El Brazo
El Brazo ("The Arm") is a reef and sand hybrid break in the Arica surf zone, offering both lefts and rights depending on sandbar configuration. A versatile option with varied conditions.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Near El Gringo zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Brazo?
El Brazo works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Brazo?
Offshore wind at El Brazo blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 20° to 70° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Brazo?
El Brazo wants SW swell (200° to 250°) between 0.9m and 2.4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Brazo?
The main season at El Brazo is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Reef/sand hybrid.
How do I get to El Brazo?
Fly into ARI, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Near El Gringo zone.
What kind of wave is El Brazo?
El Brazo is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Reef/sand hybrid.
Getting There
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