Surfing La Saladita

The wave starts off the small headland at the south end of the beach and peels north into the bay. Normal rides run 150–300 m, and on a good swell the sections link for 300–500 m: mostly mellow walls with the odd faster, steeper stretch. The point itself is rock and cobble; the inside and the channel at the northern end are sand, and that channel is the easiest way out. South to southwest groundswells from April to October bring the longest, punchiest waves, often chest to head high. From November to March it is smaller and weaker but often glassy, which suits learners.

Offshore winds come from the north-east quadrant, and mornings are usually cleanest before the sea breeze fills in. It works on all tides; many surfers prefer a rising tide, while low tide makes it faster and exposes more rock. Water sits around 26–31 °C, so boardshorts are enough. The hazards are rocks at the point, currents running around the headland and, above all, crowds: long rides mean long paddles back, loose longboards and collisions. Respect the rotation and the regulars at the top of the point.

The beach faces roughly west-southwest, so mornings are the time to shoot from land: the sun rises behind you and lights the wave faces as surfers trim towards the camera. From late afternoon the light comes from over the sea, giving backlit spray and sunset silhouettes of longboarders rather than readable faces. Between May and July the sun is almost overhead at midday and the light goes flat and harsh.

The classic angle is from the sand up the line, north of the point, looking back at riders walking the board. The distance to the take-off calls for 200–600 mm, while the inside section where rides finish can be covered at 100–300 mm. In the water, sit on the shoulder or in the channel, well clear of the longboard traffic; looking back towards shore puts the hills behind the beach in the frame. The shot here is style, so shoot sequences of noserides, cross-steps and long trim lines rather than single frames.

Fly into Ixtapa–Zihuatanejo (ZIH) and drive about 40 km north on Highway 200, roughly 40–45 minutes, to the village of Los Llanos, where a 5 km road runs down to the beach. The road is rough in places, and there are no supermarkets in La Saladita, so stock up in Los Llanos. Everything in the village is within walking distance: beachfront restaurants, rooms and bungalows, board rental and surf lessons. Check current travel advisories for Guerrero before you go and drive only in daylight.