Boardshort testing certainly has its perks. Especially when you get to live in them for a week down in a remote Mexican fishing village on the Baja coast. After a quick flight from LAX to Cabo San Lucas, and an hour long car ride to the southeast tip of Baja California Sur, the Maui Rippers team arrived at our final destination: Los Barriles, Mexico. This remote coastal town is internationally known for its choice surf, sun and fishing, and was our perfect backdrop for a week of hardcore trunk testing.
A Nonstop Adventure
In this town, fun is the name of the game. From speed boating to kitesurfing, everyone here wants a piece of the action. Empty windswept beaches make it an iconic place for windsurfers from around the world to get some serious air, and consistently calm tides lure big sport fish close to the shores for some righteous reeling. On the surface, it looks like just a sunny laid-back fishing village, but a closer inspection reveals a city packed with endless adventure for anyone who's looking, and plenty of perfection conditions to rock our Maui Rippers.
Fishing the Day Away
In Los Barriles, the sportfishing is nearly second to none. While April through October is known as the prime time to go, the Sea of Cortez is host to an abundant variety of fish that allures amateurs and experienced anglers all year long.
Just past the shore break, you'll find steep underwater cliff drops and a vast undersea canyon, both of which draw in the right amount of school fish and other prey to make this area the preferred spot of our favorite game. Tuna, Marlin, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, Sailfish, and Roosterfish are just a few of the most popular species that inhabit the area.
Hungry for the chase (and some fresh seafood), hired a local charter boat to take us around and put our fishing shorts through their paces.
On the Road Again
Out of the water, the best way to explore the flat, dry coastline is by ATV, and the locals know it. With the sun in our faces and the salty wind in our hair, we packed up our towels and flip flops and picked from a fleet of rides to get us from deserted beaches straight into a lush desert oasis. On the way down we discovered several killer hidden spots and an epic empty waterfall, which made for some great photo ops.
All in all, Los Barriles is a hidden gem and we can't wait to come back.
Los Barriles had us doing flips.