Journeys

Kerrzy Fest at the One&Only Palmilla, Mexico

by Tropicsurf Blog January 08, 2019

Words by Mike Pinneo, Managing Guide at One&Only Palmilla 

I manage the Tropicsurf program at the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico and I was stoked to host Josh Kerr and his beautiful family just recently.

Josh grew up on the beautiful Gold Coast before travelling the globe for 11 years on the surfing world tour. Josh, his wife, Nikki, and their very talented daughter, Sierra, now call California home and are based in San Diego.

The convenience - and fun waves - is what continues to bring the Kerrs back to Cabo. Josh has been travelling to Cabo since he was 18 years old and has had countless memorable surfs here. We were lucky enough to pad that list of unforgettable surfs on this trip.

This is the tale of our adventures.

Day 1

Josh, Nikki and Sierra arrived to the One&Only Palmilla feeling fresh after their very convenient journey from Southern California (only 2 hours 30 minutes by plane to San Jose Cabo International). 

This was the Kerr's first time staying at the One&Only and they were blown away with the level of luxury and service. They stayed in a junior suite, which sits above Pelican Beach and overlooks the stunning Sea of Cortez. The highlight of this room for the Kerrs was enjoying breakfast from the comforts of their private balcony; the perfect spot to gauge the conditions for the day’s upcoming surf.

After a sumptuous breakfast, we were ready for our first surf adventure to the East Cape. Josh and Sierra have surfed the East Cape numerous times and love the waves and surrounding beauty.

On this day, we pulled up to head high waves with only two other surfers in the water. Suffice it to say the Kerrs were frothed! Josh and Sierra were in the crystal clear water before Nikki could even fully set up her camera on the beach.

Josh and Sierra were absolutely ripping! While they caught wave-after-wave, Nikki was on the beach filming and feeding donkeys; yes – donkeys on the beach – she even sat on one’s back!

After a long super session at the East Cape, we made our way back to the One&Only Palmilla. I was surfed out and would’ve been happy to have a nice lounge on the beach – not the Kerrs.

Josh and Sierra immediately made their way to the Water Sports department on Pelican Beach. I was amazed by how much energy they constantly had, and their relentless thirst for adventure. The Water Sports Department provided the perfect base to quench that thirst.

Josh and Sierra were flying around the beautiful waters of Pelican Beach on elliptical pedal boards. They then upped their game and tested out the complimentary hobie catamaran sailboats.

After a fun-filled afternoon, it was time for dinner. The One&Only put on an absolute show. It was the resort’s annual Christmas tree lighting. This is when the Christmas lights scattered throughout the hotel are first turned on for the holiday season. To kick off the festive season, the resort also hosted a cocktail event at Breeze restaurant, and lit up the sky with fireworks over the Sea of Cortez. The Kerrs were stoked!

Day 2

The conditions on this day called for a surf trip closer to ‘home’, San Jose del Cabo in Costa Azul, just five minutes from the resort. Both Josh and Sierra were very familiar with this spot and told me they have had great surfs here in the past.

The waves were a touch smaller than the previous day’s session on the East Cape, but the shape was flawless. The waves at La Roca are epic when they are in the chest-high range, which they were this day, as they provide very fun and ripable walls.

Josh was putting on an air show. Seeing him flying through the air stomping full rotations in person was truly incredible. After Josh and Sierra had their fix of punting airs and blasting the lip, they decided to jump on a longboard for some tandem surfing – they do it all!

Once again, Josh and Sierra were still frothing for more adventure after another super session. The One&Only delivered. The nine-hole Ocean Course made for the perfect post-surf activity.

Sierra not only rips at surfing and skating, she is also dominant on the links. Her talents were on full display as Josh and Sierra enjoyed the resort’s world-class golf course, which boasts spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez on each and every hole.

While Josh and Sierra were enjoying an afternoon on the links, Nikki made her way down to the beach for some afternoon rays in the luxury of her very own beach cabana.

After another dream-like day, the Kerrs enjoyed dinner at Suviche Restaurant. The menu featured a mix of fresh sushi and Mexican ceviche. The Kerrs loved it.

Day 3

This was my favourite day as I was able to utilise my great knowledge of the waves surrounding the One&Only and take the Kerrs to a place they had never surfed.

The forecast showed that the Pacific Ocean side would deliver a bit more size and power so I made the call to head there. Josh trusted my judgment and was stoked to explore a place he has never been in his numerous trips to Cabo.

We pulled up to overhead sets peeling left and right, with hollow sections! The stoke levels were flying through the roof and Josh and Sierra quickly paddled out. We surfed until the tide got too low and everyone’s wave count was high.

Josh was psyched on surfing a new location and told me he is planning on returning very soon – a score for me!

After yet another dream surf excursion, we made our way back just in time for Nikki to enjoy a session at the world-renowned One&Only spa; the perfect way to cap off their luxurious surfcation.

It is hosting people like the Kerrs that reminds me why I have the best job in the world. I get to share my love and knowledge of this beautiful coastline with new people every day, and share memories that last a lifetime.

Thank you, Josh, Nikki and Sierra for an epic stretch of days. Until next time.