About Canary Islands Surf Travel
The Islas Canarias are an archipelago of seven major Atlantic islands resting just 100 kilometers off the northwest African coastline. Despite their proximity to Africa, these islands, volcanic in their origin, are actually an autonomous region of Spain. Positioned north of the Tropic of Cancer and in the path of both northeasterly trades and east to southeasterly Sirocco winds, which bring hot, dry, dusty air from the Sahara, the island landscapes range from lush and green through to rocky, barren desert. They are home to the planets third largest volcano (Pico del Teide on Tenerife) while the island of Lanzarote has been designated as a World Biosphere Reservation due to its stunning scenery. Although settled for thousands of years, the ‘Lucky Islands’ were colonized by the Spanish in 1402 and brought into the European family. Today they represent one of Europe’s most popular winter holiday destinations, catering for everything from budget package holidays through to activity and adventure vacations. The azure waters and lava reefs have been drawing surfers here since the seventies with Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura quickly becoming a testing ground for the continent’s best chargers. However they have a somewhat misleading identity. Although many assume the islands name refers to fluffy yellow birds, the original Berber inhabitants were actually referring to the large, ferocious dogs that roamed here. And while holiday brochures paint a picture of golden sandy beaches and palm trees, many islands have an almost lunar landscape. The surf breaks are mostly jagged, unforgiving lava reefs and points which easily translate passing swells into sucking, evil pits. This led to their eighties moniker as Europe’s very own Hawaii.
Surf Crowds
From their peak in the eighties, the lure of the Canaries as a surfing destination has become gradually become less enticing. Increasing incidences of localism have led many to look to other destinations for their warm water breaks. At breaks such as El Quemao and the Slab in Lanzarote, unprovoked verbal and physical intimidation has unfortunately become commonplace.
Surf Hazards
The islands are a cross between Hawaii and Baja. Some of the roads eat hire cars and the reefs are jagged and urchin infested. Powerful swells break on the north shore of islands such as Lanzarote, unhindered by continental shelves. These hollow board breakers are probably best left to advanced surfers only. The waters here are crystal clear and marine life is abundant. There are many shark species present but the Canaries are considered a low risk area for attacks.
Best Surf Seasons in the Canaries
1) Fall
In Fall air temperatures begin to drop to the low 70’s and water temperatures creep down a few degrees from their summer highs, making it a popular time of year for older holiday makers. North Atlantic lows begin to generate swell for the region but the real honey season is just around the corner.
2) Winter
The southerly location of the Canaries means that the large winter storms that ravage the majority of continental Europe only serve to send the islands pumping, consistent swells. The Canaries Current that runs past the islands also ensures temperatures remain mild enough for a 3/2 with the air temperature hovering at around 60 and the water one or two degrees warmer.
3) Spring
Spring is more of a gamble in terms of wind and swell but can still turn it on for those looking for a warm Easter-time surf. Temperatures move up into the early 60’s.
4) Summer
Despite a climate described as a perpetually spring like, the summer – with an influx of warm dry air from the Sahara – is the hottest season with air temperatures hovering around the mid 70’s and water temperatures squeezing into the high 60’s. Dust storms from the Sahara or Calima sometimes occur over the islands and can make the air thick with red/brown dust.
Directions to the Canary Islands
Although you can fly from Spain to the Canary Islands, the UK, with its plethora of budget airlines and package holidays often makes a more economical entry point. Although islands, you will need transport – ideally a 4WD, to get out and explore plus be sturdy enough to tackle Fuerteventura’s notorious North Track.