Surftrip Chile: In love with Punta de Lobos
Some surftrips move. Others invite you to stay. This surftrip Chile was disguised as a surfholiday: one full week in one place. Staying in a beautiful cabaña, waking up every morning with a view of Punta de Lobos, one of Chile’s most iconic waves. We could watch the waves throughout the day from our terrace. One house, one view, one wave. For a full week, everything revolved around Punta de Lobos.
A Surftrip That Made Sense
My name is Angie, and I guided this surftrip as both trip organizer and head surf coach. I used to live just south of Punta de Lobos, running one of my hostels in another life. Coming back feels a bit like returning home. Familiar faces, familiar energy, and that same wild beauty of the Morros (the landmark rocks of Punta de Lobos) that never gets old. And that’s exactly what I wanted to share with my surfteam.
This week was designed for experienced beginner surfers. Bianca, Niki and Susa joined with different starting points, but all with that same mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with surfing.
Surprisigly, Punta de Lobos is a great teacher. Not because it’s easy. But because it offers different sections that allow you to grow step by step. On one side, softer reform waves that give you time. On another, more defined sections that start to challenge your positioning and timing. It’s like the ocean gives you options. You just have to learn how to read them. Instead of rushing from spot to spot, we stayed. Watched. Observed. Let the wave become familiar.
What Staying in One Place Gives You
There’s something powerful about not moving. About seeing the same wave every day, but never in the same way. About starting to recognize patterns. Feeling more confident paddling out. Knowing where you are in the lineup without constantly questioning it.
During this surfholiday we realized that progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder, but often from stepping back and seeing things more clearly. And from spending time in a place that has its own pace and letting that pace influence you. By the end of the week, that showed. In the water, but also in how everyone related to the ocean.
Morrison and the Art of Keeping It Simple
Working with our local surfguide Morrison brought a completely different layer to this week. He has that quiet confidence of someone who grew up with this wave. No overcomplicated explanations. No unnecessary theory. Just the right input at the right moment. Am I impressed by his surfing and jealous of his style? Totally.
We talked about currents, about how to use landmarks to orient yourself, about where the wave actually starts and where it loses its energy. But in the end, most of it came down to simplifying. Standing less stiff. Breathing. Looking at the wave instead of avoiding it. Trusting that you don’t need to control everything to make it work. Sometimes the biggest progress happens when things feel easier, not harder.
Progress That Didn’t Feel Forced
To be honest, what I liked most about this week was how naturally things developed. Susa started to loosen up. Less focus on “getting it right,” more on feeling what’s happening under her feet. And suddenly, things began to flow. Bianca dialed in her paddling and take-off. Small adjustments, but with noticeable impact. More control, more consistency, more confidence.
Often used video feedback to connect what they felt with what was actually happening. And that’s often the missing piece. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. We also worked a lot on awareness. Simple exercises, like training yourself to look back while staying oriented, can completely change how you move in the water.
Personally, I think that the wave is an absolute gem. Perfect for beginner / intermediate surfers. So many different sections to choose from, so many things to learn and try. If I could, I would teletransport the wave to Fuerte without even thinking about it.
Understanding the Ocean (Beyond Just Standing Up)
Throughout the week, we kept coming back to a few key ideas:
Looking at the wave during take-off instead of avoiding it. Understanding where the energy is. Learning to read the split between whitewater and clean face. Using tides and forecasts to anticipate what the ocean might do next.
We did video analysis, worked on paddling technique, and adjusted stance to be more relaxed and less rigid. Small changes that make a huge difference, especially at beginner level.
There was also homework. Getting familiar with forecast tools. Training awareness with simple exercises. Because surfing starts long before you enter the water.
Our surftrip mermaids
Different journeys, same ocean. From first waves to small breakthroughs. From frustration to those quiet moments of “ok… I think I got it.” And everything in between. So proud of you Bianca, Niki and Susa. I admire your spirits and never giving up mentalities. Thanks for your delightful company during this surfholiday at one of Chile’s most famous waves.
Want to See What It Looked Like? We documented a lot of this week. 👉 Full photo album here.
Between Ocean and Everyday Chile
Staying in one place doesn’t mean standing still. We had days that revolved entirely around the ocean. Watching big swell lines roll in at Punta de Lobos, trying to understand their timing, their energy, their scale.
And then there were the moments away from the water. A trip inland. Small local spots that don’t try to impress but somehow do. Food that’s simple and exactly right after a long day outside. Random stops that turn into stories you keep retelling. How delicious is the local drink Mote con Huesillos??
There were trips to a strip mall that became funnier than they should have been (editors note: a local shopping center not an erotic venue). A visit to Santa Cruz. Watching Morrisons newest surf video. And small adventures like visiting salt fields, swimming in hidden spots, or trying local specialties that you wouldn’t find on any standard itinerary.
Ohh, and did I mention the horseback riding on the beach?? You should have seen the glowing faces of our ladies upon return. Priceless.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Niki’s injury on the first day wasn’t part of the plan. It’s what you never want to happen on a surftrip, or any trip for that matter. But very unfortunately, sometimes that’s also part of traveling.
But Niki is a rocket. Instead of the week ending there for her, she shifted her perspective. There were doctor visits, rest, ice cooling all day long but she was still being part of the experience. Watching the waves, joining the group, being present without being in the water. Not the plan. But still part of the story. Big heads up to you, Niki, for your strength!
Surfholidaying in Chile in 2027
We’ll be back. Same place. Same idea. A surfholiday surftrip Chile that gives you time, space and the right support to really learn. Learn with personal coaching in a small group. Plus a wave that keeps teaching you, day after day. The 2027 version is already in planning and bookings will open soon. Don’t wanna miss your chance to be one of only 4 NOMB Surfers? Sign up for our waitinglist. 👉 Sign up for our waitinglist here.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your first surfing skills and taking your first real steps in the ocean, this might be the place. Combining surfing with getting to know this incredible country, that’s a winner for sure. I would love to share my Chile querido with you. Punta de Lobos has a way of pulling people back. Maybe next time, you are part of it?
Sea you in Chiiiiile. Love Angie
