Baja California, Officially Known as the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California, is a State of Mexico.

Words by

Jesus Salazar

A 40-minute boat ride from Ensenada, Todos Santos is the ultimate escape for adventurous surfers, offering world-class waves and one of the most renowned big wave spots in the world. On this day, I got a call from legendary big wave surfer Greg Long, inviting me to chase a rare swell with a dream team: Jamie Mitchell, Jojo Roper, Paige Alms, Bianca Valenti, and Skylar Lickle. For about an hour or two, we were treated to empty A-frames in the 30+ foot range—a true showcase of Mother Nature’s raw power.

Baja California, officially known as the free and sovereign state of Baja California, is a state of Mexico.

It took nearly forty years after Duke Kahanamoku and George Freeth introduced surfing to the United States for Americans to explore the southern-most coast leading toward the neighboring country. Through observation and imitation, Mexicans embraced surfing as their own in the early 1960s, gradually spreading it southward to increasingly remote areas. This period saw the emergence of the cradles of Mexican surfing: Baja California, Sinaloa, and Nayarit in the early 1960s, followed by the younger destinations of Guerrero and Oaxaca in the 1970s.

Nestled next to the United States, where the Mexican homeland begins, lies the island-like peninsula of Baja California, blessed by nearly three thousand kilometers of coastline and sixty-five islands. Baja receives swell from the North, driven by winter storms, and from the South, influenced by tropical depressions during summer. This region offers a diverse range of waves, from two-footers perfect for beginners to towering seventy-foot giants for experienced surfers. With its beach breaks, point breaks, slabs, and outer reefs, Baja California is a surfing paradise.

Widely recognized as one of the continent's quintessential destinations for surf exploration and adventure, Baja California captivates travelers with pristine landscapes, boasting untouched, world-class surf spots. It is a haven for those who enjoy studying maps and models of wave and wind predictions, providing endless opportunities to seek out the perfect wave.

The images on these pages are visuals from this remote peninsula, its land and seascape. A little over sixty years ago surfing arrived in Mexico—via California. These photographs represent a few memories that stand the test of time, and are intended to contribute to a collective cultural memory of Mexican wave riding.

A mere 15 to 20-minute drive across the border from the U.S., the Tijuana Sloughs have been a surf destination since the 1950s, earning a reputation as one of the best beach breaks on the Baja Peninsula. When the wind is offshore and the conditions are right, it’s the kind of place where perfect barreling peaks seem to stretch on forever.

The next generation of big wave surfers is emerging from Baja California Sur. Pictured - Axel Sandoval’s air dropping on a massive bomb that marked his ticket to the prestigious Thriller at Killers event. It’s a testament to how quickly the surf scene in Baja is evolving and making waves on the global stage.

Baja California’s unique geography, shaped by centuries of erosion, has gifted the region with a rare collection of world-class, right-handed point breaks that are ideal for surfers seeking the ultimate thrill. With the right conditions, there are still pristine, undiscovered spots out there, waiting for those bold enough to find them.

Central Baja is a never-ending surf exploration paradise, offering everything from towering waves to perfect barrels, peeling point breaks to punchy, A-frame beach breaks. It’s the kind of place where one lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore all the hidden gems to be discovered there. The region is a true surf explorer’s dream with endless possibilities for adventure and discovery.