Anyone been to Chile to surf? Looking to go down in a couple months. Any thoughts/advice appreciated.
Hi Aqua,
I live in Brazil and went to Chile some years ago. Every year I have friends going to Chile, too. Waves are worldclass and spreaded all over the coast. There are many secret spots totally unriden and wating for being discovered. If you want to ride the famous Punta Lobos wave, you need to go south from Santiago to a small city called Pichillemu. You will find just lefthanders in this region. Besides Punta Lobos, you can check La Pontilla and Infernillo, two points right in front of the “pueblo”, and another place nearby called Puerto Hercilio. There are always people from different places surfing in this area. Chileans are a very kind and respectful people. Accomodations are very cheap, and you can stay in hotels or hostels, or even rent a house. The local culinary isn’t very diversified, basicaly seafood (you can eat without worry, it’s safe). If you intend to go in a couple of months, be prepared to the strong winter and to the coldest water in the extreme southern America. Boards may vary from 6’6’’ to 8’0’', depending on your intentions and skills. Don’t worry about the sea wolves, they don’t botter anybody. Sometimes they swim side-by-side with you, or bite the leash, just for fun. I never went to the Northern region, but I know that there’s good surf in that part, mainly in Arica’s area (El Hombre, El Colegio). Many Brazilians go there to try tow in, due the height and power of the waves. Depending on the cash you are planning to invest in this trip, Snowboarding is another option in Chilean Andes mountains. Anyway, Chile is a worth place to visit with ancients ruins, museums, art galleries, handcraftwork markets, a singular natural landscape, and a very developed agriculture. Don’t miss the Chilean wine, it’s wonderful. In the movie “a broke down melody” you can see Jack Johnson and Gerry Lopez enjoying both Punta Lobos and La pontilla. Also, in “blue horizon”, there’s a part in which the Dave Rastovitch visits Derek Hynd’s house in Chile, and rides some waves. So, after all above, I just wanna wish you a “very good trip”.
Snowboarding is an option in the mountains? Hmmmm. I wonder if skiing is an option, too, or if it’s just snowboarding.
Jim
DuHHH! I live in Brazil, a tropical country and we don’t use to ski in rainforests mountains, but yes I do surfing, skateboarding, and sometimes, sandboarding, so when I have the opportunity I do snowboarding. I guess they have something in common.
Well, you’re forgiven then for not considering the skiing potential of the mountains in Chile ;-). I just took a poke (sorry) because I find it funny that most surfers only snowboard and just kind of blow off skiing - unless like me they grew up skiing and invested many, many years at it. Snowboarding is a great way to enjoy powder and a fun way to dink around in the park, but for most mountain conditions I’ll take skis any day. And, yeah, I surf and skateboard, too, so I get the whole sideways stance. Hey, maybe I should try towing in on my jump skis. I haven’t seen that done, yet.
Hey Jim,
Just kidding! I read your sways profile, and found we have some things in common. My wife is a biologist and works at the state’s environmental institute. I like to play guitar, too. So, I think our difference is just some amount of snow. Tow in could be an interesting possibility in ski. Kite-ski would be another possibility. I remember to see a video long ago in which a guy was towed by a parachute (maybe in the 70’s). Tell me if you try something like that.
I appreciate all the input and encouragement. Is there any resource, you know of, for connecting with surfers in Chile?
make sure you’re adequately suited up and be respectful…