Located in the Atacama, Chile, El Gringo (the Chilean Pipeline) is a world-class left-hand barrel reminiscent of its namesake, only much colder. The waves here are dangerous; pros will usually wear helmets as it is always very shallow and the end section is often over bare rock. The waves break close to shore for up to 100 meters (328 feet) over urchin-infested rocks, with viewers very close by on shore cheering on the brave ones who choose to paddle out. The right is not as hollow but handles better size than the left. Watch locals to figure out the patterns of where and when to paddle out, as well as where and when to bail. Some areas are impossible to get out of and will require a rescue, specifically if you ride the left for too long around the small island.
What are the best surf conditions for El Gringo?
El Gringo gets good between chest-high and triple overhead. We recommend riding a shortboard and then a step up as the size picks up. This break is suitable for advanced surfers only. This spot is not the most consistent (4/10) and will have a crew on it (6/10). The best winds are from the East. The best swells are from the West. It works best on a mid to high tide.
We recommend wearing a 4/3 wetsuit in the summer when water temperatures rise to 15°C (59°F). In the winter, a 5/4 is best when water temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F). See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
