El Colegio
El Colegio ("The School") is the heaviest wave in the Iquique slab complex - a thick left that breaks over a shallow reef. The name is ironic, as this wave provides harsh lessons for those unprepared.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.5m
- Ideal size
- 3.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (67°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Iquique slab zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Colegio?
El Colegio works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at El Colegio?
Offshore wind at El Colegio blows from the ENE (67°). Anything in the 45° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Colegio?
El Colegio wants SW swell (200° to 250°) between 1.8m and 4.5m, with a period of 18s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Colegio?
The main season at El Colegio is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Iquique heavy wave. Needs solid swell.
How do I get to El Colegio?
Fly into IQQ, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Iquique slab zone.
What kind of wave is El Colegio?
El Colegio is a slab break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Iquique heavy wave. Needs solid swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Punta Dos
✌️ Point Two • Iquique slab • Heavy barrels
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Intendencia
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Hueso de Ballena
🐋 Whale Bone reef • Quality left • Less intense
Cavancha
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Huayquique
🌊 Northern Chile point • Long lefts • Desert backdrop