Words courtesy Gary Linden
In the heart of the Peruvian coast, where the Pacific flexes its rawest power, the legendary break of Pico Alto delivered another chapter of big wave history. The 2025 edition of the Pico Alto Pro had it all: towering walls of water pushing well past the 10-meter mark, critical drops that tested every nerve, and a lineup stacked with some of the world’s most fearless riders.
At the helm of the event was Peruvian big wave surfer and event director Ignacio Salazar, whose passion for the sport goes far beyond riding giants. As the driving force behind Club Deportivo Big Wave Perú, Salazar’s mission is clear — to develop the next generation of Peruvian big wave surfers and cement Peru as a must-stop destination on the global circuit. “We’re not just hosting a competition; we’re showcasing waves that rival Maverick’s, Nazaré, or Jaws,” he says. “Pico Alto is our temple, and the world needs to see it.”
Ricardo Malaver
The level of surfing this year was nothing short of world-class. Sebastián Correa claimed the men’s title with precision surfing and fearless commitment, fending off a strong push from Alejandro Fuenzalina in second, Billy Kemper in third, and Mason Barnes in fourth. On the women’s side, Dominique Charrier took top honors, combining smart wave selection with stylish, confident lines. The standout single ride belonged to Sebastián de Romaña, whose perfect drop on one of the biggest waves of the day earned him the event’s highest score.
But Pico Alto Pro is more than competition. On the beach, the crowd was a mix of locals, surf industry players, and traveling wave chasers, all soaking in the electric atmosphere. From the channel, boats and jet skis buzzed with energy, carrying photographers, safety teams, and fellow surfers eager to witness the action up close. Online, thousands tuned in to the live stream, feeling every cheer and gasp through the screen.
Ricardo Malaver
The day closed with the sun melting into the Pacific, casting golden light on the towering peaks that had defined the event. For Salazar, it was another step toward his vision — not just to put on a great contest, but to keep Pico Alto’s name etched into the global big wave map.
Because here, in this stretch of Peruvian coastline, the waves don’t just break — they tell stories. And for the riders who dare to answer their call, Pico Alto will always be a place where legends are made.