Escape to Cape Surf 2024: Riding the Waves of East Cape Baja

The 2024 Escape to Cape Surf event on the East Cape of Baja California proved to be a thrilling spectacle of surf athleticism and community spirit. Held against the backdrop of stunning coastal scenery and the pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez, this year's contest drew surfers and spectators alike from across the globe. Families from Mainland Mexico, California and Baja camped out for four days at the beautiful La Fortuna in hope of having a little fun and taking home a winners check. Rhythm and Resin provided some real prize money for this event. While competition was serious the event was really about celebrating friends, family and fun.

Nestled along the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula, the East Cape is renowned for its consistent swells and idyllic beaches, making it a paradise for surfers of all levels. With its warm waters and picturesque landscapes, it's no wonder the region attracts surf enthusiasts year-round. The community of expats and locals who call the East Cape home are an eccentric bunch of doers who turned a rough landscape into an adventurers paradise. Completely off grid the contest and it’s event sites were run with a mix of old school grit and solar power. 

The competition at Escape to Cape Surf 2024 was fierce across all divisions, with surfers showcasing their skills in various categories. From the adrenaline-pumping aerial maneuvers in the Surftech Fish division to graceful cross-stepping on traditional longboards, every heat was a testament to the diversity and talent within the surfing community. Mexico’s top longboard talent flew in from Saladita and some of the nations best young shortboards crossed the Baja peninsula from Todos Santos.

One of the standout features of this year's event was the special division sponsored by SurfTech, where competitors rode Fish shapes designed by iconic shapers such as T. Patterson, Donald Takayama, and Misfit Shapes. The Fish surfboard, known for its wider outline and twin-fin setup, provided a unique challenge and added an extra layer of excitement to the contest. Stand out of the event included California pros Kai McPhillips and Andy Nieblas. Boths board of choice for the event was the T. Patterson Devil Fish.

Beyond the competition itself, Escape to Cape Surf 2024 celebrated the rich culture and camaraderie of the surfing community. Surfers from different backgrounds shared waves, stories, and insights, fostering a sense of unity that transcended competition results. Throughout the event, the beach buzzed with energy as surfers mingled with locals and visitors from around the world. From impromptu jam sessions with local musicians to beachside BBQs under starlit skies, every moment off the waves was an opportunity to forge new friendships and strengthen existing bonds. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the nightlife in the nearby towns of Los Barriles and La Ribera came alive with a blend of laid-back charm and spirited celebration. Surfers and spectators unwound at beachfront cantinas and cozy bars, savoring local delicacies and refreshing beverages while swapping tales of epic rides and near misses.

Escape to Cape Surf 2024 was more than just a surfing contest—it was a celebration of passion, skill, and the natural beauty of Baja California's East Cape. With thrilling performances, memorable moments, and the introduction of the SurfTech-sponsored Fish Shape division, this year's event set a new standard for competitive surfing and community engagement. As surfers and spectators departed, they carried with them not only the memories of epic rides but also a renewed appreciation for the sport and the stunning coastal environment that hosted it all.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a casual observer, Escape to Cape Surf remains a must-visit event on the global surfing calendar, promising unforgettable experiences and endless waves year after year.

Contest Results

Men's Open Lonboard Division

1. Kai McPhillips
2. Miguel Sinclair
3. Wesley Rehberg
4. Colin McPhillips

Women's Open Lonboard Division

1. Beau Allred
2. Coco Bonilla
3. Rilynn Baker
4. Moana Bonilla

Surftech Fish Shape Division

1. Kai McPhillips
2. Jarrod Bell
3. Vali Olea
4. Andy Nieblas

U18 Longboard Men

1. Luke Chavez
2. Wesley REhberg
3. Vali Olea
4. REx Kraus

U18 Longboard Women

1. Coco Boniilla
2. Beau Allred
3. Rilynn Baker
4. Moana Bonilla