Punta Mita Surf Lesson: Private Group, Local Guides & Gear

Summary

Surf La Lancha’s gentle waves with local Punta Mita guides

You’ll paddle out at La Lancha near Punta Mita with a local guide who keeps things light while teaching you how to catch your first wave. Expect a short jungle walk carrying your board, lots of laughter during your private group surf lesson, and all gear included — plus time to rinse off before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a soft-top board outside the little surf shop at La Lancha — I was still fumbling with the leash when our instructor, Diego, grinned and asked if we’d ever tried surfing before. (We hadn’t. Not really.) He showed us how to carry the boards, then led us straight into this tangle of green — a ten-minute walk through jungle that smelled like wet earth and sunscreen. I kept bumping my board against tree trunks. Diego just laughed and said everyone does that the first time.

The beach opened up so suddenly it almost felt fake — wide blue water, hardly anyone around except a couple of locals waxing their boards. The sand was warm but not burning-hot, and the air had that salty heaviness you only get near the Pacific in Nayarit. Our private group surf lesson started right there on the sand, Diego showing us how to “fall with style” (his words) before we even touched the water. I tried to copy his moves but mostly just flopped over. He didn’t mind.

Paddling out was harder than it looked — my arms were jelly after five minutes — but those first small waves were actually friendly, if that makes sense. Diego kept shouting encouragement in both Spanish and English (“¡Eso! You got it!”), and when I finally stood up for half a second, everyone cheered like I’d won something big. There’s this weird mix of fear and joy when you’re standing on a wave for the first time; I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk back home.

Afterwards we rinsed off under an outdoor shower (cold but refreshing), swapped stories about wipeouts, and Diego pointed out some good taco spots in Sayulita if we wanted to keep the day going. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh as much as we did — or to feel so wiped out from just a couple hours in the water. But yeah… if you’re thinking about trying a day trip surf lesson in Punta Mita with friends or family, this is probably the way to do it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private group surf lesson at La Lancha

• Arrive at La Lancha surf beach
• Choose surfboard from shop
• Walk through jungle to beach
• Receive instruction from certified coach
• Practice surfing on gentle waves
• Catch your first wave
• Return via jungle path
• Rinse off and return to Sayulita

Top questions

How long is the walk from the surf shop to La Lancha beach?

The walk takes about 10 minutes through jungle paths from the shop entrance to La Lancha beach.

Are surfboards provided for beginners during lessons?

Yes, soft-top surfboards are provided for beginners as part of your lesson.

Is this private group surf lesson suitable for kids?

Yes, kids aged 6 years and above can join beginner lessons with certified instructors.

Do instructors speak English during Punta Mita surf lessons?

Yes, local guides speak both Spanish and English during lessons.

Are showers and lockers available at La Lancha?

Yes, there are outdoor showers, lockers, changing rooms, and storage for personal belongings included.

What should I bring for my day trip surf lesson in Punta Mita?

You should bring swimwear; rashguards, booties (ask for size), towels, and all other gear are provided.

Is pickup included for this private group surf lesson?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the shop near La Lancha beach entrance.

What’s included

Your experience includes use of bathrooms and showers at the shop near La Lancha beach, soft-top surfboard rental for beginners or high-quality boards for advanced surfers, secure lockers and changing rooms for your stuff, rashguards and booties if you need them (just ask your size), plus towels and an outdoor shower station so you can wash off sand and saltwater before heading back out into Sayulita or Punta de Mita.