The 5 beaches in Latin America that meet the strict requirements to be a World Surfing Reserve (one is in Peru)

In the world there are countless beaches to surf. There are all kinds of waves: giant waves, small waves, rocks, sand, with palm trees, deserts, with corals, fish and a large number of characteristics that identify them.

But among all of them there are only 12 that have the recognition of being considered World Surf Reserve.

LOOK: They find guilty the “mother of the end of the world” accused of killing 2 of her children and her husband’s ex-wife

Number 12 was recently accepted. It is a coastline of about 30 kilometers around Braunton Burrows on the North Devon coastin the South West of England.

“We are delighted that this extraordinary coastline is recognized for the quality of its surf and its valuable ecosystem,” Kevin Cook, a surfer and admirer of an area that is also part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves for its spectacular landscapes, its wildlife and its cultural heritage.

To choose a world surf reserve, the quality of the waves is not enough. (Getty Images).

“Now we can work together to protect this area for generations to come,” added.

And that is what the initiative that the Coalición Salvar las Olas began in 2009 is all about and whose goal is to protect ecosystems around the world using surfing as a vehicle for long-term coastal conservation.

The process

The first beach in the world to be distinguished as a World Reserve It was Malibu in Californiaa place where surfers from all over the world have gathered for a century chasing the “perfect” wave.

Of Malibu At the time, “the fundamental role it played in the birth of modern surf culture” was highlighted, as well as the richness of the ecosystem that surrounds it.

Malibu is a desired destination for surfers from all over the world. (GETTY IMAGES).

The choice of the sites is made through a strict process in which five very defined criteria are taken into account.

The quality and consistency of the waves, unique environmental characteristics of the place, its role in the culture and history of surfing, the support and participation of the community and that it is a priority protection area for conservation.

After Malibu, the next to be approved were Ericeira in Portugal and Mainly Bech in Australia.

In fact, the oceanic country also has the Gold Coast and Noosa reserves, while the only other place where there is more than one is the United States when adding Santa Cruz.

5 in Latin America

with five beaches Latin America is the most represented region on the list of World Surfing Reserves, being that of Huanchaco in Peru, the first to receive recognition in 2013.

Each one with its characteristics, these are the reasons why they were chosen according to the Save the Waves Coalition.

This fishing village of pre-Columbian history is famous “for its constant and clean waves”, but also for its traditional boats known as Caballitos de Totora.

In Huanchaco there are two ways of riding the waves. (GETTY IMAGES).

“Huanchaco has a wave-riding tradition that dates back thousands of years. I congratulate all Peruvians for moving to preserve and protect this unique and historic beach,” Felipe Pomar, the 1965 world surfing champion, told Salvar Olas.

The “tube” of the waves in the Mexican Pacific attracts a large number of surfers from the United States. (Getty Images).

Considered the cradle of surfing in Mexico, this area on the Mexican Pacific coast offers all kinds of challenges for beginners and more experienced due to the high quality of its waves.

Due to its location, Punta de Lobos offers great biodiversity. (GETTY IMAGES).

With waves from one to 10 meters, Punta de Lobos can offer walkable sections that connect and produce more than 800 meters during large swells. But there is also its biodiversity with a wide variety of marine species and endemic plants in the area.

This beach, which offers quality waves that break all year round, is located next to the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, the largest conservation area in the state of Santa Catarina. There, a natural environment is formed that includes the Madre River, an intact estuary system, and a sand dune system.

Surfing has contributed to the tourism boom in many Latin American countries. (GETTY IMAGES).

It received the title of world reserve thanks to “the incredible biodiversity of the area, the strong support of the community, a clearly articulated conservation vision, as well as its world-class waves.”

They are unique places in the world for surfers and those who love nature.

Source: Elcomercio