A Rough Guide to THE SURF SPOTS in LANZAROTE
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 when it's 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!
Other spots
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...
Boards and wetsuits
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.
For more detailled info on Boards and suits see our wetsuit and surfboard guide located at the top of this page in the right-hand column.
