Commonly called “Chicama’s Big Brother,” Pacasmayo is a phenomenon unto itself. It is among the longest waves in the world with longer than 1.5 mile rides on the best days. With the combination of wind and the movement of water wrapping the point, the current can be very strong. For this reason, plus, the sheer length of the point, the use of Zodiac boats as a surf lift has become popular. When the waves become bigger than double-overhead, it can be very difficult to get to the top of the point without the lift.
Primarily, El Faro is a fast down-the-line wave with wall sections and shoulders. Sometimes there are barrels to be had on the outer take-off zone, at the top of the point. Depending upon the direction and tide, the wave gets more hollow, and connects further.
El Faro, is a very large playing field. Although at times there are a range of surfers, kites, and SUPs in the water, you can feel alone, with everyone spread out. And other times, everyone else might be worn out from paddling, and you will have it to yourself.
There is surf year-round, however larger and more consistent from March – October. The best, most dynamic surfing commonly happens in the early season, before the sand has shifted, with the first big swells from March – May. This is also when the most hardcore surfers are there at once. However, this long point almost always has at least some sections working nicely, if not peeling all the way through. The prevailing wind is NorthEast and when it is strong, becomes side-offshore. It is world-famous for Windsurfing and Kitesurfing alike.
