1.- INTRODUCTION TO CHICAMA
In order to properly understand the charm of Chicama Peru surf, it is important to know about the place. This town is also known as Puerto Malabrigo, a small coastal town that is located in the city of La Libertad in the north of the country, contains a modest population with a quiet lifestyle however during the last decades its presence is vital because it has managed to create its own name on the world map regarding the surfing activity and the reason naturally is because of the popular Chicama waves. In fact this place is considered as a natural sanctuary and very special for travelers looking to enjoy the activity of surfing, also thanks to the great combination of geography and climatic conditions is associated as one of the most special natural destinations throughout Peru.
To be more precise the location of Chicama is 70 km north of Trujillo and its strategic location locates it in front of the pacific ocean, place where the winds and ocean currents have developed a suitable and perfect environment where long and consistent waves are created is what makes Chicama Peru Surf something unique, at a glance you can appreciate, the environment is full of extensive beaches, arid hills where you can only see the presence of sand in addition to an extensive ocean that directly contrasts with the desert that is enjoyed on the beach, this mixture makes it a very captivating destination but not only for surf enthusiasts but for all travelers looking to enjoy an authentic experience disconnecting from the world and living an immersion with nature.
2.- History of the place
The activity of Chicama Peru surf began to be popular since the 1960s, when the first adventurers seeking to enjoy this activity, mainly highlights the presence of foreigners, come to discover this hidden wonder that was later labeled as the paradise of surfing. From that moment the popularity and reputation gained by the town of Chicama began to increase among the large communities of surfers around the world, mainly highlighted by the Chicama waves and over the next decades the town in general began to have a more steady flow of visitors seeking the longed-for promise of longer waves to slide, of course the development has been moderate but the popularity and essence that Chicama has given to the world remains intact.
3.- Reasons why Chicama has a popular status
One of the main reasons why the activity of Chicama Peru surf is famous is undoubtedly because here you can find the longest left wave in the world, this event is listed as a natural phenomenon that has managed to appear within the world records, in appropriate conditions a normal surfer can reach: 2 km on a single wave which is similar to an almost mythical experience within the people who practice this sport, of course the record has not only been documented but at the same time revered turning that place into a legend for those looking for the perfect wave.
Of course it is not surprising that professional surfers have sought this experience within this place, for this reason it is known that the activity of Chicama Peru surf was practiced by legends such as Roy Machado, Tom Curren and the Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich who won the title of world champion. In addition to these there are many other great names that have helped to consolidate this prestige at international level, thanks to the stories, videos and multiple competitions that have been developed in this place have made thousands of sports fans dream of someday getting to Chicama to be able to surf one of its powerful waves.
4.- A UNIQUE WAVE IN THE WORLD
“Something interesting for those looking to do the Chicama Peru surf, is that this wave is not only the longest in the world in fact it is also considered the most consistent, accessible and friendly for the different levels of surfers that exist. Having the opportunity to ride a wave for several minutes over more than 2 km is in itself a rare privilege.”
5.- UNDERSTANDING CHICAMA’S LEGENDARY WAVE
The natural phenomenon that occurs in the surroundings of the town of Chicama is quite popular among the fans of the sport of surfing, however it also has another essential aspect that is linked to the spiritual experience for these people since the characteristics of the waves are really incredible, from the length, consistency and of course the form that it possesses have turned it into one of the most desired in the world and to understand how special this natural phenomenon is we are going to know more about the mechanics and structure besides the reasons why they have turned it into something unique in Peru.
5.1.- Mechanics
The main reason for the formation of the deposit is that there is an exceptional combination of geographic and oceanic factors. To begin with, the seabed of this place has the characteristic of being similar to an elongated bay, so thanks to the constant winds coming from the south, waves are generated that are directly aligned with the coast and this way, the orientation of the place itself, the particular slope of the bottom and the curvature of the bay allow the waves to travel for longer stretches without breaking immediately, thus creating consecutive sections that are ideal for high performance surfing.
5.2.- Length statistics
In optimal conditions the waves that can be found in this place can extend for more than 2.2 km creating the longest left wave in the world, in fact in a single section an average surfer can get to surf between two to three minutes, always depending on the tide and of course their physical capacity, however this duration is really extraordinary if we compare it with other places in the world, in fact the average is that it can only last between 10 to 15 seconds by the sizes of the waves.
5.3.- Sections of the waves
- Cape
It is located in the highest part of the entire bay and this section is characterized mainly for being the most technical and less predictable in its fluidity, there is no doubt that it is the perfect area for other high grade surfers who are looking for challenges with waves that contain faster walls and of course closed, it is not always connected with the rest of the wave but provides a great powerful start making it the favorite of many people who perform the activity of Chicama Peru surf.
