Zicatela
Oaxaca, Mexico
Beach breakExpert
The full stretch of Zicatela Beach south of Puerto Escondido town is the famed "Mexican Pipeline", a mile-long runway of savage, hollow beach break that is arguably the most powerful sand-bottom wave on Earth.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
N
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
April–October
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Super-hollow, square barrels, the lips throw out over a near-dry sandbar with explosive force
Length
30–80m (short, violent barrels)
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: Zicatela ranks among the most punishing waves on the planet, rescue swimmers are stationed on the beach for a reason.
Hazards
- •Extremely powerful wipeouts, hold-downs of 30+ seconds are routine
- •Shallow sand bottom, serious spinal and head injury risk
- •No true channel, every paddle-out is a battle
- •Rip currents and cross-shore drift
Local Tips
- •Watch the rip and use it to assist your paddle-out, fighting it is exhausting.
- •Zicatela hosts major bodyboarding and surfing competitions; contest weeks draw the world's best and should be watched from the beach.
Location
15.8542, -97.0653