Mazatlan, Mexico – The 11th annual Mexi Log Fest wrapped up recently, cementing its place as a defining event on the unofficial world longboard tour. Founded by Israel “Izzy” Preciado, the festival isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of surf culture, community, and the vibrant spirit of Mexico. This year’s event, held at Playa Los Pinos, saw Brazilian Chloe Calmon and Filipino Rogelio Esquivel Jr. Claim the top honors, capping off a week of incredible waves and unforgettable experiences.
Calmon’s victory marked her second consecutive win at Mexi Log Fest, a first for the competition. Esquivel Jr. Navigated a highly competitive men’s division to secure his title. According to Preciado, both champions “showed up when it mattered most—in the best waves of the week, with style, grace, and corazon.” The event drew approximately 160 competitors from over 30 nations, a testament to its growing international appeal.
A Week Beyond the Waves
Mexi Log Fest extends far beyond the surf competition itself. Preciado and his team curate a full schedule of events designed to immerse participants in the local culture. Competitors and attendees enjoyed karaoke nights, a photography exhibition, movie screenings, and a visit to El Observatorio, a historic castle overlooking Mazatlan. A highlight for many was the traditional Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling match.
The festival also prioritizes community engagement. Local volunteers assisted with children’s art workshops, and morning yoga sessions were provided by Casa Zense. A particularly meaningful tradition involves competitors volunteering to teach surfing to children with special needs, a practice Preciado describes as “the pinnacle of the competitors integrating with the community.”
Image: Israel Preciado, founder and director of Mexi Log Fest, shares his vision for the event. @mexilogfest
Mazatlan: A Surfer’s Paradise
The choice of Mazatlan as the host city is no accident. Preciado raves about the location, citing its “sickest lefthand point breaks” and the genuinely welcoming nature of the local people. He also highlights the city’s vibrant cuisine and nightlife. Photographer Dom Stone, who documented the event, noted that whereas there were some smaller swells during the competition window, the final day delivered “overhead on the sets” with clean conditions, making for a thrilling finale.
Image: A surfer rides a wave at Playa Los Pinos during the Mexi Log Fest. @domwstone
The festival also showcases Mexico’s own surfing talent, like Punta Mita local Jonathan Melendez, known as “Gordo,” a past champion, and Luis Ferr from Saladita, both of whom have honed their skills on the country’s renowned point breaks.
Sustaining the Dream
What sets Mexi Log Fest apart is Preciado’s dedication to providing substantial prize money – $6,000 for the top surfers in 2025 – a rarity in professional longboarding. He credits the support of sponsors like The Asociacion de Hoteles y Empresas Turisticas de Mazatlan, Howler Brothers, Kelly Morris, Channel Island Surfboards, Dos Gardenias, Tequila Fortaleza, Vaer Watches, and Explore Logistics for making this possible.
Looking ahead, Preciado is enthusiastic about continuing the event in Mazatlan, emphasizing the importance of sharing the beauty and kindness of Mexican culture with the world. “Nos vemos en Mazatlan!” he says – “Spot you in Mazatlan!”
The Mexi Log Fest continues to be a unique and compelling event, blending high-level competition with a deep appreciation for community and culture. It’s a testament to the power of surfing to bring people together and celebrate the best of what Mexico has to offer. Share your thoughts on the event and the growing longboarding scene in the comments below.
