Surfer's Almanac: South America

Ecuador - Source of much of the world's supply of Balsa wood, Ecuador has benefitted from the vintage surfboard boom. From October through March the coast gets swell from the NW. April to November sees waves from the SW. December to May is considered prime wave season and the water is warm year-round.

Once a major destination for surfers, Peru has fallen off the radar of the surf media for the last decade, probably because of past political upheaval. The political scene is stable now and Peru continues to get world-class surf. Peru gets waves all year, but January to April is considered prime season. Water temperatures range from 60F in the winter up to 80F in summer.

In Central Chile water temperatures hover around 60F all year. April-November is the best season for waves.

Brazil has a huge, enthusiastic surfing population and a national appreciation of beach culture. The biggest waves and coolest waters are in the south of Brazil. In the northern state of Piaui, water temps average above 80F.