La Bestia Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

S

Wind

S

Surf Height

3-5X overhead for paddling; any bigger and you're towing

Tide

Low

La Bestia Surf Guide

La Bestia is a huge, barreling, oceanic wave that was only surfed for the first time comparatively recently. Before that it was used as an indicator of incoming sets to the various waves in Iquique's bay and was thought impossible to catch due to the speed and size of this huge right, which has a striking resemblance to Tahiti's famous Teahupo'o. The wave breaks very rarely and doesn't start doing its thing until its 8- to 12-foot. A world-class wave, it is definitely reserved only for expert big-wave surfers.

Ability Level

Advanced

BegIntAdv

Surfers with big-wave experience -- no kidding here.

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Supportive, cool, intense rides -- everyone knows each other at this level.

Crowd Factor

Mellow

MellowHeavy

Nope -- only the pros are out.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

World class wave when it breaks, being compared to Teahupo'o is no small feat.

Shoulder Burn

Exhausting

LightExhausting

The wave itself is way offshore and the intensity and size will keep you moving around constantly.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Not bad

Hazards

Death by drowning.

Bring Your

Gun, Tow

Access

Jet skis, boats, or a very long paddle.

Bottom

Rock, but it's 30 or 45 feet deep.

Best Season

May and October

Do you have local knowledge about La Bestia?

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