Your first surf lesson at Cerritos

Cerritos Beach is famous, among other things, for being one of the best beaches in Mexico to learn surfing. It has a soft sandy bottom (no rocks), waves that break slowly and predictably, and a group of established schools with certified instructors.

Why Cerritos is ideal for beginners

• Sand bottom: if you fall, you fall on sand, not stone or coral.
• Mellow and consistent waves: most of the year waves are 2-4 feet, perfect for practice.
• No dangerous currents in the learning area: the north sector (where lessons happen) has manageable currents.
• Warm water: 72-82°F depending on season. In winter, schools include a short wetsuit.

What a typical lesson includes

• Foam board (soft top) — safer and easier to start.
• Rash guard and wetsuit if the season requires it.
• Instructor (ideally 1 per 2 students).
• 30 minutes of theory on the sand + 1-1.5 hours in the water.
• Shade and chairs at the school's camp.

How much it costs

Lessons in Cerritos run $60-100 USD per person, depending on whether it's group or private. Group lessons are cheaper. Some schools offer multi-day packages at a discount.

How to choose a school

Cerritos has four established schools with good reputations:

• Mario Surf School — Founded in 2008 by Mario Becerril. The oldest in town. Bilingual instructors. Blue tent on the beach.
• CRT Surf School — School at KM 65 of Highway 19. Partner of Cerritos Surf Town hotel.
• Get Stoked Surf School — Led by Jibran, methodology based on muscle memory.
• Pescadero Surf Camp — Combines lessons with lodging from $15 USD/night; ideal if traveling solo.

Important: on the beach there are sometimes people not affiliated with schools who present themselves as instructors. If you book with a specific school, look for its tent and official logos — Mario Surf School, for example, explicitly warns about this on its site.

What to bring

• Swimsuit.
• Towel.
• Biodegradable sunscreen (no aerosol, no oxybenzone — harms the reef and wildlife).
• Water.
• Some cash (not always accepting card on the beach).

How many lessons you need

Most people stand up on their first lesson but need 3 to 5 lessons to feel comfortable. If you're staying a week, plan 2-3 lessons spaced out. Consistency matters more than duration.