The Surf Window

Constitución

Maule, Chile

Beach breakIntermediate

At the mouth of the Maule River in central Chile, Constitución has a rugged river mouth break where fresh and salt water mix and cold South Pacific swells create powerful, unpredictable waves on a dramatic coastline.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1.5–2.5m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

River mouth and beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Shifting peaks, mostly rights on the river side

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Shifting sandbars from river deposits create inconsistent but fun peaks

Hazards

  • •River mouth currents are strong after rainfall
  • •Cold water, full wetsuit required
  • •Floating debris from the river after storms

Local Tips

  • •The city was badly damaged in the 2010 earthquake, the coastline has changed significantly
  • •Local surfers are welcoming and the scene is genuine Chilean surf culture
  • •The region produces great local seafood, try the mariscos restaurants in town

Location

Map showing the location of Constitución in Maule, Chile

-35.3318, -72.4119