Zippers

Surf Guide

Chances are even if you've never visited the Cabo San Lucas area of Baja Sur, you've still heard of Zippers. This is simply because - besides being one of the best waves in the region - it has been ground zero for the local surf scene since the '80s. Long exploited and developed, Zippers is certainly not a choice respite from the crowded line-ups of your homebreak, but it is a wave sufficient enough in quality that just a few good ones can make your session. Another river mouth-created wave, Zippers peaks up outside of a stand of exposed rocks gently, allowing for a smooth, easy take-off. It then quickly whizzes almost laterally along the cobblestone reef, picking up speed as it heads towards its inside section, where tubes and air sections are commonplace. The wave maintains its size all the way down the line, which makes it a backsider's dream wave, since you can really dig your heels in and snap off the top progressively harder as you go along. It's one of those waves where you can incrementally improve your turns. This all sounds dreamy except for the fact that Zippers is Cabo's most crowded wave - most of its surfers at the intermediate to advanced level. You won't have any trouble finding Zippers; it is right off the main road, visible, and with plenty of parking. Be aware that the local surfers are quite protective of this wave, often using tactics learned from bitter American ex-pats. As such, it can be really hard to get a wave, especially on an inconsistent Sunday afternoon. So if you're going to paddle out, just relax, smile, wait your turn, and you might be rewarded. And who knows? Just that one wave may make your session. Click here to download Surfline's Cabo Surf Guide pdf.