El Gringo
Arica y Parinacota, Chile
Point breakExpert
An expert-level right-hand point break perched near dramatic desert cliffs on the Arica coastline, El Gringo (also known as "El Bunker") is one of Chile's most powerful and hollow waves, demanding precision and aggression in equal measure.
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
Right
Bottom
Very shallow rock shelf
Shape
Extremely hollow, barrelling right, a thick, square-lipped tube that fires over a near-dry rock shelf
Length
30–80m (short, violent)
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: One of the most hollow and unforgiving waves in South America, the shallow rock shelf leaves no room for errors on takeoff.
Hazards
- •Extremely shallow rock shelf, wipeouts at size are catastrophic
- •Cold Humboldt Current (15–18°C)
- •Very remote location with limited emergency access
- •Difficult paddle-out against surge
Local Tips
- •El Gringo sits just outside Arica city, locals know every section of the reef and will guide respectful visitors.
- •The wave only fires on south swells above 5ft, smaller swells reveal a friendlier face that gives no indication of its potential ferocity.
Location
-18.4833, -70.3228