Top surf destination in Peru
Anyone who spends time in Lima (especially during the summer months, December – April), who is reasonably fit, and has never tried surfing, should consider trying a class surfing in Lima during their stay. The beaches where the classes take place are perfectly endowed for novices and generally have gentle waves for learning, plus they are located right in Lima. I hadn’t paid enough attention to the fact that Lima offers unique conditions for this activity until I went with my son to watch and take pictures of him during private half day surfing class.
The surfing truck with Charlie, one of the instructors, collected us punctually and after a quick drive from Miraflores we arrived at “Barranquito” beach right next to Cala Restaurant. There, we parked and noticed that there were many other independent surfers and a handful of surfing schools set up by the pier. Each one has an awning with their name where they keep supplies and provide chairs and shade for the non-surfers. It is a lively and fun place with families and friends gathering to both try and watch this sport.
A lot of sunblock is key, as the sun here is fierce. After putting on his wetsuit and about 15 minutes of technique and stretching exercises with Charlie, Nico went into the water with Aaron, his private instructor, where he had a go at surfing for the first time in his life. The instructors were very personable and it was clear safety was a priority. I felt confident that Nico was in good hands, so I was able to enjoy watching him surf rather than worry on the sidelines. They spent an hour and a half amongst the waves, and Nico had a brilliant time. There were many surfers dotted on the water, waiting for waves to catch and surf in. Some were in group classes and others in private classes. The surfing school Nico was learning with, and that we use with our clients, provides turquoise-colored shirts for the students and the instructors wear bright red. There were even very young kids in “tandem” classes, where the instructor goes with the kid on the same surfboard.
Nico finished the class exhilarated and reenergized. I loved being there and taking pictures, but next time I will have a go myself without a doubt. Instead of going back home after a strenuous morning of surf classes, we stayed and had a delicious ceviche, tiradito and conchita a la parmesana at Cala Restaurant, overlooking the sea. Overall, it was a perfect Saturday morning on a very hot and balmy February day in Lima.