Las Salinas is a left-hand mini pointbreak tucked into the pocket beach between Renaca and Vina del Mar's main beach. It's one of the sheltered options worth heading to when the exposed beachbreaks are blown out or maxed out. Don't expect a long ride here: the wave peels over uneven reef and sand with tapered walls and short bowls that jack up over the bigger boulders.
When It Works
Las Salinas needs a solid, humping south to southwest swell of 2 to 3 metres before it really starts to break. It draws swell from south to west (S-W), with southwest (SW) the best match, and works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It can be somewhat inconsistent, so it pays to wait for the days when the size and direction line up.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southeast (SE) offshore wind to clean it up. The wave favours high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and it's a break that rewards a bit of experience reading the short, bowly sections. Expect a busy lineup when it's on.
