Finding a good guide / surf instructor is not easy. Mainly if I am looking for a lesson for my son or if I am going to a new place. But Bernardo was highly recommended to me by someone who surfs in another part of the country.
I spent 2 days with him and had an absolute blast!
He is soft spoken, polite, knowledgable, kept safety a top priority and his prices were very reasonable. Obviously he is a great surfer!
I have been surfing for more than 40 years, and have surfed in California, other parts of Mexico, Hawaii, Brazil, Costa Rica and Portugal. So I can basically grab my board and paddle out. The problem is that the Cabo area is very tricky and can become dangerous very fast.
The reefs in Costa Azul and East Cape are not your typical benign reef. It has large rocks in the middle of the line up or in the path of the waves just below the surface. So you catch a wave and make a turn in the wrong direction and you can either get hurt or damage your board badly (or both).
I arrived in Cabo and drove to an area called Shipwrecks (East Cape) in the afternoon. When I got there and looked from the road above I could see the reef was very rocky and I couldn't pick a clear path to paddle out. As there wasn't a single surfer in the water, I didn't feel safe. So I realized quickly I needed a guide. I texted Bernardo and he was very responsive and accomodating.
I went back the next day and he took me to a spot that was just perfect. Away from the crowds ( actually there were only the two of us) and with great waves. He knew precisely where the big rocks were and pointed out which direction I could or could not go. He also coached me on a few things helping me adapt to the waves faster.
I would say that the session was worth every penny! So I booked another one for the next day. He kept an eye on the forecast and then picked a location with the best conditions. I surfed amazing waves!
And if you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, I have no doubt you and your kids / family will be in great hands.
Muchas gracias Bernardo! I can't wait to go back and also have you coach my son. read more