Chicama, the first legally protected wave and the longest left-breaking wave in the world, receives swell year-round.
Hawaiian surfer Charles “Chuck” Shipman discovered the wave from an airplane in 1965 when he was flying from Peru back to the U.S.
Today, surfers from all over travel to Chicama to score the longest waves of their lives. On a surfboard, a ride of over 2 minutes is possible. On a foil, watermen have clocked rides over 5 minutes long!
April through October has the most consistent waves during the south swell.
When To Go
Chicama has offshore winds almost year-round. There are always waves but the best conditions for a surfboard are when swell is from 4-7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters).
The south swell from April through October brings the most consistent waves. You can also catch some big northwest swells from December through February.
The Waves
Peruvian Surfer Cristobal de Col, ISA World Surfing Junior Champion, set the Guinness World Record for Most top turns/carves on a single wave at Chicama with a 2-minute wave.
On a hydrofoil, 5- to 7-minute waves are possible.
Chicama is split into a few left-hand point breaks. On days where the swell is big enough, you can ride from the point all the way to the pier.
La Punta, or Malpaso, is the first, most exposed break. This 150-meter break works even on the smallest days. Since this point is furthest out, it picks up the most swell. This is a 45-minute walk from the beach if you plan on walking.
Best Swell: Large W/SW
Best Wind: Offshore (SE)
El Cape, or Keys, is about a 30-minute walk from Puerto Malabrigo. This 600-meter protected break has fat, mellow waves.
Best Swell: Mid to Large W/SW
Best Wind: Offshore (SE)
El Point is the main surf spot in Chicama. It is in front of a big rock that you can see from town. With a big swell, you can ride this wave for hundreds of meters (and over 2-minute long waves!)
Best Swell: Large W/SW
Best Wind: Offshore (SE)
El Hombre is the last break before the pier. This is the closest wave to town if you don’t feel like making the walk further West. You can gget some great barrels in this section.
Best Swell: Large W/SW
Best Wind: Offshore (SE)
Walking vs Boat Service
When a strong swell comes, only very experienced surfers (on a longboard) have any chance to paddle back to the breaks. You’ll need to either walk back (from 25-45 minutes) after catching a few waves, or hire a boat service.
Interested in a boat service? Our experts at Chicama Surf Trips can help coordinate a boat service, transfer from the airport, and/or accommodations. Click here to get in touch.