4 Water Sports You Have to Try in Puerto Escondido by ANNE NEEDHAM on JUNE 27, 2012

4 Water Sports You Have to Try in Puerto Escondido

by ANNE NEEDHAM on JUNE 27, 2012

Santi LLobt, Flickr

The once quiet fishing port of Puerto Escondido has blossomed into one of the best tourist spots in the whole of Oaxaca. Despite the influx of visitors, it has managed to retain its charm and not succumb to over-development, making it even more attractive to people traveling to Oaxaca.

It is a great place to unwind and relax, and also offers some exhilarating water sports for those of you with a sense of adventure and a sprinkling of courage.

Kayaking Through the Mangroves

Not far from Puerto Escondido you will find the Laguna Manialtepec, a body of water that has been overcome by a mangrove forest. In amongst the dense vegetation you will see a great variety of wildlife, but it is the birds that attract the most visitors. There are many different species to watch here, from pelicans to storks, but you will need to enter the forest by boat to see them.

Kevin Hutchinson, Flickr

A company called Rutas de Aventura organizes kayak tours around the mangrove forest so that visitors can get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can take a one-man kayak by yourself, or team up with others to take out a kayak to navigate the narrow channels between the sprawling mangrove trees.

It’s a relaxing and awe-inspiring experience, and some of the profits made from the kayaking trips are used to help keep the area clean and unpolluted. This activity is perfect for tourists that want to support sustainability and eco-tourism in the region.

Water Skiing at Playa Embarcadero

For those of you that want to move a little faster across the water, water skiing across the calm ocean water at Playa Embarcadero will probably be more appealing. This beach is sheltered from the waves that pound the shore at some of Puerto Escondido’s other beaches, so it’s perfect for water sports like water skiing, wake boarding, and sailing.

Put on your water skis and hold on tight as you’re pulled along at high speeds across the crystal blue water. There are plenty of local guys with their own boats hiring out equipment for you to use, so if you’ve never tried it give it a go.

Scuba Diving around the Coves

Puerto Escondido didn’t start out as a fishing port without a good reason. The ocean surrounding the small town is brimming with a huge variety of fish, big and small, and no doubt you’ll eat some of them while staying here.

On the other hand, you can have the opportunity to see some fantastic marine wildlife if you decide to venture out into the water equipped with some scuba gear. There are many boats that tour the numerous coves that separate the long sandy beaches around Puerto Escondido, and it is at these coves where you can see some really exotic sea life. Perhaps you’ll see a turtle, or colorful fish that live close to the rocks.

For bigger fish, head out into the open water, and be prepared to witness large tuna, snapper, and mahi mahi swimming frantically through the deep blue. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a marlin.

Surfing at Playa Zicatela

The number one activity for all you adrenaline junkies out there, surfing a Playa Zicatela when the waves are big will certainly get your heart pumping.

The wave that breaks here is sometime referred to as the Mexican Pipeline, because it is a very powerful and fast wave. On smaller days beginners and intermediates can have their chance to surf here, but when it get serious only experienced surfers dare paddle out.

Jo Simon, Flickr

Every November an international surfing competition is held at the beach, so if getting in the water yourself is just too frightening, just sit back and watch the professionals make it look easy.

Surfing in Puerto Escondido has helped bring the small town to the attention of international travelers, and the facilities here for people that want to try are pretty good. You can rent or buy all the equipment you need here, so there is no need to bring all your own equipment on a plane with you.

Take Your Pick

If you’re looking for a fun activity to keep you occupied while staying in Puerto Escondido, you really are spoiled with choices. Water sports are perfect here, because of the great water quality, and the year round warm temperatures. All you have to do is choose which water sport is right for you!

Have you tried any of these water activities? What was your experience like?

Puerto Escondido, Mexico June 16, 2012 AFTER Hurricane Carlotta Hit

Travel Tech: Best Camping and Hiking Gadgets Posted by Scott Tharler on June 25, 2012 at 12:05:46 PM EDT Posted in Technology Tagged: Technology, Camping, Hiking Walking

Travel Tech: Best Camping and Hiking Gadgets

Posted by Scott Tharler on June 25, 2012 at 12:05:46 PM EDT
Posted in Technology Tagged: Technology, Camping, Hiking Walking

By Scott Tharler
Fodor's Contributor

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Think of the Channel Islands' scenic trails, with amazing vistas and fresh ocean air—not to mention the whale and dolphin watching on the way over. Sound like the perfect place to set up camp? We know. But before you pack up the trunk, you'll want to snap up these key gadgets to help set the mood and capture the moment, while staying well-hydrated during the day and warm at night. Whether you're headed to a national park or something more off the grid, with these gadgets you won't miss those little daily luxuries (much).

