Chile Just Legally Protected Its Surf Breaks

Last week, the Chilean Senate approved landmark legislation that gives local municipalities the legal right to preserve their surf spots. Essentially, the new law requires authorities to identify, register, and protect areas where surfing and other ocean recreation happen along the country’s long coastline. The law still has to be signed by the president before it goes into effect. 

The Senate approved provisions that make local municipalities key stakeholders in this surf registry. Chilean officials must track data like ocean bathymetry, wind and currents to determine where and when protection is needed. And the law prohibits construction or events in these coastal areas that could change how the waves break. "We are talking about a living and dynamic heritage that must be safeguarded with a vision for the future," Senator José Miguel Durana said, according to the Chilean government website. 

The Chilean Surfing Federation called the decision “historic,” noting that with surfing being a proven product for the last two Olympics, the federal government is more inclined to see surfing as an asset (and economic driver) and willing to protect waves within its own country. 

Chile's new legislation is similar to that of Peru, which in 2013 instituted the "Law of Breakers" to identify and protect surf breaks. Ocean conservationists are leaning on that fine print to preserve 100 surf breaks by 2030.

“After seven years of collaborative work between surfers, coastal communities, organizations, authorities, and members of parliament, the Senate approved the law that recognizes our waves as part of the country's natural, sporting, and cultural heritage,” the federation said. “Now a new stage begins: bringing together coastal communities, schools, and clubs to gather information, share experiences and ensure that protection is real and effective.”

Sadly, the legislation came too late for Pellines, a heavy, remote and underground left that was forever altered when construction crews installed two jetties into the water earlier this year to make the area safer for fishermen. While well-intentioned to save lives, Chilean surf legend Ramon Navarro, who raised the alarm about this project, noted that similar work has changed sand flow and, in some cases, made the rocks unsafe for fishermen.