Surf
As we arrived in Peru in late July, an instant happiness came throughout my entire body when I felt the cold air on my face. Escaping the 100 degree heat of Utah summer to 65 degree ocean front environment was amazing.
My first stop was the capital city of Lima and would be my jumping off point for the entire country. Armed only with a Lonely Planet and a sense of adventure my brother and I were able to find a great hostel in the heart of the Mira Flores area of the city called Hitch Hikers Hostel and paid $24 USD per night for a private room and shared bathroom. Perhaps the best part of the place was that it was a 5min walk from the beach and awesome break called Playa Makaja. To get here from the airport we took the green taxi, which is said to be the safest, and paid about $20 USD for the ride.
The break was great with lots of true Peruvian surf culture, great friendly people, and best of all amazing waves. The water temp was quite warm, I would say somewhere in 65 to 70 degree range, with a west wind that was fairly consistent. Therefore I opted to wear my 3/2mm wetsuit. My weapon of choice was 7”4` with 4 fins and steep rails. The report on the 27th of July was calling for 3-4ft and for the most part fairly accurate. As I made my way to the beach I was greeted by a group of awesome locals who were very interested in California surfing and wanted to know what Mavericks was like in person.
I ended up surfing for almost 3 hours because the swell was so good and waves so consistent and a perfect left hand which was pumping all day. The locals I rode with where very polite and would let you have your drop if you called it, which is not always the case in other places I have surfed. Additionally it was great to watch them shred there local break.
Overall I had a great time riding with these locals and at this break.
July 28th is the Peruvian Independence day and therefore my brother and I decided to go into the central Lima area for the celebration. There was a ton of people in the streets, live music, people eating and drinking and celebrating. I found this to be a unique experience and blend in as locals to see how they live and celebrate. It was for the most part shoulder to shoulder, but none the less fun and interesting experience. The Peruvian people are a very happy and helpful people from my experience thus far. Keep posted for future articles and information on our travels in the great country of Peru.
