Last updated on February 6th, 2024 at 11:50 am
If you plan to surf in Chicama, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and everything else related to surfing in Chicama, Peru.
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About Surfing in Chicama
Surfing in Chicama is probably any surfer’s wet dream, as this is the longest wave on the planet. You must have heard about those perfect waves that last forever, pilling their way to shore, almost as if they were created by a sophisticated machine. In reality, it’s even better than you think, and the only way to understand what it’s really like is to surf it yourself.
Chicama is located on the West Coast of Peru, about 300 miles north of Lima, next to Trujillo. In the middle of the remote desert, facing the Pacific Ocean, Chicama has nothing to offer except for world-class surfing. Due to the quality of the waves, more and more surfers have come to surf in Chicama in the last decade in their search for the perfect wave. And yet, there are not many people in the water, and most of the waves are left unridden.
Getting to Chicama is quite a journey, so the town is far from touristy. Sure, there are several restaurants, hotels, and even surf schools in Chicama, but that’s about it. There is no tourism, no parties, just surfing.
Back in 2012, Peruvian surfer Cristobal Col established the world record for riding the longest wave in the world in Chicama. He completed 34 maneuvers on one wave, which took him 2 minutes and 20 seconds. In fact, the entire distance from the furthest point in Chicama all the way to the pier is 4 KM, but you can ride 1 wave for “only” 2.2 KM.
There are several left-hand point breaks in Chicama Bay, with a gap between them. When the swell is big enough, some of them connect for 1 long wave, and that’s when you get those amazingly long rides. While getting off your wave, with your legs hurt, don’t even think about paddling back; you can either rent a zodiac or walk for about 30 minutes all the way back to the lineup.
Surf Seasons in Chicama
You can surf Chicama year-round since Chicama is exposed to any Pacific swell. However, to score the long perfect waves you’ve heard about, a big southeast swell is required, and those tend to hit the shore between March and November.
During these months of the Peruvian fall and winter, big swells enter the bay with perfect angle and create well-shaped waves. If you want to score the best waves possible, come between May and August, which are definitely the best months. Moreover, the wind in Chicama blows offshore almost 365 days a year, which makes this break even more epic.
As for the weather, keep in mind that the Chicama area is a dry desert. In fact, it gets an average of less than 1 inch of rain a year. The air temperature ranges from about 18°C to 23°C, and the water temperature from 17°C to 21°C. Therefore, while surfing Chicama, you definitely need a long 3/2 wetsuit.
Surf Spots in Chicama
When surfing in Chicama, you can choose between 4 left-hand point breaks. If the swell is big enough, the last 2 of them connect into one long ride. However, on an average day, each of these breaks behaves differently, and the size of the waves gets smaller as you get to the inside part of the bay. In detail, these are the 4 breaks:
Malpaso:
This is the first point break in Chicama Bay and the most exposed one to the swell. Therefore, the waves here are always the biggest and the most consistent of all breaks. This spot performs well even on the smallest days. The length of the waves is about 150 Meters, which is actually short by Chicama’s standards. Due to the challenging access to this spot, the lineup is almost always empty.
Keys:
Keys, or “El Cape”, as the locals call it, is the second point break in Chicama Bay. It takes about a 30-minute walk from the village to get here, and you will find it in front of a few big rocks. Unlike Malpaso, this break is protected from wind and swell and produces beautiful 600-meter rides. The waves here are fat, mellow, and easy to ride. Therefore, it is great for intermediate surfers.
El Point:
El Point is Chicama’s main surf spot and the longest one. On a good day, this is where you can get up to 2 KM rides. Even though the waves are not as big as in the outside breaks, they are fast, open, and perfectly shaped.
El Hombre:
This is the last peak, on the inside part of the bay, just in front of the village. Usually, when you get to this section after riding all the way from El Point, your legs will hurt, and you will be exhausted. However, if you have some energy left, you can get some great barrels in this section. Due to the easy access, this spot is usually the most crowded one, but that’s not an issue with such a long wave.
Can Beginners Surf in Chicama?
Yes, they can!
Even though Chicama is not the typical beginner surf destination, it offers a “user-friendly” surf environment. Since the waves are mellow and the bottom is sandy, anyone can ride them without danger.
In short, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Chicama. However, for total beginners, it is recommended to use a local surf instructor who knows the break.
Surf Camps in Chicama
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Chicama’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Chicama Surf Camp.
2. Surf With Amigas.
3. WB Surf Camp.
For more details about surf camps in Chicama, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Chicama
When coming to surf in Chicama, you want to stay as close as possible to the point break. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Chicama Surf Camp– This property is 3 minutes from the beach. Chicama Surf Camp offers accommodation in Puerto Chicama, where guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and shared lounge. Guests can also book various activities for a surcharge, such as surf lessons and yoga classes. Equipment for these activities is also available for rent.
2. Surf House Chicama– Situated in Puerto Chicama, Surf House Chicama offers beachfront accommodation a few steps from Playa Puerto Chicama and features various facilities, such as a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace. Free WiFi is available, and private parking can also be arranged at an extra charge. The inn provides some units with a balcony and sea view; the rooms have a private bathroom and a wardrobe. At Surf House Chicama, rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
3. Chicama Boutique Hotel & Spa– This property is only 1 minute walk from the beach. Featuring a complimentary breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center.
For more surf hotels in Chicama, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Chicama- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 15,000.
Currency– Sol.
Calling code– +51.
Time zone– GMT -5.
Pros– The longest wave in the world.
Cons– cold water, boring town.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Chicama earned the title” the longest wave on the planet” for a good reason. It is a privilege to surf it and it is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. However, be aware that after riding these incredibly long waves, it will be very hard to go back and surf your home break.
Finally, if you are looking for other great surf spots in Peru, check out Lobitos, which also offers world-class surf.
