Gay Nagle Myers
The Riviera Nayarit, host of the Fourth Annual Punta Sayulita Classic taking place March 8 to 10, is tapping into the growing niche market of surf enthusiasts.
The event, regarded as one of the top international surfing and stand-up paddleboarding events in North America, attracted thousands in its first three years, and officials hope to top those numbers again this year.
Action takes place in the waters off Punta Sayulita, a residential community on a 33-acre peninsula near the seaside village of Sayulita, approximately 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a quiet enclave with a big paddleboard following.
Unlike other similar competitions, the Punta Sayulita Classic does not offer monetary rewards to participants; the main focus is to promote awareness about the nonprofit Reef Check Foundation’s programs for environmental protection and to raise funds for sports development programs for kids.
Activities during the weekend event include surfing and race competitions, a clinic for special-needs children, a beach cleanup program, an art camp and a free performance by recording artist Mishka.
Airline sponsor Alaska Airlines offers a special discount fare (ECMU117) to visitors or competitors.
For details, visit www.puntasayulitasurfclassic.com.