El Gringo
El Gringo is Chile's most dangerous wave—a left-hand slab that breaks over an impossibly shallow rock shelf in Arica, earning it the nickname "Chilean Pipeline." The wave is so heavy and the reef so unforgiving that most professional surfers wear helmets here. When solid South swells light up this section of coast, El Gringo produces perfect, death-defying barrels for those brave enough to paddle out. This is the realm of big-wave hellmen only.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.7m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 17s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach/paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Gringo?
El Gringo works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Gringo?
Offshore wind at El Gringo blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Gringo?
El Gringo wants SSW swell (180° to 225°) between 1.8m and 3.7m, with a period of 17s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Gringo?
The main season at El Gringo is May-Jul. A secondary window runs Apr, Aug, Sep. ~31% Feb clean (May-Jul best)
How do I get to El Gringo?
Fly into ARI, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Beach/paddle
What kind of wave is El Gringo?
El Gringo is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Jul
Secondary: Apr, Aug, Sep
~31% Feb clean (May-Jul best)
Getting There
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