Surfing in South America

South America has long been a popular surf spot for those in the know, but it is slowly becoming much more mainstream. It’s not just Brazil, but Peru, Ecuador, Chile and several other locations around the continent bring in world class waves.

Brazil - Brazil’s long coastline has long been the stuff of legends. Nearly the entire coast can be surfed and there are literally thousands of beaches. Copacabana and Ipanema, the best known beaches can be surfed, as well as hundreds of other spots around Rio. Further north are where the best waves are. Florianopolis has some of the most consistent surf on the Atlantic side with the best waves from April to October.

Chile - The chili waters of Chile can be brutal to surf, however, a few warm spots are well suited and some of the best on the continent. The north coast is best, particularly near Arica near the Peruvian border the waves are quite strong. Tubes can be found further south near Iquique, and good waves can be found all the south to La Serena, although a wetsuit is essential.

Peru - Peru is quickly becoming one of the top surf sites in the world and there are many locations throughout the country that are popular with international surfers. Lima for one has several good beaches such as Herradura and several of the municipal beaches good for amateurs. Just south near the Pachacamac archeological site, Punta Hermosa, is another good spot with easy access from the capital. Heading north there are a number of long beaks, including Chicama, which is thought to be the world’s longest left break. Mancora, not far from the border with Ecuador, is the country’s main surfer hangout though; with the year round tropical weather and clearest water few are disappointed. Nearby Cabo Blanco and Pacasmayo are also good, although you will need your own transportation to get there.

Ecuador - Ecuador’s surf season runs from approximately November to April. Montañita and other points on the Salinas peninsula are the hot spots for the surf scene these days. Montañita itself is literally overrun with surfers much of the year now. There are several other isolated beaches up and down the Pacific coast with good waves as well. Although most come for the wildlife, the Galapagos also has a few good spots. Isla San Cristobal is the premier spot. Ecuador is also home to Balsa Flight Surfboards (www.balsaflite.com), the factory of American board designer Skip Andres Kazminski, who is world renowned for his balsa wood boards at Playas on the South coast .

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