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WINDSURF SPOTSThousands of windwarriors come to Fuerteventura each year to take advantage of the warm clear waters and strong Atlantic winds. There's basically wind all year round, in winter (October - February) conditions are more fickle, blowing strong when it's on (+- 50% of the time), forming big waves in the north of the island. Summers are excellent with a strong and steady North-easterly Passat wind, creating great conditions for slalom, wave and speed. June and July you're looking at 50-70% with more than 4 Bft. Mornings start at around 2 - 3 bft and reach around 5Bft by afternoon. In August more than 70% with 4bft!
Fuerteventura offers a variety of conditions the many spots mean there is something for everyone.
For Beginners
Sandy bottomed lagoons with flat slalom conditions ideal for learning the basics.
For Intermediates and Experienced Windsurfers
If you're a competant windsurfer Fuerteventura is the closest thing to heaven you'll ever experience!
The constant tradewinds during the summer months and huge swells in the winter provide a wide range of conditions. You can choose from many different spots to sail depending on your ability and balls. (yeah, women have balls too ;-) From flat out slalom blasting in the bay to extreme wave sailing on one of the reefs on the North shore, Fuerte has a spot with your name on it.
If you're planning on sailing the lava reefs or places with huge tubey waves then local knowledge is very important. Be careful, ask before you go in.
Corralejo Bay
Great slalom conditions in the protection of the bay, while the reef outside provides some great big waves.
Rocky Point
Situated within Corralejo & one of the more popular locations due to its easy access. An absolute must for wave chargers, some of the best waves on the island are to be had here. This spot works with winds cross shore from the right. Waves are long with a right & left hander & fairly slow. Launching from the small beach or a stroll across the rocks on the point. For surfers the right can be very good becoming hollow & fast at mid/low tide. The left tends to be more suited to beginners when it`s small. Whatever the conditions Rocky Point is a long paddle & unfortunately becomes crowded very quickly.
Flag Beach
Because the bay is so open, it works well with nearly all wind directions, with the exception of cross-on from the left as the island of Lobos tends to create a wind shadow. This is an excellent training ground for intermediates and advanced windsurfers. Launching is recommended in front of the flag on the beach as there are rocks/reefs to the left & right, which at low tide and with an onshore wind can cause a problem. Generally the wind blows cross minus 5 degrees in the summer and plus 5 degrees in the winter. Aprox. 200m offshore there is a deep water reef (3m) on which a wave forms if there is a swell. This providings excellent jumping and a perfect beginners wave sailing spot. Free rescue service for ZBA clients at the windsurf/kitesurf centre.
Glass Beach
Really a summer-only (Apr - Aug) spot. Located next to the road before arriving at the two large hotels. Wind is cross/cross-off from the left and fairly gusty on the inside. Best sailed with 20 or less people. Wave is short, steep and the rip is strong, although generally it is a pretty easy wave sailing spot. Slalom sailors are advised to sail around the wave. This spot works when the wind is cross shore at Flag Beach. 'The Shooting Gallery'
The first stop on the Northtrack. Drive as far as the desalination plant (outskirts of town). Here there are 2 breaks:
1. The inside break is across the rocky ledge which is shallow at low tide. This is a fast and hollow wave.
2. The outer break - which is best for windsurfing -breaks in deep water and backs off quickly leaving an easy shoulder. This spot is not easy to get into, you basically have two choices: do battle with the sharp and jagged lava rocks, this is best done on the edge to the right of the ledge or jump off the quay (this sounds easier than it is) Once you're out the waves are great. Stay upwind. As the rip pulls to the right. Can be gusty on the inside.
Majanicho
Winter spot (Nov- March). This is considered to be one of the best wave-riding spots on the island, however, unfortunately it only works with a strong onshore/cross onshore at Flag Beach, which occurs only a few times a year. It is a point break with port riding and the wave is easily 100 - 200m long, allowing for endless bottom turns and cutbacks. The rip is very strong so you should head-upwind on your way out as much as possible. If per chance you do wipe-out in the impact zone then within no time you will be in the channel with your kit.
El Cotillo
Hardcore windsurfers only. Probably one of the better known beaches in the north of Fuerte and tends to live up to it's fame on many occasions throughought the year. The wave is big & powerful with a relatively shallow, sandy bottom; it forms quickly and is often a close out. Waves here reach mast high and you get dangerously close to the shore, did we mention the strong currents? Don't go out here unless you seriously know what you're doing! Sailing in Cotillo is sometimes more about survival than enjoyment, with many a board & rig suffering at the hands of the powerful waves. But having said all that, if you are up to it this place really kicks ass. The wind is from the right and can be gusty on the inside. Cotillo works all year but as mentioned earlier - an expert only location when there are waves. Works with cross-onshore wind at Flag Beach, or onshore F 1-2 on a hot summer's day.
Hierro
Excellent wave conditions for intermediate to advanced windsurfers. Situated about a 1/2 km along the North Track from Majanicho- A white sandy beach & a couple of abandoned vans let you know where you are. There is a right and a left here; optimum conditions are found with a N or NW swell of any size & a S wind. The right has some good waves but the left although not as tubey is still excellent providing good walls for manoeuvres and giving fun rides even when small. Can get crowded. Punta Blanca
For windsurfers who don't mind a few rocks in the water ;-) this is a good wave break.
Sotavento
One of the most famous beaches in the Canaries, the World Cup is run here every year. Flat water and offshore wind which blows mainly between Force 7 - 9 means that this is a good spot for speed demons. Sotavento is best in the summer months (Apr-Sept) when the trades are established. During the winter it is a bit fickle as the mountains tend to block the wind.
Other spots
For the sake of not boring you stupid and protecting some spots from 'over exposure' we have not listed all the possiblities above. Rumour has it that there's some epic windsurf spots around the island, you'll just have to discover them yourself... In terms of what to wear in the water, wintertime visitors from northern Europe will be comfortable with a very light full suit or shorty, whilst summertime is boardshort weather.
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