SUMMARY: Surfing is a sport that has been growing rapidly in popularity throughout Chile. However, there are very few studies that describe the anthropometric and physical characteristics of these athletes in this country. The objective of this study was to describe anthropometric and physical characteristics in Chilean surfers. The study design is a descriptive observational cross study. Somatotype, postural stability, Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) and maximal oxygen uptake(VOmax) were evaluated in 15 experienced Chilean surfers(age: 27.1±5.2; height: 1.77±0.04; weight: 74.1±6.3). Somatotype sample average was: endomorphism: 2.7±0.5, mesomorphism: 4.6±0.7 and ectomorphism: 2.3±0.6. In postural stability test, the average of the center of pressure displacement of speed and area was 7.2±1.3 mm/sec and 68.1±18.4 mm2 respectively. The height average of the jumps was 33.2±5.3 cm for SJ and 35.8±5.1 cm for CMJ. The average of VO max reached 47.2±5.6 (mL·min)/kg. This description reflects the sample ́s somatotype was balanced mesomorph, their aerobic capacity was high- level in relation to the general population, but is middle level in comparison to other athletes. Surfers of this sample didn ́t show a large force development or explosive strength in their lower limbs and hold a good postural control.

KEY WORDS: Surf; Somatotype; Postural control; Vertical jump; VO max.