SURF SPOTS
Situated off the west coast of Morocco and open to North Atlantic
swells, Lanzarote could have been designed with surfers in
mind. The volcanic nature of the islands has produced world
class lava reefs which is why it's earned it's reputation
as the Hawaii of Europe. Lanzarote and the outer islands has
something to offer everyone from short and hollow to long
and mellow, it's got it all.
For Beginners and Intermediates
A good training ground for beginners and intermediates is Playa
Famara. It's a long natural beach situated in a large protected
bay which has numerous peaks that work on different swell, tide
and wind conditions.
The mellow nature of the waves in certain parts provide a
safe environment to learn to surf. However there are other
peaks that offer more challenging conditions for intermediates
and experienced surfers. The local vibe is good and crowding
is not generally a problem as there is always an empty peak
further down the bay.
For Experienced Surfers
From October to April powerful Atlantic swells produce heavy,
consistent waves at the exposed spots. Average winter size is
6 to 10 feet, with waves of 30 foot plus not being uncommon
(waves given in face height). The most powerful breaks have
near Hawiian power. There are however many less intense waves
that provide fun surf from waist high (3 feet) to a good size.
La Santa has a deserved reputation as one of Europe's hotspots.
With six lava reef breaks in between the villages of La Santa
and Caleta de Caballo there's usually a quality wave somewhere
during the winter season. Wave types range from fun through
heaving tubes to open ocean peaks. It can be crowded, there
are heavy locals who demand respect at some breaks and the
rocks and sea urchins can make life difficult. However, if
you get this stretch on you'll be STOKED!
The Famara region whilst not generally as heavy as La Santa
has some high quality left reefs that can be epic. Longboarders
will enjoy the long sandy beach that usually has some nice
little peaks. Big wave chargers may want to try the mysto
spot, Las Bajas, rumoured to be Lanzarote's Mavericks!
The east coast is not as consistent as the north shore but
gets waves in huge or north swell conditions. There are sandy
beaches in Arrieta and past Orzola that get good smaller waves.
If you're looking for something more challenging the jagged
lava of this area forms many little reefs. Rumour has it that
there's some epic surf here, you've just got to have a look
around...
In Lanzarote all boards will work, depending on the conditions.
Experienced surfers should bring a longer shortboard (6'6"
to 6'8") that can handle juice and a good semi gun in
the 7'2" to 7'6" range. Chargers could find a 9'0"
to a 10'0" handy! For the beachbreaks anything goes -
shortboards, funboards, mini-mals and longboards.
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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