Peru’s Amazing Chicama Wave – The Longest Wave in the World and the First to Be Protected by State Law

A heaven for surfers and nature-lovers alike.

If you’re looking for the ultimate surfing experience, you might want to check out Chicama, a small town in northwestern Peru that boasts the world’s longest wave.

The Chicama wave, also known as Mamape, is a left-breaking point break that can run for up to 4 km on a good day. Imagine riding a wave for minutes and minutes, carving turns and getting barrels along the way. Sounds like a dream, right? Looks like it too.

The Chicama wave is a natural wonder that results from a combination of factors: the shape of the coastline, the direction of the swell, the offshore winds, and the cold Humboldt Current that keeps the water temperature low.

According to Andrew Thomas, an oceanographer at University of Maine and ex-surfer, the swell is generated by storm systems and weather fronts that are situated hundreds to thousands of miles away in the Pacific Ocean—and occasionally the Southern Ocean. As these waves travel over the open water, those with similar wavelengths and speeds naturally group together and travel in unison.

“Because the coast of Peru is very deep,” Thomas said, “these large swells will continue their journey until very close to shore.”

The Chicama wave was discovered by Hawaiian surfer Chuck Shipman in 1966, who spotted it from an airplane. He later returned with some local surfers and became the first to ride it. Since then, Chicama has attracted surfers from all over the world who want to experience its endless lefts. The wave is divided into several sections, each with its own name and characteristics. The main ones are:

• The Point: This is where the wave starts, near a rocky headland. It’s the most consistent and powerful section, with fast walls and hollow sections.
• El Cape: This is where the wave bends and slows down a bit, offering more mellow rides and longer walls.
• El Hombre: This is where the wave picks up speed again and gets more hollow and challenging. It’s also where most of the barrels are found.
• Keys: This is where the wave starts to fade and lose power, but still offers some fun rides and turns.
• The Pier: This is where the wave ends, near a long pier that marks the end of the bay. It’s usually crowded with locals and beginners.

To surf Chicama, you need to be prepared for long paddles, strong currents, and cold water. Malabrigo, also called unofficially Puerto Chicama, the town near which the wave is found, is located in a desert region, so don’t expect lush scenery or tropical vibes.

But what the place lacks in greenery, it definitely makes up for in waves. In 2018, Peru passed a law that protects the Chicama wave from any development or interference that could affect its quality or natural beauty.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6