Surfing Baja

The risks of a Baja surf trip are real: cop shakedowns, a blown tire miles from the nearest garage, or Montezuma's revenge.

But the rewards can be more than ample: glassy barrels with a few friends, Coronas and a campfire, and the warmth of the Mexican people.

Heavy winter swells travel from northwest to southeast daily along the entire Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula. With the exception of Hawaii and San Francisco, the waves at Islas Todos Santos off the coast of Ensenada are said to be the biggest in the winter Pacific. Unless you're ready to join the pro circuit, you're better off heading to one of the following five surf spots.