Located in Chicama, Peru, Chicama is a world-class left-hand point break ranked first among the longest waves in the world. The waves here are challenging to surf (jelly legs!) and will break for up to 600 metres (656 yards) per section, of which there are four. Most people will ride each section all the way down the 4-kilometre (2.5 miles) headland. The first wave, furthest out, is called El Cape. This is the biggest but not the best section, offering a fast, sucky start before backing off into fast walls with limited sections for carves but plenty of lip lines to snap into. This section picks up all swell and is a good option when it’s small. The next section is Keys, a softer area that generally likes a mid to high tide. It has good protection from the south winds. The main section is El Point, which starts with a fast, hollow section before backing off into a fast but makeable wall. The last section is El Hombre, best for barrels and ending right on the pier in town. This one is most dependent on sand distribution and is usually more intense and often closes out than the other areas. The second two sections prefer lower tides. Crowds have become more common over the years, as have boats in the lineup that will take paying surfers back up to the point. It is best to walk if you want to retain local respect. The town has plenty of accommodation and activities for travellers. It’s a very arid area, and sandstorms are common when the winds are up.
What are the best surf conditions for Chicama, The longest wave in the world?
Chicama gets good between waist-high and double overhead. We recommend riding a longboard, shortboard, and then a step up as the size picks up. This break is suitable for intermediate and advanced-level surfers. The surf here is not the most consistent (4/10) and will generally have a crew if not more (7/10). The best winds are from the southeast. The best swells are from the south, southwest, and west. Chicama works on all tides.
We recommend wearing boardshorts or a bikini in the summer when water temperatures rise to 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.
