Adventures In Our Own Backyard - Playa La Lancha

As the two week Semana Santa spring break came to a close we decided to stretch our legs and revisit a beach that we had not seen for a while.  Playa la Lancha beach is about a 20 minute drive away followed by an easy 10 minute jungle hike from the parking area.

Family day

Ashley and Alex

We loaded up the boards and paddles and headed out looking for waves and to be away from our busy pueblo and the construction site we have been living in the last two months.  We found out that La Lancha is now a very popular day spot.  The amount of cars in the parking area is not a good indication of how many folks may be on the beach.  There is a retail area near the trailhead with a surf school and the public bus now drops off/picks up right there as well.  Needless to say a lot more people were having a beach day complete with umbrellas, coolers and even chairs than we expected.  Just as it should be on a Sunday during spring break.

Gathering tee pee supplies

The surf was pretty flat so the activity of the day turned into walking the beach, Tee Pee building and people watching.  Not a thrilling day but fantastic to get out and do something as a family and go see a place we had not been to in a while.

Family Day At la Lancha

We recently had some of the grandparents visit from the States. We decided after a crowded Saturday on the Sayulita beach that we would go to la Lancha, a beach a 25 minutes drive and a grueling, scorpion infested hike from here. One of our favorite places to go when we want to stay close to home but still get out of town. The kids were excited, especially Trace, to show the grandparents around the beach and where they might see fish in a small river that meets the ocean close by.

The surfing was just "ok" for our skill level but we went out away from the main break and tried not to interfere with a surf lesson that was going on. While I was out in the water I recognized one of Alex' volunteer surf instructors from the Wahine Project. The instructors' name is Risa and after I said "hola" and told her Alex was on the beach she said she would like to take Alex out for a surf later in the afternoon. Needless to say that when I told Alex she was going surfing and Risa was going to take her she was pretty excited.

While Risa's group was taking a break on the beach, she came over to get Alex with a big smile and headed out into the water while Ashley, the grandparents and I watched. As we watched them go out, cringing as Alex flew over incoming waves, we had that "classic moment" as parents when sending the kids off to learn something new. "Is this safe"?, "Does the instructor know what she is doing"?, "Isn't it a bit rough out there for our daughter"?, "Is this a good idea right now, right here"? "Maybe we should go with her"?

Risa is a ISA certified pro and had things well under control, reading the waves and holding Alex until she let her go on a wave that was just right to teach on and be successful. Each time Alex surfs, it's obvious she just just loves this sport and she had a great time with Risa. A great and unexpected show for the parents and grandparents. We think Risa has been great with Alex and the group on the beach that day also expressed how happy they were to have her as their instructor that week. If you want to look Risa up for group, private, kid, women, short board, long board or SUP lessons here and around Sayulita contact her at risamara@mac.com and her local cell is: 322 101 3864. Tell her we sent you.


risamara@mac.com and local cell is: 322 101 3864