Surfing in Chile

Surf in Punta de Lobos, Pichilemu, Chile.

Chile has many beaches for surfing, especially in the northern region where the weather conditions attract many surfers from all over the world.^[1] Except for the winter months (July and August) surfing is possible all year. The water temperature ranges from 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F). Although the waves in central Chile are bigger, the waves in the north are stronger and are usually better suited for surfing.^[2] 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 wetsuit to protect against the elements.^[3][4]

Some of the most popular surfing spots in Chile are:

Pichilemu

Main article: Pichilemu

Located south west of Santiago, Pichilemu is the number one spot for surfing in Chile. The town is the host of the annual national championships. This location offers something for every kind of surfer. 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.^[5]

Ritoque

Just north of Viña del Mar, 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.

Arica

Main article: Arica

Close by the city of Arica is the Playa Gringo, whereas the name tells many US Americans go to surf.^[6] 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.^[7]

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.^[8]

See also

• Sport in Chile
• Climate of Chile
• Tourism in Chile

References

1. [1] Archived May 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
2. "Surf spot guide for Chile free surf atlas presented by Global Surfers". Globalsurfers.com. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
3. [2]^{[dead link‍]}
4. "Chile's Top 10 Adventures: Surf Endless Coastline". GORP.com. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
5. [3] Archived December 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
6. "Pipeline comes to Chilean Big Wave Contest, BIG BUEY - Surfline". Surfline.com. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
7. ""Arica es para nosotros la Capital del Surf en Chile" | El Morrocotudo.cl , Noticias de Arica y Parinacota". Elmorrocotudo.cl. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
8. "Escuela de Surf Totoralillo, Coquimbo, IV Región". Surftotoralillo.cl. Retrieved 2014-04-23.