Wave Contest in Brazil Action photos of Tatiana: Aerial shot taken by ErikAeder.com and the other taken by JDPhotofairy.
