Surf: On a big N swell, world-class Cabo Blanco will wake up. It’s an excellent barrelling reefbreak that explodes dangerously close to exposed, board-chewing rocks with plenty of fast tubes. The take-offs are usually late, straight into a spacious cavern, then race off past the elbow of the reef and down towards the pier 100m away. There's a constant rip to fight as the convergence of south and north currents here continuously deposit and withdraw the sand that is essential to this wave's shape, meaning early season is often best. Time low tide paddle-outs carefully either off the reef or towards Punta Panico. Environment: Unfortunately it is an extremely crowded wave (9/10) these days, attracting Peru's best surfers and the atmosphere can become aggressive. It’s also inconsistent (4/10), only breaking from Nov-March with any regularity and the challenging barrel is obviously for experts only. Surf: General: This heavy, radical, fast lefthand barrel is the crown jewel of northernmost Peru; it doesn't break often, but when it does, everyone comes here. It breaks in very shallow water dangerously close to the rocks along the shore; Cabo Blanco is often referred to as the Peruvian Pipeline. Tides: Low. Size: Shoulder high to double overhead Wind: Glassy or E Swell: NW, W Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Medium Spot Rating: Good. Access: Simple. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded. Local Vibe: Tense. Environment: Clean Hazards: Heavy wave. Season: November to March