Penascal
Penascal is a quality left reef break within the Punta Hermosa complex, offering an alternative to the more crowded main breaks. The wave produces hollow sections over a rock reef when SW swells light up the Lima coast.
Penascal surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Part of Punta Hermosa complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Penascal?
Penascal is a reef break in Punta Hermosa, Lima, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Penascal?
Penascal 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 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. 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 Penascal?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Penascal, and anything from the E round to the SE 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 Penascal?
Penascal is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Penascal?
The most reliable run of swell at Penascal comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. Quality reef in Punta Hermosa complex.
How cold is the water at Penascal?
The water at Penascal averages around 17°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 Penascal good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Sharp reef.
How do I get to Penascal?
The nearest airport on our list is LIM, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. Part of Punta Hermosa complex.
What other surf spots are near Penascal?
The closest breaks we track are Kon Tiki (0.4 km), Pico Alto 2 (0.6 km) and La Isla (0.9 km), handy when Penascal isn't working. We track 6 spots around Punta Hermosa, Lima in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Quality reef in Punta Hermosa complex.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Kon Tiki
⛵ Heyerdahl heritage • Quality rights • Powerful reef break
Pico Alto 2
🏄 Punta Hermosa everyday wave • Consistent lefts • Easy access
La Isla
🏝️ Island rock landmark • Consistent left • Easy paddle
Senoritas
🌊 Beginner paradise • Protected beach • Surf school central
Pico Alto
🇵🇪 Peru's giant • Never closes out • 30-min paddle
Caballeros
🏆 Punta Hermosa righthander • Competition venue • Reliable reef