1. Samsung W300 Rugged Full HD 1080p Pocket Camcorder

Why We Like It: Just like its predecessor (the W200, featured back in March), this new pocket camcorder is also easy to use, rough-and-tumble, shoots high-def video, and can pause during recording. But it's got a stereo microphone, which comes in handy with the Smart Background Music feature. You can add preloaded music to your videos. And if it senses someone's speaking, it'll automatically lower the music so as not to overwhelm your narration/dialogue. It also features additional filming effects. And it comes in a wider variety of colors: black, orange, and red.

How Much: $160

Buy It: Visit Samsung.com

2. Women's Xspress Fitness Runner

Why We Like It: This versatile shoe provides great cushioning, support and breathability for those invigorating runs and long hikes on light trails. The rubber outsole gives great traction. A removable inner layer provides extra padding and a comfy fit. If you do remove it, you'll see...right through the shoe's heel! That "skylight" adds stability. In addition to black/coral, it comes in white/navy and silver/blue.

How Much: $100

Buy It: Visit Aetrex.com.

3. Organic Insect Repellent

Why We Like It: Lemongrass oil gives this child- and pet-safe insect repellant its sweet, flowery smell. It's sized for easy transport in your purse and on the plane. But it's definitely a good idea to bring along this environmentally conscious product as you explore the outdoors.

How Much: 2.5 oz, $12; 4 oz, $18

Buy It: Visit TickTockNaturals.com.

4. Vapur Sweater

Why We Like It: As opposed to most "sweaters," this one's worn to keep things cooler. More specifically, it insulates and protects Vapur's .4L or .5L "antibottles." So whatever tasty beverage you've got stored in these flexible, rollable containers will stay chilled longer as you're camping and hiking.

How Much: $7

Buy It: Visit Vapur.us.

5. Concentrated Tent & Gear Solarproof

Why We Like It: Help your gear serve you longer. Just a single application of this safe, water-based solvent can double the useful life of your tent's fabric. It's also amazing for backpacks, camera bags and more, protecting them from UV damage and adding water repellency in the process.

How Much: 5 oz, $13; 33.8 oz, $39

Buy It: Visit Nikwax.com.

6. Braven 625s speaker

Why We Like It: Add both tunes and lumens to your path. This rugged, rubberized wireless speaker sounds super as it plays up to 16 hours of your favorite music. But it can also charge your gadgets on-the-go! And using that same port and the included LED flashlight, it serves as a nice little beacon. Adding to its utility, it comes with a lanyard and water-resistant dry bag.

How Much: $180

Buy It: Visit Braven.com.

7. Selk'bag 4G Lite

Why We Like It: Instead of being cramped in a cocoon-like bag, this limb-liberating "sleep wear" system lets you be cozy but free. Its dual front-entry anti-snag zippers make for easy entry. The water-resistant Polyester shell, thermal collar and insulated hood keep you warm. If you need to cool you off—or get to your pants pockets—just open the hip vent and fold back the hand-covers. The feet have reinforced nylon soles with traction-friendly grips. So you can amble around the campsite all snuggly, sneakily avoiding the morning air's chilly kiss.

How Much: $99

Buy It: Visit SelkbagUSA.com.

Huatulco offshore after Carlotta

huxpat  New Guy Name: George Vessel: Angel Location: Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico Job:plastic gangster Posts: 9

Huatulco offshore after Carlotta As expected, with a lot of debris in the water the first week after Carlotta brushed us in Huatulco, the rivers are really flowing and the dorado fishing has improved. They're still running small, haven't seen a proper bull or cow in months, but they seem a bit bigger every day. Pleasant surprise has been finding some summer yellowfin, which have been showing up around some massive schools of spinner dolphin 7-9 miles out. Today on a solo trip I got a couple of yellowfin 15 and 20 lbs, released a pair of sails 60 and 80 lbs, and got about a 6 lb dorado. Lost another nice sail too after about 20 jumps. I had decided this was going to be a dedicated marlin trip today but that pretty much guaranteed I'd catch everything but marlin. -George

Puerto Escondido Surf Oaxaca Mexico Hurricane Carlota

Jank Productions brings some surf clips from June 2012, I ended up losing over half of my footage because the wrist housing go blasted off by the lip, never to be found again. But, I had these clips on my other memory card from a few days out surfing. These were not even the good days ;) Best of luck to the locals fixing up the town after the hurricane, see you again next year puerto!

