Chicama
La Libertad, Peru
Point breakIntermediate
The longest rideable left-hand wave in the world, on a proper northwest swell, Chicama in northern Peru can link point after point for over 4 kilometres of continuous left-hand riding, a bucket-list wave unlike any other on Earth.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
S
Offshore
Tide
Mid
LowMidHigh
Season
March–October
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left
Bottom
Rock and sand
Shape
Long, walling left that links four main points, consistent speed and direction with rare power for such length
Length
1km to 4km+ when all four sections connect
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The wave is not powerful and the wall is consistent, the challenge is fitness rather than aggression.
Hazards
- •Rock reef sections between each point
- •Cold Humboldt Current (water 16–18°C even at these latitudes)
- •Remote location, Puerto Malabrigo village has basic facilities only
- •Sea lions share the water at the outer points
Local Tips
- •The wave only connects all four points on a perfect swell, most sessions cover two or three sections (still 2km+).
- •Motorised water taxis (mototaxis on water) ferry surfers back up the point, negotiate the price before paddling out.
Location
-7.6978, -79.4553