Lanzarote, the easternmost of the Canary Islands, is a surfer’s paradise that beckons wave riders from around the globe. With its year-round warm climate, consistent swells, and diverse break types, this volcanic island offers an unparalleled surfing experience. From beginners taking their first steps on a board to seasoned pros seeking challenging reef breaks, Lanzarote caters to all levels of surfing expertise.
The island’s unique geography, shaped by volcanic activity, creates a variety of surf spots along its coastline. Combined with the influence of the North Atlantic swells and the ever-present trade winds, Lanzarote presents a dynamic playground for surf enthusiasts. Whether you’re after long, peeling waves or powerful, hollow barrels, this Canary Island gem has something to offer every surfer.
Lanzarote’s prime surf spots: famara, la santa, and arrieta
Lanzarote boasts an impressive array of surf spots, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these, three locations stand out as must-visit destinations for surfers of all levels.
Famara Beach, often referred to as the crown jewel of Lanzarote’s surf scene, stretches for 6 kilometers along the island’s northwest coast. This expansive beach break offers consistent waves suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. The backdrop of dramatic cliffs adds to the allure, creating a stunning setting for your surf sessions. Famara’s waves vary in size and power depending on the swell direction, making it a versatile spot that can accommodate different skill levels on any given day.
La Santa, located on the western coast, is renowned for its world-class reef breaks. This area is a magnet for experienced surfers seeking powerful waves and hollow barrels. The most famous break here is El Quemao , often compared to Pipeline in Hawaii for its intense, tubular waves breaking over a shallow reef. La Santa’s challenging conditions demand respect and skill, offering thrilling rides for those who can handle its power.
Arrieta, situated on the northeast coast, provides a happy medium between Famara’s beginner-friendly waves and La Santa’s expert-level breaks. This spot offers both left and right-hand waves that break over a mix of sand and rock bottom. Arrieta’s waves tend to be less crowded than Famara or La Santa, making it an excellent choice for intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills or those seeking a more relaxed surf experience.
Swell patterns and wind conditions in lanzarote’s microclimate
Understanding Lanzarote’s unique microclimate is crucial for surfers looking to make the most of their time on the island. The interplay between swell patterns, wind conditions, and the island’s volcanic topography creates a diverse range of surfing opportunities throughout the year.
North atlantic swell influence on lanzarote’s waves
Lanzarote’s position in the North Atlantic Ocean exposes it to consistent swell activity. The island receives swells primarily from the north and northwest, generated by low-pressure systems in the North Atlantic. These swells travel thousands of kilometers, arriving at Lanzarote’s shores with significant power and consistency.
During the winter months (October to March), the North Atlantic becomes particularly active, producing larger, more powerful swells. This period is considered the prime surf season in Lanzarote, with waves reaching their maximum size and power. Summer months (April to September) generally see smaller swells, but the island’s varied coastline ensures that there are usually waves to be found somewhere.
Trade winds and their impact on surf quality
The trade winds play a significant role in shaping Lanzarote’s surf conditions. These prevailing winds blow predominantly from the northeast, creating offshore conditions on the island’s northwest-facing beaches like Famara. Offshore winds are highly prized by surfers as they hold the waves up, creating cleaner, more defined faces ideal for surfing.
However, the trade winds can also present challenges. Strong winds can make paddling difficult and chop up the surface of the water, affecting wave quality. Understanding how these winds interact with different spots around the island is key to finding the best conditions on any given day.
Seasonal variations in wave consistency
While Lanzarote offers year-round surfing opportunities, there are notable seasonal variations in wave consistency and size. The winter months typically provide the most consistent and powerful surf, with swells arriving regularly from the North Atlantic. This period is ideal for experienced surfers looking for challenging conditions and big wave thrills.
Summer sees a decrease in swell size and frequency, but this doesn’t mean a lack of waves. The smaller summer swells are often perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers, offering more manageable conditions for learning and improving. Additionally, the island’s varied coastline means that even during smaller swell periods, there’s usually a spot catching waves somewhere around the island.
Lanzarote’s volcanic coastline and its effect on break types
The volcanic nature of Lanzarote’s coastline significantly influences the types of breaks found around the island. The interaction between lava flows and the ocean has created a diverse range of seafloor topographies, resulting in various break types:
- Reef Breaks: Formed by volcanic rock formations, these create some of Lanzarote’s most powerful and hollow waves.
