Kitesurfing Puerto Penasco, flight in Cirrus SR22

Trip report: We flew a Cirrus SR22 from Palo Alto, CA (KPAO to Puerto Penasco Mexico (MMPE) for kitesurfing.

Who attended: Tom, Jon, Micheal , Vasyl

(above) Michael, Tom , Alonso (airport chief), Vasyl, Jon

(above) final approach to MMPE penasco airport

(above) arrival in Mexico warm greeting by army guys and airport officials.

We flew my plane to Mexico last weekend, a true kiteboarding Mecca and an unknown gem. I'm going back this weekend.

Wind forecast

Wind forecast called for 15kt gusting 22kt both Saturday and Sunday. In reality, Saturday was weak, we could barely stay upwind with 11m. Sunday was nuking. I had my 11m on fully depowered line rig and fully de-powered trim and I was overpowered in the big waves.

Google search "Windguru Puerto Penasco" to see forecast, it's reasonably accurate. If it's showing 18 gusting 25 it will be nuking,. bring a 9m.

House

We rented a house on Playa Miramar, beautiful luxury 3 bd 3 bath 2 storey house, newly built, back yard is the beach and you launch right there, no need to drive anywhere with your gear.

Video of our house and back yard. House was just $190/night + airbnb fees.

(above) view from master bedroom balcony, kitesurfing right in back yard.

Sunday session

Sunday we did a huge 20+ mile run starting ta the house, stopped at some sand bars for rest, and kited inside the lagoon. The ocean had big swell (overhead) and lagoon was flat water. The lagoon is connected to the ocean so you don't have to drive to it, you just kitesurf inside of it and soon the 1.5 meter waves become water as flat as a pool. See our sunday kiteurfing map.

We were the only kitesurfers out there, in fact, we were the only people in the water. I saw one boat during my upwinder, 3 Mexican fishermen who drive right up to me (J10 feet away) to see the kite board close up. The beach was totally empty except at the Maya there were about a dozen people walking around and wading in the water.

(above) Sunday kitesurfing route, about 22 miles.

On the way back, we were pretty tired and thirsty and landed our kites in the beach of the Grand Mayan resort, and ran up to jump in their pool and have a drink in the pool bar.

(above) Mayan resort where we stopped for pool and drinks

The wind was directly on shore with small waves, so launching was challenging. You body drag through the waves with your board and then get up.

(above) Pumping up kites in back yard, look at the white caps.

Near the beach the waves were forming and rolling and you could surf the inside.

Video pumping up kites in back yard, look at the white caps! video 2

Weather

Weather was 100+ daytime and 80+ night. Water was bathtub warm, did not need wetsuit. But hat and rash guard necessary or you'll get sun burned.

Equipment

I rode a small 135cm Cabrinha Ace twin tip, the other guys had directional board and a strapless surf board. In the surf it was a lot of work on a little board, the waves were huge but I no problem staying upwind and jumping over the big ones.

I had 11m Switchblade 4 line, other guys were on 9m and 12m I believe.

There were dolphins in the water just outside the house on Saturday but did not see them again Sunday.

Flight

Flight was 3.5 hours direct from palo alto, we fit 4 boards and about 7 kites into the plane with 4 big guys. If you arrive or depart after 5pm they charge late fees.

(above) Penasco airport and our plane, behind us are Mexican air force Pilatus planes.

(above) our plane parked on the ramp, there was only one other civilian plane there, a citation jet.

(above) Tom (left) and Michael (right) flying into the sun.

Town
Town has great seafood restaurants (at least 10), entrees are cheap, about $13/plate, drinks are $3-$5 each. You will see the most beautiful sunsets, we like the Satisfied Frog for drinks and other places for seafood.