Lanzarote is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands located fifty miles off the coast to the west of the Sahara desert. It is known to many surfer as the Hawaii of Europe. The Canary Islands mark the southern tip of Europe and enjoy a very good climate.
Like Hawaii, Lanzarote was formed by volcanic activity along a fault line in the ocean floor. Along the fault line the Canary Islands were formed. Lanzarote is the furthest North East of all the Canary Islands and gets the best surf.
The ocean floor drops off very quickly from the shores of Lanzarote thus allowing the full force of any waves to unload directly on its coast. Storms that follow the Gulf Stream North East across the Atlantic ocean create powerful swells. These swells travel hundreds of miles across the deep ocean losing very little energy. When they arrive at the beaches and reefs of Lanzarote high quality surf is created.
Winter is the time of year when Lanzarote gets its best waves. The trade winds that blow for most of summer die down and the Winter swells roll in. The surf in Lanzarote is suitable for all levels of surfer. For beginners there is Famara beach and for advanced surfers there are a number of great reef breaks. On occasion the waves can get very big and several people are now even doing tow in surf. This is when a wave is too big to paddle into so the surfer is pulled behind a jet ski and onto the wave.
Different surf spots in Lanzarote:
Famara Beach - If you want to learn to surf this is the place to come. The bottom is sand and the waves are not too powerful. The beach can be surfed on all tides. When the swell is big the waves tend to break all at once or close out and surfing is not advisable.
Orzola beach - The is another beach break which can get some nice waves. Take a left turn before you get to the town of Orzola and follow the track to the beach. Works best around high tide.
La Santa Right - This is the most popular surf spot for experienced surfers. This wave is very consistent and is also sheltered from the prevailing winds. The wave is a hollow right hander with different sections. On a good day with the right swell direction it will break evenly all the way through. The wave breaks from as small as about head high to ten times over head. Depending on swell direction changes the tide level it breaks best at. Getting in and out the sea here is tricky as you have to get yourself over some very slippery and urchin filled rocks.
San Juan - The left and short right reef break is located along the headland to the west of Famara. At low tide it gets too hollow and dangerous. On its day it is a real classic wave with a steep take off. Half way along the wave there is another section that is perfect for getting barreled. Easy dry hair paddle out.
El Quemao - This is the pipeline of Lanzarote. It is a very powerful left and right hand reef break. Paddle out of the harbor. Best at around mid tide. Is normally bigger than it looks. When conditions are right you get a barrel almost every wave.
The Lanzarote North East Coast - Up past Arrieta on the east coast of Lanzarote there are a number of amazing surf spots. These normally break when it is either very big on the west coast or when the swell direction is from the North. Spots like Spiders, Jameos del Agua, Cartel and many more are to be found with a keen eye and a little exploration.
Other waves - There are many other classic surf spots to be found on Lanzarote and its neighboring island of La Graciosa. Studying the conditions, swell direction and a map can give great rewards.
Learning to surf - If you are new to the sport the best way to get involved is to start with some surf lessons. The town of Famara has several surf shops that offer lessons. They will hire you all the equipment you need, transfer you to the beach and give you instruction on this exhilarating sport.
Holiday accommodation - Probably the best place to stay for both the surf and social life in a holiday apartment in Famara. You can either stay in the town or best of all get a Famara bungalow to rent
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