Mexico packs a lot of excitement into every season, what with its array of outdoor activities and sports events that are ideal for both spectators and travelers looking to test their own skills. This summer and fall are no exception.
Here are just a few of the Mexican sporting events that will get hearts racing in the coming months.
Beach Volleyball in Acapulco
Fast-paced action will hit Acapulco’s golden sand July 15-20, when the inaugural FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) Beach Volleyball U17 World Championships kicks off. In the past, Acapulco hosted three double-gender FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Open events (in 1999, 2005 and 2006), and this newest event — for players who are age 17 — is viewed as a chance for up-and-coming volleyball stars from around the world to show their talents.
www.fivb.org
Water Sports in Punta Mita
Travelers can sample a variety of beach-inspired sports activities during the Punta Mita Beach Festival, which takes place July 27-20 at the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and stand-up paddle boarding are just a few of the activities available to guests. An array of experts — including professional surfer Scott Chandler and Dr. Kenny Broad, National Geographic Explorer of the year for 2011 — will be on hand to help visitors make the most of their experience. And to provide soothing relaxation after all the excitement, Paula Dominguez, founder and director of the Mexican Institute of Yoga, will guide participants in yoga classes.
www.eventospuntamita.com/beachfestival
Teeing Off in Mazatlan
Mexico’s “Colonial City on the Beach” is gearing up to host Open Mazatlan, one of four PGA Tour Latinoamerica tournaments in Mexico. The event tees off Oct. 6-12 at the Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort, an 816-acre gated community that’s home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Those who can’t make it into the tournament can still enjoy any of the three other courses in Mazatlan, including El Cid, which has 27 holes designed by Lee Trevino and Marina Mazatlan, which sports 18 holes designed by David Fleming.
www.pgatourla.com
Big Money with Bisbee’s in Los Cabos
The first of this destination’s three fishing competitions, the Annual East Cape Offshore Tournament takes place in the waters off of Los Cabos Aug. 5-9. The event promises excitement and big winnings for the victors; in 2011, more than $330,000 was awarded in prize money. After that comes Los Cabos Offshore (Oct. 17-19) and the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament (Oct. 21-25).
www.bisbees.com
Triathlon Time in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
For a true test of physical endurance — or just to watch the athletes in action — head to Triatlon Ixtapa, a challenging triathlon slated for Oct. 25 in this Mexican Pacific beach destination. Competitors will swim 750 meters, bike nearly 20,000 kilometers and run five kilometers for a chance to win their share of the $7,500 worth of prize money.
www.ixtapa-zihuatanejo.triangulodelsol.travel
Angling in Puerto Vallarta
Anglers from all over will be in Puerto Vallarta Nov. 12-15 for the International Marlin & Sailfish Fishing Tournament, one of the year’s biggest fishing competitions in the region. This event, which has been taking place for more than 50 years, provides valuable prizes for the winners. There’s even a special tournament just for kids.
www.fishvallarta.com
