Dear SUP Examiner,
I’m hoping you could help a brother out. I am currently searching for a second home location outside of the states for seasonal living (roughly Nov-April). Obviously, paddling/surfing is a top priority or I wouldn’t be reaching out to you. We are a family of four (myself, wife and two small kids seven and two). This may be wishful thinking, but we are hoping for a safe, small, family friendly beach town with decent access to surf, grocery/market, healthcare, schools and airport. Hoping the area has decent breaks for novice/intermediate surfing, downwinding, and flat-water paddling options. Currently Costa Rica is a serious consideration, but hoping to get some other suggestions.
Thanks in advance!
Keishiesan
[divider]Response[/divider]
Hi Keishiesan,
Thanks for writing in and becoming the very first “Ask a Paddler” participant! This is a great question and one which bounces around the minds of a lot of paddlers seeking an idyllic paddling getaway.
Costa Rica is a popular destination for American Expats, but we’re really stoked on Sayulita, Mexico. So much so in fact we even published an overview of the scenic Mexican fishing village awhile back! You can check it out here: An Overview of Sayulita, Mexico. Sayulita will meet all your stated criteria and more than likely exceed your expectations. The town is approximately 40 km (24 miles) north of Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. Numerous international standup paddling competitions have been held in Sayulita over the years, including the 2015 ISA Games.
The town is very family friendly and depending on where you stay/live you may not even need a car. There is a thriving local standup paddling community, including the renown Sayulita Jr. SUP Team run by Bicho Jimenez and Shelby Taylor which runs a curriculum specifically for young paddlers.
If you decide to take a visit, be sure to share some photos and tag us on Instagram!
See you on the water!
Do you have a question? Don’t hesitate to Ask a Paddler!
