Surfing Chile's Surf Capital - Pichilemu, Chile

Stretching over 4,200 KM down the coast of the Pacific Ocean, Chile is not only one of the longest country's in the world, but also one of the most surf friendly ones as well. Chile is really a surfing paradise. The country is so narrow (it only averages about 177 KM between east and west) that, no matter where you are in Chile, you can always reach the coastline fairly quickly and get some surfing in. Since the country does span such an incredible length, however, the water can be super cold in some parts, making some surf areas better / more appealing than others.

That's where Pichilemu comes in. Located about three hours outside of Santiago in Central Chile, Pichilemu is the top Chile surfing trip choice for pro surfers, recreational surfing tourists, and locals. Several surf championships take place here throughout the year, so you know it's good.

The town itself is super laid back. It almost has a 1970's hippie surf vibe to it. Even if you aren't planning a Chile surfing trip and instead just want a beach vacation, Pichilemu offers tons of cool hotels, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and, of course, stunning beaches to keep you entertained. It is a true surf town however, so resisting the urge to hop into the water and give it a go may be tough.

So, if you're planning on going to Chile for a surfing trip, or are just looking to give surfing a go for the first time, Pichilemu should be at the top of your list. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of you surfing trip to Pichilemu, Chile:

Surf Punta de Lobos

When I went on a surfing trip to Pichilemu, I didn't know that Pichilemu's most famous surf break isn't actually in Pichilemu at all. The famous surfing break here is called Punta de Lobos. It's located about 10 minutes outside of Pichilemu. This spot offers tons of surf shacks renting boards and wetsuits right on the sand, massive 20-30 foot waves (if you're a pro), and a beginner break with waves and a sandy bottom that are ideal for learning on. There are a few sections with rocks, however, so check with one of the local shops to find out which areas to avoid. It is also home to Pichilemu's famous rock formations, which are two giant rocks that jut out of the Pacific ocean, while massive waves roll in beside them.

Bring Cash

The surf beaches surrounding Pichilemu and Punta de Lobos are loaded with surf shops. Most of these surf shops are right on the beach, too. The one thing I found out, however, is that most of the surf shops here don't have electricity. This means that most of them don't take debit or credit. This is especially a pain in the ass if you're surfing in Punta de Lobos, as you will need to climb back up a massive hill, get back into your car and drive all the way back to the town of Pichilemu itself to grab cash. Alternatively, you can e-transfer some of the surf shops. The price of renting a board and a wetsuit, though, is fairly cheap, so bringing a little bit of cash with you shouldn't be much of a burden.

Rent a Wetsuit

Even though Pichilemu is located in Central Chile, the waters can still be fairly cold (even in their summer time). To make the most of your day, I would suggest renting a wetsuit. They're super cheap to rent, and you can rent them at any of the surf shops along the beach. It may also be a good idea to rent booties as well. I never did, and my toes started to go numb, which forced me to end my surf session early. Most places let you take them for free, so it's worth it if you're planning on staying in the water for a while.

Wear Sunscreen

This one can't be stressed enough. My friend and I got burnt to a crisp on our feet, hands and faces (thankfully we were wearing wetsuits so the rest of our bodies were fine). The sun can be deceiving here, as the summer temperatures aren't extremely hot, but the sun reflecting off of the water can intensify its rays on your skin. Regular sunscreen is better than nothing. There is sort of a chalky, almost clay-like sunscreen, however, that you can buy at one of the surf shops that doesn't rub off when you go in the water. The downside is that you are literally caked with the stuff all day, making your face look super white. The plus side is that no sun can penetrate it, keeping your face safe and burn-free.

So, if you're planning a surfing trip to Chile, make sure Pichilemu is on your list. It's not only one of the best surfing towns in Chile, but also one of the best in the world. Just make sure you wear your sunscreen.