by Kristin Hahn

Photographer, Windsurfer, Diver, Business Man, and Historian, is there anything he can’t do?

These are just a few of the many talents Pepe Manzanilla possesses and brings to his local business here in Playa del Carmen. He is the owner of Druid Surfwear; cool comfortable clothing to add to the relaxed beach lifestyle in Playa del Carmen.

Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Pepe has been in the Cancun and Playa del Carmen area for the past 12 years. In 1997 he became a dive instructor and taught locally at the Shangrila Dive Shop, under his mentor and friend Carlos Quintanar, for 5 years. In addition he has become a self taught, locally renowned windsurfer, and gives lessons as well.

A couple of years ago he opened Beach Toys, a tiny store front on 10^th, that offered everything from boogie boards to table games and has now developed into Druid Surfwear. He wanted beach friendly clothing that caters to windsurfers, divers, and beach worshippers alike. His best friend and partner, Jorge Basulto, has been designing and producing clothing for the past 20 years so it was a natural progression for them to create a line together. Originally they sold the clothing off the back of a bicycle to get started and then friends Paul Bailey and Vickie McNair became financial backers to actually find and open a location.

They are now located on 5^th Ave and Constituyentes and have been getting local recognition as well as traveling patrons for the past year and a half. When asked how he came up with the name Druid Surfwear, Pepe put most history buffs to shame with his knowledge of the past. He says that he is fascinated by the history and mysticism of the Druids and has become a (once again) self taught expert on the topic. So if you are looking for some hip, comfortable, and soon to be ultra trendy surf and beach wear come take a look at what Druid Surfwear has to offer.

Pepe does professional photography as well. If you would like to contact him directly regarding Druid Surfwear, photography, or to test your historical knowledge, he can be reached on his cellular at 044-984-879-5217 or you can contact him through e-mail at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

What is a Druid anyway?

A member of an order of priests in ancient Gaul (France) and Britain who appear in legends of both Ireland and Wales as prophets and sorcerers. The Druids were made up of three classes: the bards, vates (or prophets), and priests. They practices divination and magic. Their most sacred rites took place in places of natural beauty, such as forests or caves.

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