- Point Breaks: Where lava flows have created headlands, long, peeling waves can form, offering rides of considerable length.
- Beach Breaks: Sandy beaches like Famara offer more forgiving conditions, ideal for learners and intermediate surfers.
This geological diversity ensures that Lanzarote can offer suitable waves for all levels of surfers, from beginners to pros, often within a short distance of each other.
Equipment and technique adaptations for lanzarote surfing
Surfing in Lanzarote often requires specific equipment choices and technique adjustments to make the most of the island’s unique conditions. From board selection to wetsuit requirements and safety considerations, being prepared is key to enjoying Lanzarote’s waves to the fullest.
Board selection for varied lanzarote conditions
Choosing the right surfboard for Lanzarote’s conditions can significantly enhance your surfing experience. The island’s diverse break types and varying wave sizes mean that versatility in board selection is valuable. For beginners tackling Famara’s beach breaks, a longer, more buoyant board such as a longboard or funboard is ideal. These provide stability and ease of paddling, crucial for learning.
Intermediate and advanced surfers might opt for a shortboard when taking on more challenging spots like La Santa. The responsiveness and maneuverability of a shortboard are essential for navigating powerful reef breaks and hollow waves. However, even experienced surfers might choose a slightly longer board than they’re used to, to account for the power of Lanzarote’s waves.
Many surfers visiting Lanzarote find that a fish or hybrid board offers a good balance, providing enough volume for easy paddling while maintaining maneuverability in a variety of conditions. These versatile shapes can handle both smaller summer swells and more substantial winter waves.
Wetsuit requirements across seasons
Despite Lanzarote’s reputation for warm weather, the water temperature can be cooler than you might expect, especially during the winter months. Proper wetsuit selection is crucial for comfort and prolonged sessions in the water.
In summer (June to September), water temperatures typically range from 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F). During this period, a 3/2mm full wetsuit is usually sufficient for most surfers. Some might even opt for a shorty wetsuit or just board shorts and a rash guard on particularly warm days.
Winter sees water temperatures drop to between 17°C and 20°C (63°F to 68°F). For these cooler months, a 4/3mm fullsuit is recommended. Some surfers, particularly those planning long sessions or those sensitive to cold, might prefer a 5/4mm suit for added warmth.
Navigating volcanic reef breaks safely
Lanzarote’s volcanic reef breaks, while offering some of the island’s best waves, also present unique challenges and safety considerations. The rocky bottom and powerful waves demand respect and proper technique.
When surfing reef breaks like those found at La Santa, it’s crucial to:
- Study the break before paddling out, observing wave patterns and potential hazards
- Time your entry and exit points carefully to avoid being caught on exposed reef
- Wear booties to protect your feet from sharp volcanic rocks
- Be aware of your limitations and only surf spots that match your skill level
- Respect local surfers and follow proper surf etiquette
For those new to reef surfing, consider taking a lesson or guided session with a local instructor who can provide valuable insights into safely navigating these challenging breaks.
Surf schools and camps: learning from lanzarote’s experts
Lanzarote’s thriving surf culture has given rise to a number of excellent surf schools and camps, catering to surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking to refine your technique, these establishments offer valuable instruction and local knowledge.
Many surf schools are concentrated around Famara Beach, taking advantage of its beginner-friendly waves and expansive shoreline. These schools typically offer a range of programs, from single-day lessons to week-long camps. Instruction usually covers fundamental skills such as paddling technique, wave selection, and pop-up mechanics, as well as important aspects of surf safety and etiquette.
For intermediate and advanced surfers, some schools offer specialized coaching sessions and guided tours to the island’s more challenging breaks. These programs can help you take your surfing to the next level, providing insights into reading local conditions, improving wave selection, and mastering more advanced maneuvers.
When choosing a surf school or camp in Lanzarote, look for those with experienced, qualified instructors who are familiar with the local conditions. Many schools also offer accommodation packages, making it easy to plan a dedicated surf trip.
“Learning to surf in Lanzarote is not just about mastering a sport; it’s about immersing yourself in a culture that lives and breathes the ocean. The island’s surf schools don’t just teach technique; they instill a deep respect for the sea and its power.”
