Punta de Lobos - World Surfing Reserve
World Surfing Reserves and Save The Waves Coalition are excited to announce that Punta de Lobos, Chile has been formally approved as the newest World Surfing Reserve.
Punta de Lobos will join the prestigious network of dedicated World Surfing Reserves that includes: Malibu, California; Ericeira, Portugal; Manly Beach, Australia; Santa Cruz, California; Huanchaco, Peru and Bahia Todos Santos, Mexico.
“Punta de Lobos is a very special place”, said Ramon Navarro, Patagonia and Save The Waves Ambassador. “It is where everything comes together in perfect harmony to create the most perfect waves on the planet and gives life to a unique natural setting. Punta de Lobos is an incredible marine sanctuary and it deserves to be respected and treated accordingly. This is an important moment for Chile to become aware of this.”
Punta de Lobos, is known for its world-class surf, vibrant local culture, and beautiful topography. The famous left-hand point break works in any conditions from 3ft to 30 ft. and is frequented by the world’s elite big world surfers for it’s ability to produce clean XXL conditions. Home to the Quiksilver Ceremonial leg of the Big Wave World Tour, Chile’s surfing history can be traced to this place. Lobos was one of the first waves to be surfed consistently by visiting and local surfers alike.
Punta de Lobos is also one of the most unique coastal landscapes in Chile, with the iconic “Morros”gracing the point. Punta de Lobos supports a robust coastal and marine ecosystem, including plentiful fish, crustacean, cactus and bird species, and is a migratory stopping point for gray whales. Many local multi-generational fishermen make their living from the artisanal harvest of the area’s marine riches.
“We are excited to be part of the long-term protection for Punta de Lobos, and have the chance to work with the local community to protect this surfing and ecological treasure.” said Nik Strong-Cvetich, Executive Director of Save The Waves Coalition.
Stay tuned for more news and progress in the coming months about the dedication and implementation of Punta de Lobos as a World Surfing Reserve, which is anticipated to happen in 2014.
About World Surfing Reserves
World Surfing Reserves (WSR) proactively identifies, designates, and preserves outstanding waves, surf zones and their surrounding environments, around the world. WSR is an initiative launched by Save The Waves Coalition in 2009 in conjunction with National Surfing Reserves Australia and other partners.
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