By Carlos Mario Zapata*Cover photo: Pepe Romo Linares

To begin with, you have to understand that it is not just any wave, it requires a certain level of surfing and knowledge to ride it.

I think it all starts with respect for other surfers and controlling our desire when we know we can catch a good one, but we have just caught one and it is someone else's turn (this goes for all beaches).

In the case of Cabo Blanco, there are so many people who are so eager to get into the tube that they lose their minds and end up diving, paddling for the waves and closing the tube, generating a great deal of waste. The waves are ruined unnecessarily, putting other surfers in danger.

Not a tube is worth more than the integrity and safety of our surfing tribe.

So, how do you best ride Cabo? If you've never been there, focus on investing some time to get to know the beach: Think about what to do if you go to the reef or the dock, as well as see the tubes from outside and in the water, without harming those who are riding. When you feel more comfortable, you'll get a better position in the lineup (it's important to respect your turn) and there's no better way to do that than by positioning yourself correctly and waiting for your wave (this also goes for any beach).

What we must be clear about is that it is a beach where we have to “pay our dues” and earn our place; that is, not expect to catch the best waves from the first day, because there are many factors that only time and perseverance will help us control, like everything in life...

In conclusion:

1. Whether we run well or badly, we must respect each other's turns (on all beaches).

2. Don't paddle the waves when you see someone in the tube, even if you think they're not going to do it.

3. Realizing that we all share the same special passion for the waves and we should not only seek our own enjoyment, because beauty is better when shared.

An example of what is not right in Cabo Blanco with Gabriel Villaran and a bodyboarder who went too far when he shouldn't have:

 

See this post on Instagram

 

When they don't give you FAITH! 😭 The truth is that with so many epic waves it's hard to get upset and ruin a blessed day 🌊 But what does happen to the chopin is that it changes your vibe ⚡ This was my third wave in a row that they dropped me that morning and I finished the session without getting out of a tube 🙃 Still always grateful to be back in good health and to hang out in the water with my lifelong people 😘 That's why it is and always will be #TheBestPlaceInTheWorld 🌴💥🍻 Thanks @photobalbuenac for documenting the attack 😂 #SoloTubos #KookOfTheDay #NeverLostFaith #WastedElbowSectionCSM 🏌@visslasurf 🔥

A publication shared by CHOLOMODE (@gabriel.villaran) the 9 Dic 2018 has 4: 16 PST

*Carlos Mario Zapata is Peruvian, he was Peruvian champion, Bolivarian champion, Pan American runner-up, top 6 in the ISA youth world championship, and world champion by open and youth teams (2010 and 2011 respectively). He was also a finalist in the Cabo Blanco and La Herradura tournaments and a QS competitor for several years.

In 2014, he put aside his travels to devote himself to university and work (however, he obtained several of the degrees detailed above after leaving “professionalism”). He is a surfing coach, a sports expert with an eye on both the court and the field; for some time now he has been running the successful #Zapatips on his social networks that can now be read on DUKE. 

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