Inside Mexi Log Fest, Longboarding’s Wildest Week in Mazatlan

Now in it's 11th year, and third location, the annual Mexi Log Fest is perhaps the defining event of the unofficial world long board tour. Organized by the inimitable Israel "Izzy" Preciado, Mexi Log is often blessed with good waves, great attendance and immaculate vibes--like super fucking bueno.

Last year's event was no different. The 2025 Champions were Brazilian Chloe Camon, who dominated the women's heat from day one and became the first person to ever win the event twice, and Filipino phenom Rogelio Esquivel Jr, who overcame a stacked men's division to claim the title.

As Izzy said, "They showed up when it mattered most--in the best waves of the week, with style, grace, and corazon.

As one of the main international gatherings of traditional longboarding, Mexi Log brings together the world's top surfers from places like California, Hawaii, Brazil, Portugal, Australia, Philippines and, of course, Mexico's finest.

According to Izzy, "We had about 160 competitors from 30+ nationalities and we got blessed with epic waves at Playa Los Pinos. Mazatlan is by far one of my favorite surf destinations in the world, not only because it has some of the sickest lefthand point breaks in Mexico, the people here are legitimately super welcoming, they have crazy good cuisine and the night life is the cherry on top!"

It's not just the surf and nightlife that was pumping, Izzy and the crew make sure that all guests have the best experience, "We took over different rad venues in the beautiful historic center of Mazatlan. We had karaoke nights, held a photography exhibition, movie nights, visited El Observatorio which is a super rad old castle that overlooks Mazatlan. Then we had perhaps everyone’s favorite event La Lucha Libre!"

"We had local people volunteering to help with the kids art workshops, morning yoga provide by Casa Zense. Every year a lot of our competitors volunteer to take kids with special needs surfing--that's one of my favorite memories. It's the pinnacle of the competitors integrating with the community and is a beautiful thing to see."

Photographer Dom Stone, who we tapped for this article, explains that, "There were one or two small days in the window but it was pumping on the final day, overhead on the sets. The sun was blazing and conditions were clean. The takeoff really pitches through the first section so it's pretty critical when it's big."

Punta Mita local and Bing team rider, Jonathan Melendez, affectionately known as Gordo, is a past Mexi Log champion and perennial threat to claim the title in his motherland. He's one of Mexico's many talented stylists, like Luis Ferr from Saladita, who have groomed their skills on the country's many fabled point breaks.

It's no surprise that a bunch of surfers like to gather in a such a cool place but what is a surprise is just how Izzy pulls it off. He puts insane work and tons of time every year to make the competitors win good money--last year's top prize was $6,000--which is a rarity in professional longboarding.

He does it all with a smile and says he can't wait for this year, "Im super stoked to have our event once again in the beautiful city by the sea of Mazatlan, all of this wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding support of our main sponsors 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."

"I'm counting the days to meet once again our international familia to share with all of them and the world the beauty and kindness of our people, food, fiesta and culture that makes my Mexico lindo e unique. Nos vemos en Mazatlan!"