|
|
|
SURFING AND WINDSURFING IN GRAN CANARIA
|
 |
| The surf conditions
that exist in certain parts of the coast of Gran Canaria have
made it possible to develop various forms of water sports that
are based on the exploitation of this phenomenon, the most notable
being windsurfing, surfing and bodyboarding, the latter being
better known as "boogie" on the island. |
| There are at least 23 spots
or areas along the coastline of the island that are suitable
for practising surfing and bodyboarding. Here, you can enjoy
these sports away from the crowds and even in some completely
pristine surroundings. |
The best surfing areas, in terms of the quality of the break
and the groundswell of the Atlantic, are as follows:
The Northern Region: This is the main surfing
area and encompasses the entire coastal area from El Confital
(Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), with its "Las Monjas"
wave, to Gáldar and its "Bocabarranco" wave.
This part of the coast is very rocky and has the greatest frequency
of waves as well as the strongest breaks. During optimal conditions,
the waves can reach a height of up to 5 metres. |
|
 |
 |
|
The Eastern
Region: This area has ideal surfing conditions when
the sea current comes from the East and when there is no wind.
When these conditions reign the best surfing spots are found
in the vicinity of Pozo Izquierdo, including both "Mosca
Point" and the area to the right of "El Muellito".
The Southern and Western Region: The most notable area
is the Point that separates Playa del Inglés from the
beach of Maspalomas, as well as the area around the lighthouse
of Maspalomas. You can also find good surf at Arguineguín. |
|
Some of the windsurfing areas in Gran Canaria enjoy international
prestige, being considered as the second Mecca (after Hawaii)
of the windsurfing world.
The most notable of these areas is
the beach of Pozo Izquierdo, which, together with the beach
of Playa del Inglés, is the location for two of the trials
in the World PWA Windsurfing Championships, where the greatest
windsurfers in the world come to compete.
The conditions that reign throughout the year make it possible
to enjoy this sport at both professional and beginner level. |
|
 |
 |
|
There are approximately
21 windsurfing spots in Gran Canaria where you can practise
all the facets of windsurfing, with the support of prestigious
schools as well as a service infrastructure that stretches from
the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria down to the tourist area
in the South of the island.
Some of the windsurfing spots that deserve special mention are
Ojos de Garza, Tarajalillo, Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila,
San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Anfi del Mar and
Puerto Rico, in addition to the following world-famous spots: |
Pozo
Izquierdo: This spot, which is situated in the municipal
area of Santa Lucía, is internationally famous on account
of the ideal windsurfing conditions, the wind being ever present,
and also on account of the exploits of several times world champion,
Bjorn Dunkerbeck, who chose this spot as his home and workplace.
In "El Arenal" (the name by which this beach is known
to the local inhabitants), the wind usually blows from the left,
tending to be very strong, with the result that you must use
2.8 and 4 metre sails if you want to fully enjoy this spot,
which is one of the most windy places in the world. |
|
 |
| The waves are generally
no less than one metre high and they can reach heights of
up to 3 metres. Pozo is the ideal destination for those who
have an acceptable level of skill in planing and jibing and
who want to start on jumps and other aerial acrobatics. This
beach has delivered many champions, such as the Daida and
Iballa Ruano sisters, in the female category. |
|
Español
