Are you stressed with work and want to get your mind free? Do you enjoy having an active vacation or do you simply feel a strong affinity towards the ocean? Well, in any case you will love this little notice on the best surf spots all around Tenerife. No matter what your level is -raw beginner or sophisticated expert- there are spots for everyone. You just need to find your favorite one. Following some simple tips from an insider you cannot go wrong. |
The Canary Islands are commonly known as a major surf destination in the Western latitudes, persuading with its warm weather, high quality waves and hence for its authentic surfing culture. Although you can surf all year round on Tenerife, it is advisable to catch a flight between October and April if you are in search of bigger waves as the swell pumps up to a consistent 7ft or more during the winter months. Since the major part of Continental Europe gets caught by a broadside of cold and disagreeable weather, hitting the island is the best thing to do. During summer, the swell slightly dwindles but the water temperature rises to a 24°C.
With a considerable amount of spots all around the island, finding the right one for your skill set can become an adventure. Basically, the island is divided into the northern and the southern region from a surfer’s point-of-view. Most of the travellers frequent the South coast around Las Americas and Los Cristianos close to the touristic centres and the Reina Sofía Airport. Nevertheless, the northern region around the city of Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna offers excellent surf spots. Only they are much more rural with a slower rhythm of life. What both regions have in common is the reef-rocky topography that works best in high tide and produces a nice barreling wave in many of the spots. Besides checking for the most updated swell forecast per spot or general spot information make sure you always ask other surfers about local specialties.
Choose your favorite spot!
Following up, there will be listing of selected spots from easy to rough so if you consider yourself a pro you might skip this paragraph dedicated to our surf rookies. The first option for beginners to start out is the area around Bajamar up right north of Tenerife, which is suitable at all tides with lefts and rights and a nice point-break. Right in the centre of Bajamar, Escuela Canaria de Surf is worth a visit if you are looking for a surf course or board rental. Just on the western side of Bajamar you can find a nice left point break at El Lobo and a beach break at El Arenal on the eastern side of Bajamar. Regarding starter locations in the South, you should mark El Conquistador and La Fitenia -close to Las Americas- on the map. You don’t have a board yet or still need some advice on how to catch a wave? The crew of the Ripper’s Surf Shop in Las Americas offers the all you need from surf lessons to rental boards! If a left break is preferred, El Médano in the Southeast might be the right place to be. ATTENTION: this spot can also get Wind- and Kite Surfers enthusiastic! In any case, Cabezo Surf Shop provides the full range. And last but not least, Los Gigantes in the western part of the island offers the opportunity to enjoy a decent left beach break.
Likewise, but for lovers of righthanders, the Billboards spot will get you in the mood. as both destinations can get crowded, one or the other might decide for the beach break at Porís de Abona; a spot located about 35km northeast of Los Cristianos (or 40km south of Santa Cruz). Except for the weekends, the northern spot might thin out the crowd factor. Crossing the mountains at northeastern peak of Tenerife, you could aim for El Roque Taganana with right and left break on a sand bar, Almáciga or Playa Benijo. It takes a 10-15min from the street to reach Benijo with its fast and powerful swell that attracts many locals. Always remember to devote some time on the live webcam streams to skim the most actual weather, swell and traffic in the water already before you set out in the morning.
Final tips!
Here is a final, though very useful tip about how to enjoy an awesome surf trip on Tenerife: Always respect the local habits and you will be respected too. Depending on your level of skills and your respect towards the locals, they might accept you, but this does not always happen. Should there be any doubts concerning the tolerance of outsiders in a certain spot it is recommended to search for a crowd with more composure or other foreigners -and that is in the more touristy areas around Las Americas and Los Cristianos.