Purema (Tomé)

Surfing
Shortboard, Beginners
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean, Medium waves
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Purema (Tomé) is an exposed sandy beach-break near Tomé that’s known for delivering reliable surfing across much of the year, with around 150 rideable days reported annually. The spot is generally described as offering a mix of left- and right-hand options, though a left-hand bias is frequently noted, making it a straightforward place to practice direction and takeoff timing. The surf performs best around low tide, and it tends to start working around roughly 1.0–1.5 m, with wave energy building up to about 3 m+ before conditions may begin to close out. Wave quality is typically reported as good to moderate in power, with a peeling/mixed shape that can suit learning progressions—while still being exposed. Wind plays a key role in how clean the waves look: southeast winds are the preferred offshore direction, and south winds may still offer some shelter at the beach. Practical conditions and comfort are strongly affected by the Humboldt Current—water temperatures are cold year-round, and a thick wetsuit is considered essential even in the warmest months. Access involves Playa Purema and the nearby private farm property (Fundo Purema). Plan for car travel, possible access fees, parking arrangements, and limited on-site amenities (especially limited food), and treat the shoreline as hazardous in places due to submerged rocks/rock sections and the possibility of rip currents depending on swell.

  • Very consistent surf frequency (about 150 days/year reported)
  • Low tide is the best window
  • Southeast offshore winds help keep faces clean
  • Cold, clean water—thick wetsuit strongly recommended
Great for
Surfing shortboardBeginners
What's great
  • Highly consistent, surfable beach-break with reported reliability on about 150 days per year
  • Low-tide window for best performance
  • Southeast offshore winds commonly help groom wave faces for cleaner surf
  • Beginner-friendly general suitability reported (for forgiving power and learning conditions)
Heads up
  • Cold water year-round (Humboldt Current influence) requiring thick neoprene
  • Exposed beach-break conditions with potential submerged/rock hazards near the shore
  • Rip currents possible depending on swell size
  • Access is through private property and may require a small fee; parking can involve property-managed arrangements
  • Very limited food options; visitors are advised to bring supplies
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE
Offshore directions
E, ESE, SE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Exposed coastal beach-break conditions with a strongly offshore SE wind component for clean surf (plus some south-wind shelter at the spot).
Reliability
Very consistent (about 150 surfable days per year).
Gust Factor
Steady — Steady winds reported.
Best Months
May
Shadow Zones
Some shelter from south winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean, Medium waves
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach with rocks.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach at Playa Purema; some rocks at the edges.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Direct shore access; generally easy to launch from the beach.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–16 °C
Water Temperature
7–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm or 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet on weekdays; weekend crowds can increase during summer.

Storm/Rain Season

May to August

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach-break near Tomé with a left-hand bias reported; also described as offering both left and right waves depending on the day. Best around low tide with working swell around 1.0–1.5 m and a maximum hold up to about 3 m+.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
SW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Sources consistently note low tide as the best window.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Best with southeast offshore wind for cleaner faces; south winds can add some chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds its shape up to around 3 m; larger swell can start closing out (reported as beginning to close out when swell exceeds ~3 m).
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed — Reported as mixed/peeling depending on conditions.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Typically short, with longer days reaching 50–150 m.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Common rides are generally under 50 m, with some longer sessions reaching 50–150 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Purema (Tomé) in the full forecast view.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Exposed beach-break conditions
  • Potential rock sections in the bottom
  • Submerged rocks near the shore and at the edges of the bay
  • Cold water
  • Rip currents possible depending on swell size
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHoodLeashHelmetImpact vestKnife

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Maritime rescue is provided by the Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) via emergency number 137; general emergencies in Chile: 131 for ambulance, 133 for police. Nearest major medical facility is Hospital de Tomé.

Rules of the spot

Surf around low tide is reported as best; be prepared for exposed beach-break conditions.

Restrictions
  • Access through private property may require a small fee.
Local Tips
  • Best conditions are reported around low tide.
  • Southeast winds are the preferred offshore direction for cleaner surf.
  • Access is via private property (Fundo Purema); plan logistics and bring supplies since food options can be very limited.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Concepción
Nearest Town
Tomé
Parking
Parking is available in a designated area near the beach, often managed by property owners for a fee.
Access
Beach access at Playa Purema near Tomé (Fundo Purema); typically reached via a dirt/gravel road through private property. Car is necessary.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation is available around Tomé; more variety is in Tomé or Dichato.
Food & Drink
Very limited; visitors are advised to bring their own supplies.
Equipment Rental:
Specialized non-surfing rentals are described as scarce; surfing/wetsuits focus is implied.
The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: December to February for best weather and cleaner offshore mornings.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Purema (Tomé)?

The best overall months at Purema (Tomé) are May.

Which wind directions work at Purema (Tomé)?

Purema (Tomé) works with SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.

What skill level is Purema (Tomé) suitable for?

Purema (Tomé) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.