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 Travel & Outdoors | Destinations | February 2005 
Hang Ten in San Blas!
 Jonathan Clark - International Living
 Okay, surfers, do you know where can you find the world's longest rideable wave, more than a mile in span, according the Guinness Book of World Records?
The answer: San Blas, a quiet fishing town on the Pacific coast of Mexico's Nayarit state. And thanks to the record-setting curl at Matachén Bay just south of town as well as the nearly 10-foot swells at local El Borrego beach, San Blas has long been known as a Mexican surfing mecca.
For locals like José "El Pompis" Cano, growing up in San Blas meant surfing as a way of life. After learning the sport from an older brother, he established himself as the top surfer at San Blas and since has become a world-class longboard rider. Jose has won several national surfing titles, competed in such faraway places as Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Japan, and in 2003 achieved a worldwide longboard ranking of 44. Now, with his family, he runs Stoners Surf Camp at the northern end of El Borrego, where visitors can rent surfboards, boogie boards, or hire "El Pompis" himself for a private surfing lesson. If you're heading for San Blas, find out more at StonersSurfCamp.com.
The town and local area has much to offer the non-surfer as well. San Blas was one of the most important Pacific ports during Mexico's colonial period and the old customs house, the first to be established in New Spain, is getting a major facelift after years of lying in ruin. Across town at La Contaduria, an 18th century fortress and former tax revenue office offers expansive views from its hilltop perch.
In addition to its beaches and historical monuments, San Blas is also a wonderful spot for eco-tourism. The town sits at the mouths of two estuaries, and a boat ride up Estuario San Cristobál to the freshwater spring at La Tovara provides a fascinating view of tropical vegetation, exotic birds, and wildlife.
One note of caution, though: The beaches around San Blas are notorious for the biting sand flies - known as jejenes - that swarm at sunset and early in the day before the sea breezes chase them away. Beachside restaurants burn coconut shells to smoke the bugs away, but you'll want to be sure to bring a powerful insect repellent as well. |
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