Famara beach at sunset
Lanzarote surfing is the preferred choice for many surfers because of its breakers. Lanzarote is so loved that there are surfers who live all year round in their VW campers all year round at La Santa who surf in the morning and work in surf shops in the afternoon. Winter is often chosen by visitors as the waves can be as tall as 4 meters. There are rugged coastlines that increase the attractiveness of the surfing. Wind breakers are vital for an experience of authentic surfing. Of course what´s fun is the challenge and the island is known widely for providing the required challenge for visiting surfers from around the world.
What allows the unloading of the full force of any waves coming directly onto its coast is the ocean floor dropping very quickly from the shores of Lanzarote. Powerful swells are created from the storms that follow the Gulf Strean North East across the Atlantic ocean. Travelling hundreds of miles across the deap ocean they lose a small part of their energy. On arrival they create the high quality surf at the reefs and beaches of Lanzarote.
The best time of year to come is winter as this is when the best waves arrive on Lanzarote. Winter swell roles are the trade winds that blow for most of summer die down. All levels of surfers can surf in Lanzarote
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. All surfers tend to converge on the 7km of beach at Famara due to its impressive surf history, central location and wave consistency. This one-time fishing village turned ‘surf central’ boasts a superb sandy beach with safe breaks and warm water. It’s laid back atmosphere is a world away from the busy neon nightlife of the nearby resort of Puerto del Carmen.
Caleta de Famara offers a range of ideal break spots for beginners and intermediate surfers. It is also ‘well stocked’ with surf schools and rental shops. Surf schools and camps here feature some of Europe’s finest – including the only British Surfing Association Level 4 Approved School outside the UK – a guarantee of the highest quality coaching and safety. On the same stretch, San Juan Beach is one of the venues for the World Qualifying Series (WQS).
South of Famara is another area around the La Santa Sports Club, with a choice of 4 locations, but advised for more experienced surfers due to the speed of the waves and the rocky sea bed.
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 Experienced surfers head to La Santa, where the La Izquierda break is described as ‘world class’. 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.
Road access to this stretch is good, with parking alongside the beaches allowing clear water viewing. La Santa village offers a convenient base with all amenities and a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops.
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. The Hawaiian-style pipeline El Quemao can be powerful and dangerous, even though the locals might make it look deceptively easy. 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 between Arrieta and Orzola 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. You’ll also find several breaks on the northern tip of the island between Orzola and Arrieta, but this area comes with a danger warning due to the sharp lava rock outcrops. It’s perhaps best left to the experienced locals!
The tiny island of La Graciosa, which lies off the north west coast of Lanzarote, provides a different surf spot just south of the beach at Playa de las Conchas.
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.
Windsurfing, also popular in Lanzarote, is centred on Las Cucharas Beach in Costa Teguise on the east coast.
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
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner you can find your dream break on Lanzarote. And this is one of the island’s key draws, the fact that you can easily reach a variety of surf spots within a short time period; Driving across the island takes under 45 minutes and car hire on the island is cheap, and the roads good quality.
Surf can be found year-round, although it’s bigger in the winter due to swells traveling down from the North Atlantic. In summertime, the waves are smaller but the light trade winds ensure daily break. For those chasing big wave surf, winter water temperatures ensure all but the brave will require a wetsuit – although a shorty or 3/2mm full suit should suffice.
