El Colegio Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
El Colegio Surf Guide
One of the best waves in Iquique, El Colegio is a powerful right-hander that breaks in shallow waters on a hard rock bottom. It can handle good size, up to 15 feet and bigger, and the bigger, the better. It only starts breaking at six to ten feet.It is situated between two other waves: the easier and mellow Punta 1 to the left, and Las Urracas, which is almost to the left of Colegio, but Colegio is definitely the best and most difficult wave of the three and requires more skill than the other adjacent waves. On good days and with the right swell, you can surf barreling 12-foot walls for 100 yards before kicking out.
Ability Level
Advanced
Advanced to expert.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Cool vibe. Mostly locals, but nice toward strangers.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
When it's good, it gets pretty tense with good surfers in the water.
Spot Rating
Fun
Needs a proper swell, but produces quality barrels that can handle some size.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Can be a workout when it's pumping...and you're trying to get under a cleanup set.
Water Quality
Fair
Not bad, can get dirty when it rains.
Hazards
Hitting the bottom as the wave breaks over a shallow rock surface.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
There is a parking lot just in front, on the right side of the wave.
Bottom
Rock.
Best Season
March-September.
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