The History of Surfing in Cancun and Mexico: Waves, Culture, and Rising Stars

Cancun, often celebrated for its tranquil turquoise waters and pristine beaches, holds a lesser-known but equally captivating narrative: the evolution of its surf scene. While not traditionally a world-renowned surf destination like other parts of Mexico, Cancun and the broader Mexican coastline have a rich history of wave riding, fostering a unique culture and producing talented surfers who are making their mark on the global stage.

font: https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2022/09/20/the-story-of-mexicos-surfing-history-is-finally-being-told

The Roots of Mexican Surfing

The history of surfing in Mexico is deeply intertwined with its coastal communities and dates back several decades. The surf culture began to flourish significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in areas like Ensenada, which is often regarded as the birthplace of Mexican surfing [1, 2]. This era saw the sport gain traction, evolving from a niche activity to a vibrant subculture that reflected the social and political currents of the time. Filmmaker and historian Jesús García has dedicated efforts to documenting and sharing this colorful history, ensuring that the narratives of early Mexican surfers are preserved and celebrated [3].

Surfing in Cancun: An Evolving Scene

Cancun's surf story is distinct from the more established surf breaks on Mexico's Pacific coast. For a long time, Cancun was primarily known for its calm Caribbean waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, the eastern coast, particularly Playa Delfines, offers consistent wave conditions that have gradually attracted a dedicated community of surfers. The waves, typically ranging from 2-3 feet, are often suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, making it an accessible spot for those looking to learn or enjoy a relaxed session [4, 5].

The best time to surf in Cancun is generally during the winter months, from October to March, when cold fronts and distant tropical systems generate more significant swells, increasing both wave frequency and size [6]. While Cancun may not boast the colossal waves found elsewhere, its consistent beach breaks and warm waters provide an inviting environment for year-round surfing. The presence of local surf schools and readily available board rentals further supports the growing surf scene.

Interestingly, Cancun's connection to board sports dates back further than many might realize. The city hosted the 1978 Windsurfer World Championship [7], indicating a historical engagement with wind-powered water sports that laid some groundwork for the appreciation of wave riding.

Mexican Surfers on the Global Stage

Mexico has produced a cadre of talented surfers who have achieved international recognition, showcasing the country's growing prowess in the sport:

•Alan Cleland Quiñonez: Born in 2002, Alan Cleland is a prominent Mexican surfer who made history by winning a gold medal at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games. His remarkable performance also secured him a spot to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, making him the first Mexican surfer to qualify for this elite circuit [8, 9]. Cleland's achievements highlight the rising talent emerging from Mexico's surf communities.

•Jhony Corzo: Starting his surfing journey at the tender age of five, Jhony Corzo quickly rose through the ranks. At just 21, he clinched victory at the 2017 ISA World Surfing Games, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. Corzo has since been actively pursuing qualification for the Men's World Championship Tour, aiming to compete among the world's best [10].

•Juan Juan Flores: Often cited as one of Mexico's finest surfers, Juan Juan Flores is celebrated for his incredible rail work and deep connection to his home break, Puerto Escondido. His style and mastery of powerful waves have earned him a legendary status within the Mexican surf community [11].

These athletes, among others, embody the spirit of Mexican surfing—a blend of natural talent, dedication, and a profound respect for the ocean. Their stories inspire a new generation of surfers and underscore the vibrant and evolving surf culture that thrives across Mexico, including the unique waves of Cancun.

References

[1] KPBS. The story of Mexico's surfing history is finally being told. Available at: https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2022/09/20/the-story-of-mexicos-surfing-history-is-finally-being-told [2] YouTube. The story of Mexico's surfing history is finally being told. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcIoKgYk-j0 [3] Surfer. A Deep Dive Into Mexican Surf History From The Source. Available at: https://www.surfer.com/culture/deep-dive-mexican-surf-history [4] Reddit. Surfing in Cancun/Quintana Roo?. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/surfing/comments/o919lc/surfing_in_cancunquintana_roo/ [5] Reddit. Cancun Surfer Knowledge Needed. : r/surfing. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/surfing/comments/1gmqnla/cancun_surfer_knowledge_needed/ [6] LatAm Surfing. Cancun Surf Guide. Available at: https://www.latamsurfing.com/mexico/cancun [7] Facebook. 1978 Windsurfer World Championship in Cancun. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldschoolwindsurfers/posts/10161972587652591/ [8] Wikipedia. Alan Cleland. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Cleland [9] Mexico News Daily. Surfer Alan Cleland, the first Mexican in WSL's .... Available at: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/lifestyle/surfer-alan-cleland-first-mexican-wsl-championship-tour/ [10] World Surf League. Jhony Corzo Surfer Bio | Age, Height, Videos & Results. Available at: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/4183/jhony-corzo [11] Reddit. Best Mexican surfer? : r/surfing. Available at: