Surfing
This sport originated in the South Pacific islands, and is practiced by people all over the world, in Chile it has a large following.
Surfing requires a lot of knowledge about the sea to learn to predict the movement of the water by reading the surface, waves and currents. Only after mastering these basic concepts will you be capable of "surfing."
<< Back to the topHistory
In the past, Polynesian seafarers were forced to move along the coast surfing, but it is still not known whether their skills are directly responsible for the development of the sport.
In 1777 and 1778 Captain James Cook and his crew were the first to report the existence of "surfers" with long boards and canoes in Tahiti and Oahu.
In 1821, the European missionaries banned surfing since it was considered an immoral activity. It was revived in 1920, when Duke Kahanamoku, the famous Hawaiian swimmer, who had introduced surfing to Australia five years previously, formed the surf club in Waikiki. Kahanamoku died in 1968, but by then the sport had gained worldwide popularity and there were already several international competitions that were organized on a regular basis.
In 1960, the International Committee of Surf was founded, with headquarters in Palm Beach, Florida. This organization was formed by the International Amateur Surfing Federation, the International Federation of Surfing Professionals and the International Surfing Foundation. The championships around the world first took place in the 60’s off the coast of the United States, Peru, Hawaii, South Africa and Australia.
<< Back to the topSafety
• You have to be a good swimmer. • Take lessons from a qualified instructor. • Use the belt with the surfboard. • It must be practiced only on beaches with no underwater rocks. • Choose a beach where the waves form and break periodically in the same place. • Avoid waves that are beyond your abilities. • Seek advice from experienced surfers who know the beach.
The best way to learn to surf is taking lessons from an experienced instructor. They can teach you all the techniques and how to care for yourself in the water.
The best way to start is in the so-called "quiet waters" and learning the basic techniques to control of the board: rowing out, turning and sitting, among other things.
While surfing definitely requires good fitness and a sense of balance, this can be developed with practice.
Surfing equipment consists of: • belt • wetsuit
Having the right board is critical for good surfing. At first, you can try different boards until you are sure of yourself. The board should be between 6 and 8 feet, to allow you to float and paddle easily.
<< Back to the topSurf & Watersports in Chile
With 4,300 kilometers of coastline, Chile is a paradise for water sports, especially surfing. In the northern regions, the waves are small, tubular and crash against the rocks along the coast. In central and southern regions, they are large and strong. To find the surf, simply go to the coastal cities of the country or choose from a variety of pristine and isolated beaches, or you can visit the legendary Easter Island.
Arica (northern Chile) has an international reputation among surfers while Iquique is characterized by the mild temperatures of the beautiful water and the waves that break against the reef. Cavancha Beach is the best known destination here, it is located opposite the seafront esplanade of the city and you can also go windsurfing, sailing and water skiing here.
Another key destination is the north of La Cúpula, a beach located two miles south of the city of Antofagasta near the stunning Atacama Desert that offers plenty of scenic wildlife. According to experts, the longest and most rounded waves in Chile are found 200 meters north of the city of Matanzas, near Santiago. Getting there is difficult, but worth it and you can find accommodation in the city.
Located 260 km from Santiago, Pichilemu is a Mecca for surfers and is also the site of a world championship. Here you can also enjoy kite surfing. On the outskirts of Pichilemu, is Punta de Lobos, Chile's most famous wave, which breaks from the left and is nearly a mile long, with waves reaching heights of over five meters. In the surrounding area you will find Puertecillo, which is more protected, and Topocalma, which is ideal for experienced surfers.
Further south, in the Bio Bio region, you will find Buchupureo beach. Located right next to a beautiful house, it is not very touristy and offers a perfect break on a sandy beach. The hundreds of lakes scattered among the majestic mountains of southern Chile and lush forests are also great for water sports. The most popular destinations in this region are the Villarrica, Ranco, Caburgua and Llanquihue lakes.
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