Learning to Surf in Cerritos, Baja California Sur

Looking for the perfect place to learn to surf?

Let me introduce you to Cerritos, a little town on Baja California Sur’s West Coast. It’s unique location offers perfect curls, sandy bottom, and no scary currents!

Since 2023, I have set a goal to learn something new every year. Usually an outdoor activity of some kind, but I’m open to anything!

For 2025, I was determined to learn to surf. I get to visit some amazing surf destinations when traveling for diving, and I feel like I have been missing out. So, when I had two months to spend in Baja California Sur in 2025, I had to seize the opportunity.

I spent 4 days with Jibran at Get Stoked Surf School in Los Cerritos, BCS. Before these lessons, I had one 1 group lesson in Hawaii back in 2017, so essentially I was starting from zero.

In this post, I’ll share my experience learning to surf with Get Stoked, what the lessons were like, and a few tips for anyone thinking about taking surf lessons in Cerritos.

Learning to Surf! Day-by-Day Breakdown

Cerritos is one of the best beaches in Mexico for learning to surf. The natural landscape provides staged waves from gentle near the beach, to more advanced in the deeper waters. The sandy bottom cushions any wipeouts, and you will be in good company with the many other surfers!

Day 1 – Finding My Feet (and the Board)

My first two-hour lesson started with a quick briefing on the sand. I learned where my feet should be when paddling, and then found my ideal body position while standing on the board.

Then I practiced “popping up” over and over, until I consistently landed in the right spot with my feet, head, and arm.

Then we headed to the waves! Jibran, my instructor and owner of Get Stoked got me into the right waves at the right time so I could practice just popping up and riding my first waves.

Day 2 – Building Consistency

Now that I had a feel for it, day two was all about repetition. Just getting up and down, catching one wave after another and trying to stand up every time.

I started to feel the energy of the waves, when to start paddling, and when to use the momentum of the wave to pop up. Becoming a little more aware with every attempt!

Day 3 – Gaining In

This was my longest day, split into two 1.5-hour sessions. By now, I had a little more control over the board and could start feeling the momentum of the wave on my own.

Halfway through the day, I switched to a slightly smaller board. It was harder to balance on but easier to move through the water — a challenging change that ultimately paid off. I began to read the waves, sense when to paddle, and anticipate when to stand. That growing awareness in the water was a huge milestone.

Day 4 – The Fitness Factor

My fourth lesson was shorter — just an hour — and it hit me how physically demanding surfing really is. Paddling is tough! My arms were tired, and I realized that improving further would take more strength and endurance. Still, every wave felt more natural, and Jibran’s patience made it fun, even when my muscles disagreed.

By the end of the fourth day, I wasn’t exactly a surfer yet — but I understood why people fall in love with it. Catching even one smooth ride is the kind of high that keeps you chasing more. I definitely felt the FOMO pull of “one more wave!”.

About Get Stoked Surf School

Get Stoked Surf School is Mexican-owned and has been operating right on Cerritos Beach since 2019. They have a small, friendly team that genuinely loves helping people learn to surf.

The founder and main instructor, Jibran, is from a small coastal town in Jalisco, Mexico, and has been surfing his whole life. He became an instructor at just 19 and has called Baja home since 2005.

Jibran is also a certified yoga instructor which definitely shows in his calm, grounded teaching style.

I liked that Jibran pushes you to be independent as soon as possible. When you’re ready for new skills, he doesn’t just push you onto baby waves. He gets you paddling, turning, reading the waves, and getting up yourself as soon as you can.

Your first lesson starts with a short beach briefing and then you’re in the water right away, making the most of every minute. The clock for your 1 or 2 hour entry lesson starts once you hit the water.

After your lesson, you can keep your board for the rest of the day and use one of the school’s umbrellas and beach chairs to relax between sessions. Which you will need, even after an hour in the water I needed a break!

Beyond the logistics, Get Stoked has a real local spirit. You can tell they care about Cerritos and the community. Jibran has been in the area for years and is well connected and respected in the area.

Why Cerritos?

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf in Mexico, Cerritos Beach is one of the best places to start. The waves here are consistent year-round, and the sandy bottom means it’s much more forgiving when you inevitably wipe out (and you will).

