The Surf Window

Punta de Lobos

Maule, Chile

Point breakAdvanced

One of Chile's most celebrated and fiercely protected surf spots, Punta de Lobos is a powerful left-hand point break near Pichilemu that delivers long, world-class walls against a dramatic rocky headland.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

S

Offshore

Tide

Mid

LowMidHigh

Season

March–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Rock reef

Shape

Long, powerful left-hand wall, multiple linking sections with hollow barrels on solid south swells

Length

200–400m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: The wave is powerful, the reef is rocky, and the cold water demands physical and mental preparation.

Hazards

  • •Rocky reef throughout, serious injury on wipeouts
  • •Cold Humboldt Current (13–15°C)
  • •Strong rip currents on bigger swells
  • •Strong local surf community, etiquette is essential

Local Tips

  • •Punta de Lobos was threatened by a real estate development, the surf community successfully fought to have it protected as a surf sanctuary.
  • •The colony of sea lions (lobos marinos) at the base of the point give the break its name, they share the water without incident.

Location

Map showing the location of Punta de Lobos in Maule, Chile

-34.4244, -72.0438