Powerfull Atlantic swell

However, it turned out that the country with the endless stretch of coastline had a few pleasant surprises in store for us. Two weeks ago, we had to fight for every wave in hopelessly overfilled Hookipa and now there was just the two of us in conditions that we would have to share with at least 30 other windsurfing fanatics in Maui. It was only later, from the water during our first session, that I noticed the group of windsurfers standing on the beach from where they had observed us the whole time.

As we came out of the water - feeling completely happy - and proceeded to load up our truck again, the locals introduced themselves. They could hardly believe that we Europeans had come to their country purely to windsurf. Enthusiastically, they described all of the spots along the coast and drew each one in our map - mostly with an unofficial connecting road - and gave us their telephone numbers in case we had any questions. We were beginning to like this country...

First look along south america's pacific coastline

Andy enjoying himself

Apparently, along Chile's endless coastline there aren't any really surfable right-handers. It is somehow hard to imagine that, along a huge area of coastline, the waves only break in one direction - although the reason is fairly clear: The area of deep pressure in the cold south. For example, the trade-wind always pushes the swell parallel to the coastline from the south to the north with the result the waves always 'smooth' themselves up to the shoreline. From a surfer's point of view this means that the waves are always left-handers.

The journey through the countryaway from the Pan-America - the motorway which goes directly through the country - comprises of the worst of the Chilean gravel track labyrinth: almost two hours, approximately twenty turnings and an absence of reliable roadsigns. Don't ask me how we actually managed, with our fluent Spanish, to actually reach the places we wanted. Our sixth sense helped us very often to choose the right turning from the many different alternatives.

Ingo in punta topocalma - one of his best days in windsurfing

Ingo rotating a pushloop - all by himself at a perfect day in topocalma

One again the journey was extremely fascinating, as far as the countryside is concerned, with dense forests, which are partially interspersed with beautiful lakes and rivers. The true highlight between all the fantastic spots we`ve seen and experienced was Punta Topcalma. A stunning bay, edged in on the left-hand side by cliffs, approx. 3 - 4 kilometres long and, in front, a large, shallow lagoon. Last but not least, a swell the height of a mast, super-clean and continually running with a cross-offshore wind strength 7 - 8. One thing was clear. Until now, we had always found better places, but this was to be the highlight of our trip.

In the true sense of the word. We couldn`t remember ever having surfed in better conditions. The waves were breaking unbelievably hollow, but I had the choice between endless rides on the shoulder (those who think that Elends Bay offers the longest rides should pay a visit here) or perfect sections for arials. I'm certain that our report will convince one or the other to include South America in their travel plans, instead of Cape Town or Hawaii. In the evening we drove back to Santiago again and felt happy to be alive.

The cool humboldt-stream vitalizes the coast. it increases the force of tradewinds, and with its wealth of nutritions it also attracts all kinds of ocean life.

Matanzas: powerful shorebreak with steady sideshore-wind

As our hands and feet were pretty bashed about after a day of surfing, we decided to end our unforgettable surfing trip after this highlight. Even the best things have to come to an end. The next day went by very quickly: packing, saying goodbye, returning the rental car, checking in for our flight - and off.

During the course of the never-ending flight home there was more than enough time to think about things. It became ever-clearer that this trip was so completely different than any experienced before. In every facet. A journey both into the unknown and into one's innerself. And a huge amount of great windsurfing conditions. You can't expect more than that can you? Buena suerte!! Are you keen to read the compete story about our roadtrip. Just send a message, we´ll be glad to send it to you.

Evening of departure in Santiago