Punta Mita Retreat Helps Sharpen SUP Skills Laylan Connelly - OC Register
go to original March 15, 2016

Stand-up paddlers and surfers co-exist in the mellow beach town of Punta Mita, Mexico. Photo: Reaction, Image Southwest

The mornings and afternoons are spent taking on waves – and when you’re wiped out, there’s a margarita or beer waiting for you on shore.

Former world champion Ian Cairns, of Laguna Beach, is hosting the second Sup ’n Surf Retreat, an intense training for stand-up paddlers who want to learn or sharpen their skills riding waves, in Punta Mita, Mexico, from April 25-30. There are only five spots available.

Cairns is head coach for the International Surfing Association SUP USA team. He is joined by Sean Poynter, the current ISA SUP gold medalist, to teach attendees on the trip.

The students – which can range from beginner to expert – stay at the Royal Suites Punta de Mita by Palladium, an all-inclusive hotel with several surf breaks out in front, including a spot called “Burros,” which is comparable to San Clemente’s Lower Trestles but without the crowd, Cairns said.

Stand-up paddlers start out with three-hour lessons in the morning, then after lunch review videos with a focus on improving their skills. Coaches look at everything from footwork to how to get past waves as sets approach. Then the group hops on a boat and finds a new surf break to discover in the afternoon.

After that, it’s all about relaxing, with food and alcohol included at the resort.

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