TAGS: carlota, escondido, mexico, oaxaca, puerto, punta, zicatela

Puerto Escondido, Mexico June 16, 2012 AFTER Hurricane Carlotta Hit

Puerto Escondido, Mexico June 15, 2012 BEFORE Hurricane Carlotta Hit

You are here: Home » All ASP News » Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco Added to ASP North America Schedule

Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco Added to ASP North America Schedule

[ 0 ]June 26, 2012 | ASP International

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Tuesday, June 26, 2012) – A last-minute addition has been added to the ASP North America schedule, with the ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco officially confirmed at Playa Revolcadero from July 17 through 22, 2012.

While events are not typically added to the ASP schedule in such short notice, the opportunity to add a new event in the Latin region could not be passed up. With the elimination of events in Puerto Escondido and Mazatlan this year, the Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco offers a great opportunity for emerging Latin American and United States surfers to build their ASP World Ranking.

“Having the Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco as a 4-Star event will give Latin American surfers the opportunity to further their presence on a global scale without having to travel to distant countries or continents to earn points,” Brian Robbins, ASP North America Tour Manager said. “We feel Mexico is an important part of our region and are happy we could continue to work with Quiksilver Mexico again this year.”

In addition to the benefits of having an event in Mexico, the Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco’s ASP 4-Star status allows budding talent the chance to showcase their abilities while building their careers.

“With our current schedule hosting several ASP Prime and 6-Star events, the Quiksilver Surf Open is just as important in establishing a path for the next generation,” Robbins said. “Providing these events as a pathway for up-and-coming surfers is a crucial job for our region and the Mexican event is a great addition to the schedule.”

The Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco will be the second of two Latin American events this year and will follow shortly after the ASP 3-Star Copa Quiksilver El Salvador and spots are available for entry.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org

ASP 4-STAR QUIKSILVER SURF OPEN ACAPULCO ADDED TO THE 2012 ASP NORTH AMERICA ROSTER (0) (0) Posted By: Jason McCarthy

ASP 4-STAR QUIKSILVER SURF OPEN ACAPULCO ADDED TO THE 2012 ASP NORTH AMERICA ROSTER

 (0)  (0)

Posted By:  

Jason McCarthy

Category: 

Surfing News

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ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco added to the 2012 ASP North America roster

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) has confirmed the addition of ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco to his North America schedule.

The latest entry to the ASP schedule is slated to go down at Playa Revolcadero in Acapulco, Mexico, from July 17-22, 2012.

With the cancellation of Puerto Escondido and Mazatlan events from the 2012 ASP North America schedule, a huge void had been created. There were not enough opportunities for the surfers in the region to collect crucial ASP ranking points and consequently improve their world rankings.

ASP took notice of the void that had been created and therefore acted to fill it by introducing Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco, the second of two events in the Latin American region that is scheduled to go down shortly after the ASP 3-Star Copa Quiksilver El Salvador.

The Tour Manager of ASP North America Brian Robbins stated that with the latest addition to the 2012 ASP North America schedule, the surfers were no longer required to travel to travel to different parts of the world to compete in surfing competitions to amass ASP ranking points, prove their skills and make their presence felt on a global level. She expressed joy over getting another opportunity to work with Quiksilver Mexico in the region.

The removal of events in Puerto Escondido and Mazatlan from the region also came as a huge blow for the up-and-coming talent who were heavily reliant on such events to put their abilities on display and further their careers. The issue seems to have been resolved after the introduction of the new ASP 4-Star event.

“With our current schedule hosting several ASP Prime and 6-Star events, the Quiksilver Surf Open is just as important in establishing a path for the next generation,” Robbins said. “Providing these events as a pathway for up-and-coming surfers is a crucial job for our region and the Mexican event is a great addition to the schedule.”

ASP clearly seems to be doing its bit to promote the sport in the region and providing surfers of all levels with opportunities to not only rise on the ASP World Rankings, but also gain global recognition.

Tagged in: Action sports, Surfing News, ASP 4-Star Quiksilver Surf Open Acapulco, asp north america schedule, Brian Robbins