Charging the Big Swells in the Earthquake Land: Chile

California Big Wave Rider meets Chile Con Carne.

Photos by Eric Akislakian

(PUNTA DE LOBOS, Chile) - A recent trip to Chile left amazing memories and impressions, I had a great time paddling the entire trip and shooting an amazing big wave session: the Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Event.

Punta de Lobos means "Wolves Point". The waves in this remote Chilean spot were never smaller then double overhead, easily 12' to 15'.

That was great, but most days were solid 3-4 times over head, with a few bigger days.

The paddle event was a solid 20' by the end of day and it was a great kick off for the Big Wave World Tour! The next day, I paddled into a meaty one off the Morros (top of point) and rode it all the way to the beach and jumped off my board on the sand. That was an amazingly beautiful and very long ride for sure.

Photos of Punta de Lobos, Chile by Eric Akiskalian

Basically like three Rincons put together on the best day in a five year window, with as little as four other surfers out enjoying it!

It is a trip I will remember forever, with lots of inside stand up tubes and many great moments.

I left my big wave board and tow board down at a friend's house. I definitely plan to go back very soon with a couple more paddle boards.

Lots of more swell on the way! I hope to get some big tow days in so long as that swell comes.

Incidentally, in Chile there were earthquakes every day... I felt more quakes in two weeks there, than in my entire life in California. Here are some shots I took....... 'Keep the Dream Alive'

To read about the Billabong XXL entry, visit: Oregon Massive Wave Enters Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards - Tim King Salem-News.com

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Big wave Surfer Eric Akiskalian of Camarillo, California, travels the world in search of the perfect wave; the biggest waves, in the world. Last October in Oregon, during the Nelscott Reef Tow-In Classic that is held each year in Oregon, Eric and his tow-in partner Keith Galbraith, were towsurfing giant waves at South Reef, and they caught one of the biggest waves ever ridden along Oregon’s coast. This ride, videotaped by Salem-News.com's Tim King, ultimately, was entered in the Ride of the Year Category for The 10th Annual Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.

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