Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By Claudia Cañedo Lou

I arrived at 7:45 a.m. as suggested by Roberto Meza, also known as Muelas. A former worldwide championship surfer, he founded the surf school Olas Peru in 1992. A sport for beach lovers, surfing has gained a massive amount of fans during these last years thanks to worldwide winners such as Sofía Mulanovich and Gabriel Villarán.

Getting ready to hit the waves. See slide show.

The waves in Peru’s coastline has attracted both locals and foreigners to dive in the cold waters, especially during the early morning hours. I was amazed by the amount of people gathered along la Costa Verde, some were taking lessons at many of the schools offered along the shoreline while others, were simply changing to go to work (this crowd, male and female usually hit the waves at 5 a.m. on a daily basis).

The Cala parking lot turned into a display of bodyboard and surf fanatics in a matter of seconds. Surf culture at its best, I had the chance to see a beginners class, all students wore the mandatory uniform (Boz wetsuits) plus sunscreen, all provided by the schools. Before 8 a.m. the lesson started with a quick warm up routine of jogging and stretching exercises, afterwards the group was separated into three: those who were taking their first lesson, second and regulars. Each group had a personalized lesson (there’s a maximum of 20 students), having two to three teachers guiding them and supplying them with their boards.

Surf in Lima Lessons can be taken from Monday to Friday all year round starting at 8 a.m. until 9.30- it’s preferable to arrive 15 minutes early to gear up. Price per class range between $100-160 per month. More information is provided at: olasperu.com

All groups hit the waves for an hour, time passes by quickly once you experience surfing. An audience filled with parents, athletes, joggers, and food vendors can be expected from early hours. The sun warms up the scene and it’s time to go.

Taking this type of class during the summer isn’t a bad idea, you might just end up practicing all year round, the atmosphere around is welcoming and it doesn’t hurt the surf instructors are friendly and extremely patient, so if you’re brave enough to hit the cold waters, we urge you to give it a go. Who knows, there’s a chance you’ll follow into Sofia’s footsteps.

Just make an effort to wake up a little earlier than usual. Heads up, there’s no need to be embarrassed if you’re passed a certain age group. Everyone is given a chance to learn, so classes are based on experience level and age group. If reaching la Costa Verde is an issue, for an extra price according to the school and district, you can be picked up from your own home.

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1 Comments

# dan says :
11 May, 2011 [ 10:36 ]

The price per class is 100-160 a month (doesn't make much sense) can someone clarify?

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