Panic Point
Panic Point is the heavier member of the Lobitos wave family - a powerful left that produces hollow barrels over a rocky bottom. The name says it all: this is a step up from the main Lobitos point.
Panic Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 255°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: North of main Lobitos point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Panic Point?
Panic Point is a point break in Lobitos, Piura, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Panic Point?
Panic Point picks up swell from the SSW round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Panic Point?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Panic Point, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Panic Point?
Panic Point is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Panic Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Panic Point comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Best March-October. Part of Lobitos wave complex.
How cold is the water at Panic Point?
The water at Panic Point averages around 20°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Panic Point good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Sharp rocks. Strong currents.
How do I get to Panic Point?
The nearest airport on our list is PIU, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. North of main Lobitos point.
What other surf spots are near Panic Point?
The closest breaks we track are Baterias (0.3 km), Lobitos - El Hueco (0.8 km) and Lobitos (0.9 km), handy when Panic Point isn't working. We track 5 spots around Lobitos, Piura in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Best March-October. Part of Lobitos wave complex.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Baterias
🎯 All-tide option • Consistent left • Fewer crowds
Lobitos - El Hueco
🕳️ The Hole • Shallow slab • Lobitos barrel
Lobitos
🛢️ Desert point paradise • Multiple world-class lefts • Frontier living
Lobitos - La Frontera
🔗 Connector wave • Links the points • Extended rides
Piscinas
🏊 Tide pool point • Beginner-friendly • Lobitos mellow option
Negritos Point
⛽ Oil town left • Empty lineup • Industrial backdrop