In Search of Surf in Deep Baja
It’s been a while since I’ve ventured into Baja and I find myself filled with anxiousness beforehand. Your family members tell you about an unfortunate incident on the news (which most often turns out to be in Mainland Mexico). Or you always seem to convince yourself of reasons why it’s too difficult to go. I’m here to remind you, much like surfing, it is always worth the paddle (or the drive in this case).
So here I am, twenty minutes crossing into the border and have already been given a $100 ticket for my dog being in the front seat? Was my mom right? Did that unfortunate accident happen across the Mexicali border? Should I have gone to my second cousins wedding instead?
As we almost complete our 12 hour drive (two hours off road), our coolant hose breaks. We are in the deep desert of Baja, with no help but the conjoined effort of our four brains. Thankfully our close friend, Farm, has just rebuilt his Astro Van and knows how to temporarily fix the problem. Anxiousness creeps back in. Are we prepared? Just get us there big white van.
As the sun sets over the dunes on the evening of our arrival, perfect head high waves break into the bay. My first beer has never gone down with greater satisfaction. Especially because I did dry December.
The next morning, we wake to overhead mountains breaking beyond the point. “No better time to try my 6’6 Pleasant Pheasant” I think to myself.
My brother decides on the 8’0 Joy. We are the only ones out riding 300 yard waves, lending no other option but to walk back up the point due to strong currents. My brother and I trade boards throughout the session and ride multiple waves together because there is so much face.
I found great maneuverability on the Pheasant, carving back and forth between the pocket. The Joy with a single fin, had incredible drive, and was a pure pleasure simply taking a high line and enjoying the speed and projection it provided.
The next three days were back to back swells with more of the same. Surf and coffee, surf then beer. Repeat.
After being sun crisped and filled to the brim with dust for four days, it was about time to go home.
Although Almond prides itself on being the best board for small conditions, I was pleasantly surprised on how incredibly well the Joy and Pleasant Pheasant performed in double over head surf. There is no greater pleasure in knowing your equipment can handle many different wave forms. The Rover, Pleasant Pheasant and Joy served as my perfect Baja Three Board Quiver.
And the next time you think to yourself, “Should I paddle out or go on this adventure”? May this little Baja journey remind you, it’s always worth it!
Words: Austin Cooper
Photos: @farmanimal
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