Beyond surfing: lanzarote’s complementary water sports
While surfing is undoubtedly the star attraction for many water sports enthusiasts visiting Lanzarote, the island offers a range of other activities that complement and enhance the surfing experience. These alternative water sports can provide excellent cross-training opportunities, help you stay active on smaller swell days, or simply offer a new way to enjoy Lanzarote’s beautiful coastal environments.
Windsurfing at costa teguise
Costa Teguise, located on Lanzarote’s eastern coast, is renowned as one of Europe’s premier windsurfing destinations. The consistent trade winds that blow across the island create ideal conditions for windsurfing, particularly during the summer months when these winds are at their strongest.
The main windsurfing beach at Costa Teguise, Las Cucharas, offers conditions suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced windsurfers. The bay’s crescent shape provides some protection from the full force of the wind and waves, making it an excellent location for learning. More experienced windsurfers can venture further out to catch stronger winds and bigger waves.
Numerous windsurfing schools and rental shops line the beach, offering equipment and instruction for those looking to try the sport or improve their skills. Many surfers find that windsurfing provides an excellent complement to their wave riding, improving overall water skills and fitness.
Kitesurfing opportunities in playa blanca
Playa Blanca, situated on Lanzarote’s southern tip, has become increasingly popular for kitesurfing in recent years. The area benefits from steady winds and has several spots suitable for kitesurfing, including Playa Dorada and Playa Blanca beach itself.
Kitesurfing offers a different kind of thrill compared to traditional surfing, combining elements of surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. The sport can be particularly appealing on days when the waves are too small for good surfing but the wind is strong.
As with windsurfing, there are several schools in the area offering kitesurfing lessons and equipment rental. For surfers looking to diversify their water sports skills, kitesurfing can provide an exciting new challenge and a different perspective on riding the waves.
Stand-up paddleboarding in calmer bays
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has gained significant popularity in recent years, and Lanzarote offers excellent conditions for this versatile sport. On days when the surf is small or the wind is unfavorable for surfing, SUP provides a great alternative for getting out on the water.
Calmer bays and lagoons around the island, such as Charco de San Ginés in Arrecife or the protected waters of Playa Blanca, offer ideal conditions for SUP, especially for beginners. More experienced paddleboarders can venture out to explore the coastline or even catch small waves.
SUP is an excellent form of exercise that improves balance, core strength, and overall fitness – all beneficial for surfing. Many surf schools and water sports centers on the island now offer SUP lessons and rentals, making it easy to give this sport a try.
Sustainable surfing practices and environmental conservation in lanzarote
As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. For surfers visiting the island, it’s crucial to understand and respect these principles to help preserve Lanzarote’s unique ecosystem for future generations.
Many local surf schools and camps incorporate environmental education into their programs, teaching students about the importance of marine conservation and the impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems. This includes practices such as proper disposal of waste, using reef-safe sunscreen, and respecting local wildlife and vegetation.
Surfers can contribute to conservation efforts by participating in beach clean-ups, which are regularly organized by local environmental groups and surf schools. These events not only help keep Lanzarote’s beaches pristine but also raise awareness about the issue of marine pollution.
When exploring Lanzarote’s surf spots, it’s important to stick to established paths and avoid disturbing natural areas. This is particularly crucial in spots near protected areas or sensitive ecosystems. By practicing responsible surfing and being mindful of your impact, you can help ensure that Lanzarote’s waves remain clean and accessible for years to come.
“Surfing in Lanzarote is a privilege, not a right. As visitors to this unique island, we have a responsibility to protect its natural beauty and rich marine life. Sustainable surfing isn’t just about catching waves; it’s about preserving the ocean that gives us those waves.”
Lanzarote’s surf scene offers a unique blend of consistent waves, diverse breaks, and a commitment to environmental conservation. From the beginner-friendly beaches of Famara to the challenging reef breaks of La Santa, the island caters to all levels of surfers. By understanding the local conditions, respecting the environment, and embracing the island’s surf culture, visitors can experience the very best of what Lanzarote has to offer. Whether you’re riding your first wave or searching for the perfect barrel, Lanzarote’s shores promise an unforgettable surfing adventure.