Located in Chicama, Peru, Pacasmayo is a world-class, seemingly endless left-hand point that offers up barrels, speed sections, and rippable walls. The waves here are challenging and break for up to 2.5 kilometres (about 1.55 miles) if everything links up. It is usually bigger than Chicama and really likes some size. The northerly rips are legendary here, sometimes easier to walk back up, with the only problem being urchins and rocks. Recently, jet skis have been contracted by those wealthy enough to take them back to the lineup. When on, this spot looks like a wave pool designer’s wet dream, with perfect machine lefts peeling ad infinitum.
What are the best surf conditions for Pacasmayo?
Pacasmayo gets good between waist-high and triple overhead. We recommend riding a longboard when smaller and a shortboard, then a step up as the size picks up. This break is suitable for intermediate and advanced-level surfers. The surf here is very consistent (8/10) and will get very crowded (8/10). The best winds are from the northeast. The best swells are from the south and southwest. Works on a low incoming tide best.
We recommend wearing boardshorts or a bikini in the summer when water temperatures hit 25°C (77°F). In the winter, a spring suit is best when water temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F). See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
