camping roadtrip in Baja

[Rorke]

I have won a trip to San Diego in mid Feb. Very pumped.

I have dreamt about road tripping down the Baja - kiting, surfing, camping on the beach, meeting cool people, etc.

There is a lot of talk about safety concerns. Is that a real problem? Could it be avoided?

Rent a car in MX? Buy a board in San Diego?

All ears for recommendations.

Thanks

[rtz]

Here's some driving tips:

http://bajajoe.com/about-baja/travel-in-baja/

[Bille]

DO NOT do that by yourself ; hook up with a local from San Diego , to
find out what's safe First !!

If it were Me, i'd go on ikitesurf, (N America West), and find
a group headed down to one of the safer spots. There are
guides and kite Turing groups that do it regularly.

http://new.ikitesurf.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4

Personally , the ONLY way i'd go , is to FLY over the border-towns
and go to La Ventana ; rent a car down there if possible.

Plenty of people go to Baja with no
problems ; but do your research FIRST because plenty of unlucky people
also get robbed , ( that place ain't like it was in the early 80's anymore) !

Bille

[Bille]

SORRY

It took me a bit to find the Info ; but my buddy finally
got around to it.

These guys do excursions to Baja .

I Seriously didn't want Ya to become a statistic for travelers
going to Mexico ; so i stayed On it !!
You will be WAY safer, staying with people that know the Hood.

Here's the Link :
http://www.solosports.net/

Bille

Ps:
If Ya run into a seriously COOL guy named Tommy T down there,
Ya owe him a soda pop ; he's the one that got the info for Ya !!

[Rorke]

Wow. Thanks for this information guys!
I will look at this information pretty closely. If I were alone I would take more risks. I am taking my girlfriend and feel the need to make safe choices.
Maybe I can figure out a cheap way to get to one of these camps.

Merry Christmas!

[TommyDuotone]

If you Pm me before you come down, I'll dial you in on one of our upcoming trips. Most us stay connected on Facebook via "San Diego kiteboarders." I'm actually writing this post in Baja, where I'm celebrating Christmas with my wife's family. No wind now, but the surf is pumping.

[dafish]

First of all, don't buy into all the fear mongering hype. Be sensible, and it looks like you are doing your research. I am from Baja, moved to Cali when I was 11, and have been in Oz for many years now. I still travel alot through all of Mexico. It is no different to any of the many countries I have been to in that people are people. Good and bad. Be kind, learn some words, be interested in the culture, and you will do just fine. Don't be aggressive and have a chill attitude.
Baja is a wonderful treasure of waves, fishing, wind, desert, and wildlife. There are also many amazing people. Take the time to meet some of them.
Hooking up with someone like IBLocal is a good idea, experience helps avoid some of the pitfalls of having never been there before. Once past the border things chill out very quickly.
I have traveled the whole country many times without incidents, and I travel with my blonde wife and two daughters. But unfortunately things do happen. But things happen in every city, town, and suburb.
Good luck, it's a great trip and adventure. Wish I was there right now.

[saildawg]

I agree with Dafish. Way to much fear mongering and press hype. Be respectful to locals, learn some basic words and phrases, stay on the main roads. If you camp use a camp ground don't just park the RV or set up a tent because you think it's a beautiful spot. The problems I have witnessed have all been when tourists are arrogant, remember you aren't in the USA (I assume from your post that is the case) things are different.
I suppose there is always a possibility but I haven't had any problems in Mexico and have been traveling and kiting here for quite awhile.

[Kitesurf Vacation]

Hola,

I have done exactly the same trip you want to do, from San Diego till Los Cabos or La Ventana, all Baja. The peninsula has amazing spots for kiteboarding, surfing, SUP and beautiful landscapes. Many friends (americans and canadians) have done also that trip without a problem.

I would defenetly suggest that you rent a car and travel yourself.

Remember, when you are talking about Mexico it doesn't means that everything place is the same. Baja California norte and Baja California Sur are really safe places comparing to other states in Mexico.

Just be respectful, use your common sense, get some info about the spots.

Saludos,

Jaime