Unlike many other beaches along the Baja coast, Cerritos has a gentle, rolling break that’s ideal for beginners but still fun for more advanced surfers. The lineup is relaxed, and the instructors all know each other, creating a friendly, local vibe in the water.

After each lesson, you can grab a snack from one of the beach vendors, relax under your umbrella, and watch the afternoon surfers catch waves as the sun starts to dip.

About Cerritos

Playa Cerritos is a small surf town on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, about 45 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas and 15 minutes south of Todos Santos. It’s one of the few beaches on the Pacific that’s calm enough for swimming and perfect for learning to surf.

The beach has a relaxed, local vibe, with surf schools, taco stands, and boutique hotels scattered along the coast. Most mornings are ideal for beginners, while afternoons bring stronger waves for more experienced surfers.

If you’re planning a trip, check out my other Cerritos guides on where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in the area. It’s one of those rare beaches that makes you want to slow down, surf a little, and soak up that Baja sunshine all day long.

Shev’s Tips

If surfing is on your bucket list, give yourself enough time to actually learn. Two hours in the water is a great start, but if you really want to improve, dedicate at least three days to getting in the water every day. You’ll be amazed at how much changes once your body starts to recognize the movements and timing of the waves.

Before your trip, prepare physically if you can. Here are some exercise tips you can use to prepare for being on the board:

• Burpees are the best exercise for surf prep since they mimic the pop-up motion you’ll use constantly.
• Yoga, particularly warrior and balance poses. This made a big difference in my balance and flexibility.
• Push-ups. Start with wall, then table, then modified, then full pushups.

That said, surfing is a sport that anyone can try. It’s adaptable for any age or fitness level, and your instructor will tailor the lesson to you. These tips are just for those who want to progress faster and get more independent in the water.

Packing list:

Shev’s Summary

Learning to surf was humbling, challenging, and so much fun!

By the end of my time in Cerritos, I wasn’t just standing up on the board more often, I was starting to feel like I can call myself a “surfer”.

I really enjoyed a new way to connect with ocean. There is always something new I learn about the sea. The approach and experience is SO different from diving.

Surfing reminded me that being a beginner can be fun. It’s easy to get comfortable with the things we already know how to do, but there’s something empowering about learning a new skill as an adult. That’s why I try to do something new every year!

If you’ve ever thought about trying surfing, Cerritos and Get Stoked are the perfect combo. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave the beach.

Baja California Sur Travel Planning Guide

🚑Do I need Travel Insurance to visit Baja?
Absolutely, yes, 1000x yes! If there is anything we have learned from the last few years it’s that life is unpredictable and plans can always change.

At just a few dollars per day, it’s worth getting travel insurance just for the peace of mind. I have my travel health insurance through Safety Wing and my travel insurance through Travel Insurance Master.

💦 Can I drink the water in Baja?
No, the water in Mexico from the taps is not genearlly safe to drink. Restaurants and street vendors use purified water distributed in large jugs.
You can get these “garafons” delivered to your accommodations to reduce plastic waste, or I use a LifeStraw to have clean water anywhere you travel!

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Baja?
Yes! It’s totally safe to rent a car in Baja, and I always do so that I can adventure to all the cool towns! I recommend comparing prices and booking in advance with Discover Cars.

🗣️Do I need to speak Spanish in Baja?
Maybe
You can get by with Google Translate, and many tours are offered in both English and Spanish. In Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo you can find everything in English. In the smaller towns there is less.

Most serving staff and store owners in Baja speak a little English. But learning the basics like how to order or read a menu will really help you out!

I used Pimsleur to learn Spanish and it was extremely effective! I highly recommend the app to anyone who wants to become comfortable navigating Mexico.

📲 Will my phone work in Baja?
Yes, your phone will most likely work, but it will be expensive. It’s best to order a Telcel SIM Card to your home so you are connected and ready to go when you reach Mexico!

I also use JetPack eSim for easily getting data while I’m traveling.

🏨How do I book a place to stay in Baja?
For Baja, and Mexico in general, the best site to book accommodations is Booking.com.

They have access to hotels, vacation rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals there and is usually cheaper than Airbnb.

For travellers on a budget, I like to book hostels through HostelWorld.


🛂Do I need a visa for Baja?
Probably not, most tourists are granted a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. This is now done with a stamp in your passport, as of 2023 Mexico is phasing out the paper forms – yay!