Inside El Bajo With the Bultó Sisters

Surfers Isidora Bultó and Matilda Bultó, at just 16 and 14 years old, are part of a very small group of women who have taken on the powerful waves of El Bajo in Iquique. We wanted to witness it firsthand, so we headed to the coast to join them during a filming session for a documentary by V.ROZZ Films, where we were able to see up close how they move and confidently handle one of the most demanding breaks in the area.

El Bajo is a unique wave within the local scene. It breaks over a rocky reef and only comes to life when conditions align, with strong swells, precise swell direction, and favorable winds. It is an exposed reef that, when it breaks, produces fast and heavy sections, making it one of the most challenging and respected spots in the area, reserved for experienced surfers.

To take on these waves, Isi and Matita used tow-in alongside Gabriel Brantes, a local surfer and lifeguard with over 35 years of experience in all kinds of conditions. This method, where they are pulled by a jet ski, allows them to reach the speed needed to catch waves that cannot be paddled into. It requires coordination, timing, and a high level of trust, not only in the team but also in themselves.

“It’s a lot of adrenaline,” they say. The feeling begins even before taking off on the wave, while waiting in the water for the right moment. “You’re there with the jet ski and it’s like ‘this is it’, with that mix of nerves and excitement to go for it,” they explain, describing a moment where everything happens in seconds.

At such a young age, what they are doing does not go unnoticed. The Bultó sisters are part of a very small group of women who have taken on El Bajo and, in Matilda’s case, she also becomes the youngest surfer to ride this wave, marking an important milestone within the local scene.

The session also took them to Colegio, another well-known wave in Iquique recognized for its power and consistency, adding more time in the water during a day that showcased their level, projection, and the place they have earned within women’s surfing, establishing themselves as true Queen Of The Wave.

Behind this experience, there is also a team that made it possible to capture this journey. From V.ROZZ Films, water filmmakers Lucas Morzat and Nicolás Díaz documented the action, while El Otro Enfoke Films captured the session from land, building the visual narrative together.

Their journey is also supported by a close circle that has been key to their development. Their mother, Lorena Lara, plays a fundamental role, supporting and encouraging them to follow their dreams. They are also backed by Vertical Store for equipment, along with their coach Camilo Vileño, who has been an important part of their growth.

For them, being part of this project also holds special meaning. “It’s a really fun project to watch and it’s beautiful to follow the story of different female surfers,” they say, highlighting the importance of giving visibility to women’s surfing from different perspectives.

Photo: AMTAYIRI

They also shared a message for other girls who want to get into surfing. Isi encourages them to take the leap: “If you don’t surf, learn, and if you’re a little scared, let that fear go, because it’s a beautiful sport that you really enjoy.” Matita adds: “Just make sure you enjoy it and have fun.”

Photo: AMTAYIRI

In a wave that commands respect, they chose to go in, and in that decision something begins to change.