Our sales and marketing executives Catalina Zúñiga and Karina Pires had an intense surfing experience in Concón with our local operator Chilextremo. This is what they have to say about it.

By Karina Pires.

A few weeks ago we went to Concón to have a surf day and learn to ride the waves with one of our operators. That day turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

We left Santiago at 8:30 to arrive in Concón at 11:00. As we got there we stood for a while analyzing the waves to see if it was possible to carry out the lesson. Fortunately, the waves weren’t too big, so we decided to go for it and put on our neoprene suits. The cold was so intense that it almost made us regret the trip. Only the support of the guides kept us interested in learning.

Once we were ready and with our boards on the sand, we did some warming up exercises so as to avoid cramping when jumping into the water. We did some aerobics, stretching and surf-specific moves, all of which were kindly though to us by our instructor.

Luckily, the suits were really good and kept the water from touching our bodies. We started with the basics: lying on your belly, waiting for the waves to take us to the shore and trying to keep the balance to then move on to something bit harder.

After 30 minutes in the water it was time to take the next step: to stand on the board. I had taken surf lessons in Australia before, but these waves were much bigger.

The feeling of standing on the water, even if it is for ten seconds, is amazing and cannot really be put into words. Surfing is really challenging and it makes you want to try harder and harder. You start picturing yourself riding the waves like the pros you see on tv, but of course, that’s something you can only achieve after years and years of training.

After a couple of hours in the sea it’s time to eat: two ham and cheese sandwiches, one juice and two bars of cereal helped us regain our strength to keep on surfing during the afternoon.

Surfing in a Chilean beach was a great experience, challenging, but at the same time fun and rewarding. Here are some tips for those of you who want to try this activity:

• Surf lessons often take place in beaches with no dressing rooms. You need to be prepared to change your clothes in front of other people or have a gym kit.
• Bring a swimsuit to wear under the neoprene suit.
• You need to bring dry clothes to change after surfing. Chilean shores are usually really windy.
• You need to be willing to learn about this sport and to be persevering to improve.
• Most beaches have restaurants and where you can buy food and drinks. You can also bring your own food, fruit, sandwiches and drinks.
• Women who like to always keep a nice hair style should bring their own hair brush and combing cream.

Surf Day with Chilextremo

The 1.5 hour surf lesson is divided in 15 minutes of stretching, 15 minutes of theory and 1 hour in the sea with your instructor. During the rest of the day the students can keep on surfing. The equipment is included.

Included

• Private transfer there and back
• 1.5 hour surf lesson
• Snack
• Complete gear (Suit, surfboard)

Itinerary
08.00 – Departure from Santiago
10.00 – Arrival at the beach
10.30 – Surf lesson
13.30 – Lunch
15.00 – Surf
18.00 – Departure for Santiago
20.00 – Arrival at Santiago

Rates: $ 39.000 CLP (USD 80) per person. For reservations send an email at contacto@gochile.cl or call us at (56-2) 925 6400.