Surfing Punta Burros

The main wave is a right that wraps off the point over smooth, algae-covered rock and some sand, with rides of 100 metres or more on good days; a shorter left breaks off the same peak. It is faster and more powerful than La Lancha or El Anclote, usually chest to head high and overhead on bigger swells, with wedgy, sometimes hollow sections off the take-off. Sources split on the best season: local schools and the webcam operator favour summer south to south-west swells, roughly May to October, while forecast data shows winter west-north-west swells, especially in January, as the cleanest.

In practice it works on both. North to north-north-east wind is offshore. Most local advice favours low to mid tide, as high tide can soften it, although some surfers want more water when the swell is solid. The rock sits less than a metre below the surface in places, so fall flat and cover your head on the inside. Expect a crowd when it is good; waves go to those who wait their turn.

The point faces roughly south-south-west, so the rights run east, towards the morning sun. The best position is the sand east of the point: early in the day the light is behind you and riders come towards the camera with their faces lit. By late morning the sun moves over the water and the scene turns backlit, which in the afternoon suits spray, rim light and silhouettes.

The peak sits a fair way out, so bring 200–500 mm (full-frame equivalent), or longer for tight frames. A panga from El Anclote can also hold in the channel for low angles, if the driver keeps well clear of the surfers. Swimming a housing out here is for experienced water shooters only, because it is shallow, rocky and busy. Work from the beach rather than climbing out onto the rocks of the point.

Take the coast road from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle towards Punta de Mita, about 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. At around km 16.9, where a large beachfront resort is signposted, turn towards the sea, park along the dirt road to the left of the resort entrance and follow the jungle trail, which has one steep section, for about five to ten minutes to the beach. You can also hire a panga from El Anclote. There are no facilities on the beach, and car break-ins are a known problem, so leave nothing visible.