Chicama - Malpaso
Malpaso is Chicama's barrel section - where the wave hits a shallower reef and throws perfect tubes at low tide. The name means 'bad pass' in Spanish, referring to the challenging shallow section that rewards those who commit.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 110° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 1.2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Third section of Chicama.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Best at low tide. Barrel section.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Chicama - Keys
🔑 Inside section • Near the pier • Perfect walls
Chicama - El Point
🌍 World longest left • 2km+ rides • Bucket list wave
Chicama
📏 World's longest wave • 2km+ possible • Four connecting sections
Chicama - El Hombre
💪 Power section • Connects the wave • Where Chicama gets real
El Faro
🗼 Chicama starting point • Connects to main wave • Part of longest ride
Punta Prieta
🌑 Dark Point • Volcanic rock • Empty waves