Overview
Rio Nexpa is a long, occasionally barreling left that peels down the cobblestone fan of a wide rivermouth in southern Michoacan, and it ranks among Mexico's best lefts when a solid south swell is running. The wave breaks over boulders, and at its best it's a reeling, leg-burning, world-class ride. Its shape leans on the river's flow, so the sandbar can blow out too wide by the end of summer after heavy rain.
When It Works
Nexpa draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with south swell the best match. This river-mouth left works from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 4.9 m / 16 ft and holds plenty of size. A due-south swell at low to mid tide can link all the sections into one fast, high-speed ride over the boulders and sand. It's a very consistent spot across a spring-through-autumn season, and it tends to hold up all day short of the nastiest onshore conditions. When the swell swings more west, shorter rights break off the peak back into the rivermouth.
Wind and Tide
Look for north offshore wind, though the lefts will even handle some northwest wind when there's size. The wave works across most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call and low to mid the pick for linking the sections.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave. Strong, sweeping currents run through the setup, and it will dish out poundings to the unwary, especially at the rocky exit. Shortboards, longboards, fish, and guns all have a place here depending on the day, and expect long paddles back out after those lengthy rides. Crowds get thick when it's good, so plan on a busy lineup.
Access
Once you find the turn-off from the highway, access is easy. There's a car park with free parking, plus camping nearby.
