surfing chileAbout Chile 

Chile is widely known as the goofy footer’s paradise.

Chile has some great surfing, especially in the northern region where the weather conditions attract many surfers from all over the world—Chile is the Northern California of South America and the home of my favorite poet Pablo Neruda.

Surfing in chile is possible all year except for the winter months, unless you bring your tow-in gear.

The water temperature ranges from 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F).

The further south you travel bigger the waves and swell, most surfers concentrate on the central to norther parts of the country.

Evolution

Chile has a very short surfing history. The first local surfer dates from the beginning of the ’70’s.

Chile has been increasingly in the international spotlight these last few years for its consistency, infinity of spots, huge, perfect waves (nearly all lefts), and crowds that some have compared to California in the ’50s. Led by three of the best Chilean surfers, Ramon Navarro and Cristian Merello, a local big-wave chargers from Pichilemu and Diego Medina, winner of the 2005 Billabong XXL

Paddle Award for a monster caught at Punta de Lobos, a solid Chilean scene is starting to emerge and progress at a quick pace.

Surfer Diego Medina
Surfer Diego Medina

Conditions 300 Days Of Surf Per Year

Chile can be separated roughly into three big regions.

The northern regions hold mostly Hawaiian-style reef-breaks. The north has the driest desert in the world, and its rocky bottoms produce some of Chile’s most powerful and hollow waves, which easily break a lot of boards, so be sure to bring a good quiver.

The central region, which is the most accessible for its proximity to Santiago, offers many spots that are for the most part friendly, but beware: 15-foot-plus days are not uncommon, and 25-foot-plus happens on a regular basis. The Central region mostly hold the left-hand point breaks.

Then there’s the south region, a pristine, green environment overlooking an infinity of left tubing point breaks waiting to be explored. Similar to that of Central region, South holds most left-hand point breaks.

[box type=”info” size=”large”]300 days a year of surf.[/box]

With a national average of 300 days a year of surf, it is very unlikely to fall on a long flat spell. Swells hit the 4,000-mile coast of Chile year-round, and they can hit hard. Respect the locals and the environment, be careful of Pisco intoxication, be curious, explore, and you’ll spend probably one of the best surf trips of your life here.

Climate in Chile

While surfing in Chile one should be aware of the different weather conditions that varies according to region. Chile has a variety of climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to tropical temperate and near polar due to its great lengths.

Chile can be divided into three climatic zones, (1.) the north which includes the Atacama Desert which is characterized by arid and dry conditions. (2.) The central region of Chile which has a Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and long dry summers and (3.) the south which is cold and wet with prevailing winds of gale intensity.

Rainfall increases from almost nothing in the Atacama Desert in the north to 5,080 mm (200 inches) in the south. Average annual temperature ranges in Santiago are from 3 to 14 degrees Celsius (37 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit) in July to 12 to 29 degrees Celsius (54 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit) in January.

Surf  Tips

The cold waters of central and southern Chile can be brutal to surf, therefore, surfers adventuring into those areas are strongly advised on using a protective wet suit to protect against the elements.

Surf Lessons and Rentals

There are many Surf Schools around Chile and they are located in close proximity to the popular surf spots. The major surf school include Magic Chile International Surf School where Surfing lessons are taught to tourists with such a passion that you will want to surf all the more.

Surf Lodge Punta de Lobos is a stunningly designed lodge located on a hill top in the heart of Chile’s surf coast. If you stay there you will get to experience a wide choice of world class waves without the crowds. The stay at Surf Lodge will allow you to experience super consistent surf, world class big waves and abundant empty breaks.

Deep Connection Adventures aims to deliver a high quality experience for those who love the sea and its waves, who wants a unique experience, from the last corner of the world.  The surf rentals are way cheaper than anywhere else in South America.

Getting There

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago is the main gateway into Chile. From there, you’ll be looking  at a road trip that could range from five hours (to Pichilemu) to 20 or more, depending on how far south you want to go.

Visa’s are available upon arrival, but be aware that citizens  of many countries will have to pay a “reciprocity tax” when they arrive in Santiago. Airport code is SCL.

[box type=”info” size=”large”]By Pablo Neruda

Whom can I ask what I came to make happen in this world?

Why do I move without wanting to, why am I not able to sit still?

Why do I go rolling without wheels, flying without wings or feathers,

and why did I decide to migrate if my bones live in Chile?

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Popular Surf Spots

Some of the most popular surfing spots in Chile are:

  • Pichilemu
  • Ritoque
  • Arica
  • Totoralillo

Pichilemu

Located south west of Santiago, Pichilemu is the number one surf spot in Chile.

This town is the host of the annual national championships and also known for hosting some Internationally Popular Surf competitions. Pichilemu offers something for every kind of surfer from Beginners, Intermediate to Advance level surfers.

Beginners usually try to catch their first waves at the beaches of Las Terrazas or La Puntilla. While more skilled usually hang out at Infiernillo, and only the most experienced surfers adventure into Punta de Lobos where the waves can get up to 6 meters high.

The Locals here are so courteous and always ready to offer help.

Pichilemu-2

Ritoque

Ritoque is one of Chile’s most beautiful places for surfing. On the 13 kilometer long Ritoque beach waves can get as high as 7 meters. It is located just north of Viña del Mar.

ritoque

Arica

Close by the city of Arica is the Playa Gringo, whereas the name tells many US Americans go to surf. Even though there are spots with rocks in the water, the qualification for the national championship takes place there. Waves can get up to 4 meters high.

arica,chile

Totoralillo

Totoralillo is located 12 km to the south of Coquimbo and 450 km at the north of Santiago. This Tahiti style beach, white sanded and clear water, offers all level surfers 6 different waves to enjoy: Derecharcha, Punta, Cabañas, Muro, Cacho and Pipe, right and left waves. It counts with a surf school, and different cabins where to stay.

totoralillo

References:

  • http://www.globalsurfers.com/
  • http://www.surfline.com/
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfing_in_Chile
  • http://surfsleeptravel.com/

 

Renuka

Wave Tribe editor and writer, helping to bring you great surf articles from around the world.

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Meet Surfer Derek Dodds

Derek Dodds | Surfer, Shaper, Traveler
I'm Derek Dodds, the guy behind Srfer.com.com. I love surfing, shaping, adventure travel, IPAs, useful gear, and all things related to the sea.