Pichilemu Wave Radness

On Pichilemu:

"Wave gods and goddesses brave the icy waters of Chile’s unofficial surf capital year round, while mere beach-going mortals fill its long black sands December through March. All but the major streets here are still unpaved, which lends a down-to-earth, almost ramshackle air to the town. Its wealthy early-20th-century founder, Agustín Ross Edwards, had quite a different image in mind: an upmarket beach resort based on an outcrop overlooking the sands. Pichilemu’s laid-back vibe, great waves and surprisingly energetic summer nightlife make it easy to see why it’s so popular with visiting board-riders." -- Lonely Planet

We have arrived. Years and years ago when I first started dreaming of surfing in Chile my research brought me here, to Pichilemu. The water is cold, and the waves are definitely big, and that is just about all the reason I need to go. We'll load Discovery up with some proper Chilean reds, get out the guns, and come back each night sore and smilin'. If you like tackling some rather radical and supremely long breaks...and you like sailing where very few ever do...you're going to definitely like this trip. We're not covering a lot of miles because we believe we're going to be pretty distracted!

We begin in Constitucion, at the delta of the Maule Valley, one of the most important wine regions in Chile, known for their rich Cabernet Sauvignons. We'll throw a few cases on board and head out, most likely arriving in Pichilemu with little delay. From there if we can anchor safely and the rolling isn't too uncomfortable, we likely won't move very far. But the coast north looks awfully interesting and many more known wave breaks abound, so we'll just take it as she comes and follow the swell. Be prepared for a longer passage north to more protected waters around Valparaiso, and a change in departure point if Pichilemu proves untenable.

GETTING THERE: Constitucion by TRAIN

From the EFE train station (11 Oriente 1000) there are eight trains a day to Santiago .

Pichilemu: The Terminal de Buses is in the southwestern section of Pichilemu – the closest stop to the town center is the corner of Santa María and Ortúzar. From the terminal there are frequent services to Santa Cruz (CH$3000, three hours), San Fernando (CH$4000, 3½ hours) and Santiago (CH$5500, four hours) with Buses Nilahué www.busesnilahue.cl

SUGGESTED READING: Darwin's "Voyage of the Beagle".
Bruce Chatwin's "In Patagonia"
Sara Wheeler's "Travel's in a thin country"
Che Guevara's Iconic "Motorcycle Diaries"