- The tip
It is undoubtedly the most famous and consistent section within all this territory, at this point the wave begins to lengthen and contains soft sections that are maneuverable, for this reason is the section chosen for the many surfers can surf without problems is also the place where you can enjoy longer rides and without having a high risk at the time of performing the activity of Chicama Peru surf.
- The hotel
It is characterized for being located precisely in front of the main lodgings, it is the favorite section for surfers of intermediate experience, it contains clean walls and a moderate speed besides a great shape so it is more accessible from the shore, it is the area where you can predict daily sessions without complications.
- The man
It is known mainly for containing a tubular shape and quite fast, is the least frequent section but quite exciting for passionate surfers, the name in fact comes from the challenge it represents in itself, because if you get to this point from the initial section and you’re all a man, is listed as the final part before the wave can disappear when it hits the sand.
6.- BEST TIME TO SURF CHICAMA
Enjoying Chicama Peru surf is possible throughout the year, however there are specific seasons where the swell and wind patterns are one and the same and provide optimal conditions to enjoy this activity in an adequate way.
7.- Seasonal wave patterns
It is important to understand that the waves are generated mainly by the winds that come from the southern hemisphere which are formed kilometers away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, each of these winds go towards the Peruvian coast in some months of the year this singularly occurs when in the southern part of the country there is more presence of rains and storms, for this reason the best time to enjoy Chicama Peru surf is undoubtedly during the high season that occurs between May and October, this season is considered as the highest for the activity of Chicama Peru surf because it is the favorite for many travelers in the world so the flow of visitors increases considerably. During these months the presence of wind increases so they arrive with greater frequency and power at the same time so the waves are taking shape in its best version throughout the bay from the cape to the man. In addition to that during this season the water temperature becomes colder than usual so it is always recommended that people who are going to perform the Chicama Peru surf should wear 3/2 mm wetsuits.
8.- SKILL LEVEL AND SURFING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
8.1.- Suitable for beginners
Although the Chicama sector is popular for the largest left wave in the world, it also has some sections that are quite soft, especially in what is known as the hotel, these are ideal and recommended for beginner travelers who have not yet mastered the technique of surfing and require an adapted and slow process, thus in this place you can find waves that break more slowly and progressively so for novice travelers looking to enjoy the Chicama Peru surf this is the ideal place without taking a big risk. It is also important to know that there are multiple local surf schools that offer personalized options and can even rent you equipment as well as provide accompaniment in the water.
8.2.- Intermediate experience
Intended for travelers who have an intermediate knowledge about the activity of Chicama Peru surf, you can find ideal sections to improve maneuvers and work based on the understanding of the wave. Sections is as the tip and the hotel are special places where you can practice turns, transitions and even a more prolonged management of time on the board, plus these places also give you the opportunity to surf or the longer ones helping the endurance and technique on a frequent basis.
8.3.- Advanced surfers
There is no doubt that the most challenging sections for experienced travelers are the cape and the man, these places give more difficult conditions as they contain fast walls and sections that need a skillful interpretation of the wave, in addition to what plays a lot the role of positioning and technical maneuver. It is in this place where advanced surfers get to experience the real challenge that Chicama represents, this includes tight turns and fluid combinations with endless waves. It must also be taken into account that due to the length of the waves, adequate muscular and cardiovascular endurance is needed, since a single wave can last for several minutes, which naturally means having to perform extensive return paddles, although of course many surfers decide to just walk along the shore and use the local boats.
9.- HOW TO GET TO CHICAMA
The easiest way to get to this place from Lima is to have a transfer of transport. The first step is to depart from the city of Lima on a local flight that can be through LATAM company to the city of Trujillo, this can take about an hour and 20 minutes. When you get off at the airport in Trujillo, you continue in a car towards the town of Chicama through the central highway, this trip takes between 40 to 50 minutes depending on the traffic at the entrance and finally you arrive to this town.
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10.- FAQs Section
- How long is the wave at Chicama, Peru?
The waves found in Chicama are really incredible since they can extend even more than 2.2 km being catalogued as the longest left wave in the world.
- What is the best time of year to surf Chicama?
The best time to enjoy the Chicama Peru surf is between May and October, time of the year when the winds of the southern hemisphere arrive with greater frequency and strength to the Peruvian coasts.
- Is Chicama good for beginner surfers?
Yes, in fact in its interior there is an area known as the hotel where the waves are softer and easier to maneuver, places where you can practice if it is the first time you do this sport.
- How do I get to Chicama from Lima?
The easiest way is to take a direct flight to Trujillo, when you descend you continue the trip for about 45 minutes to reach the town of Chicama.
- What is the water temperature in Chicama?
There can be a variation between 17 °C and 21 °C, however between May and August its temperature can drop between 6 °C or 7 °C.
Now you know everything you need to do this great activity during your next trip, there is no reason to put it off any longer. Auri Peru can design an adequate and customized experience exclusively for you, contact us now and find out how to make your next trip unforgettable.
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