Fuerteventura Surfing and latest surf blog with Richie Moore
Richie Moore
Jan Blog
What a mixed bag of fun and games that festive season was, we got the lot!
After such an amazing autumn of sun and surf, things had to change at some point, and it change.
We saw some fantastic weather coming up out of the south west bringing everything with it, wind, waves and even some lightning here and there!! Love it. Funny though, how quickly the novelty of rain wears off, and fortunately the Canarian showers don't last too long either
Certainly made for some different conditions in the water.
Throughout December powerful westerly swells caused familiar breaks to work in mysterious ways, and a few less ridden spots started to play which is one of the bonuses of Canarian winters, variety being the spice and all that.
With S.W. wind coming up the west coast, a lot of the surfing was kept towards the N.E. corner of the Island. As you moved further round towards the east coast, the surf started to drop off quickly to the point of mirror flat water at the south end of the Corralejo dunes. It was here a lot of the surf schools took advantage of the more sheltered breaks, although we did make a few trips up to the north west for some action off the inside reefs there that get protected from the big stuff!!
One of the biggest casualties of the surf so far is Cotillo beach, which has already taken a lot of swell this season, but has seen the surf pushed on to the beach into the top corner by the town, and pulling the sands away and exposing the rock normally kept covered beneath. It is an incredible feat the way a few of the islands beaches come and go for a period each winter, and every spring they are pushed back giving it the "postcard" look, nice!
I'm glad to say that as all the decorations get put away, and memories of a Crimbo pudding (that actually tasted nice??) fade with 2009, the Fuerte sun is back, the surf is ever calling and it's time for a sneaky paddle before work.
As ever, keep up your posts guys for local advice and how-to's etc, and if anybody has any good action or comedy-action shots/photo's/videos they would like to see up on the page, I'd love 'em!!
Dont forget, if you want any advice for any watersports on Fuerte, holidays trips, courses etc please drop me a line/text on (0034) 664 830 103, or write to me on richie@awol-holidays.com.
Every cloud has a silver lining..
They say every cloud has a silver lining, never a truer word spoken.
I've no problem with listening to family and friends going on about how bad the weather is in the UK, knowing full well only a few days later we can expect the produce of all those dirty great weather systems Fantastic Fuerte Surf
It seems this autumn has been particularly unkind to western Europe, breaking all kinds of horrible meteorological record, ho-hum.
The silver lining then is the seemingly endless days of solid pumping N.W. swells doing their funky thing, and with only the odd day of wind, October and November have produced some fantastic sessions. The 3 day spell at Outside Rocky Point (Punta Elena) in Corralejo harbour scored heavy in early November, will be talked about for a while. It was like something straight out of the south pacific!
The western beaches are becoming a little more intense as these winter bombs take their toll, dragging the sand banks off the beaches and into deeper water. Most of the main beaches on that coast are closed to bathers this time of year. So some of the inside reefs have been offering conditions for those not wishing to face the full force of the northern shores. Surf schools take advantage of reformed waves , keeping away from the more established locations. Wind swells too have given the less experienced a chance to play up and down the east coast.
Crowds? There are definitely more people in the water this year. One of the island's more protected breaks has seen queuing like systems amongst 50-60 surfers!
With outsiders or "giri's" often told to leave the peak. All I have to say on this is this - it's frustrating maybe, but part of the game we play, so play nice and respect the local rule.
Besides, there’s plenty for everyone and everyone's been getting plenty!
Bit of wind this week, poo, I guess it's time for that admin to get done, Christmas cards don't write themselves!
Keep up your posts guys for local advice and how-to's etc, and if anybody has any good action or comedy-action shots/photo's/videos they would like to see up on the page, I'd love 'em!
Dont forget, if you want any advice for any watersports on Fuerte, holidays trips, courses etc please drop me a line/text on (0034) 664 830 103, or write to me on richie@awol-holidays.com.
Hello everybody, and welcome to all the latest goings on in all things surf from the rock.
The summer is hanging on by it's finger nails and the winter swells are already flirting with us, the odd 2-3 days "here and there" are throwing good quality waves across the north and west of the island.
It's great getting back onto the reefs, but I love it when our beach breaks work down the west coast. It's rare, but you catch the sand bars on lucky days and it's happy days all the way.
One of the jems is a beach down past the village of Tindaya, tricky to find and the track there is hardly "hire car friendly" but that hasn't stopped a few making the trip on many days throughout september. Check out the pics!
The Spanish junior surf and bodyboard series held their latest
competition just outside of Corralejoin the north last weekend, I
didn't catch any results, but know quite a few of the local guys and
gals took part so I'll see if anyone was impressing. I know I was
getting run off the water by a group of knee-high-surf-bandits while
enjoying a little sunset session after the comp' had finished. I'm not
sure if I was actually ever that small!?!
Keep up your
posts guys for local advice and how-to's etc, and if anybody has any
good action or comedy-action shots/photo's/videos they would like to
see up on the page, I'd love 'em!!
Dont forget, if you want any
advice for any watersports on Fuerte, holidays trips, courses etc
please drop me a line/text on (0034) 664 830 103, or write to me on
richie@awol-holidays.com.
see ya on the beach..
With extra articles and photographs by Nick Ajose
As with windsurfing, Fuerteventura has become a Mecca for surfers and boogyboarders especially during the Autmn/winter months with the advent of the large Atlantic swells.
The Surf on Fuerteventura
The most consistent surf is found on the north/NW coast with many spots 'unridden'. There are waves to suit most standards of surfers but also some absolute gems for the more adventurous.
The surf is pretty much divided into two main seasons - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer - much along the lines of the rest of Northern Europe.
There are perfect breaks to suit all abilities and some top class surf schools for the total beginner.
Pros
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Many Unridden Spots
- Uncrowded
- Excellent Reefs
- Rarely Flat
- Powerful Waves
- Friendly Place
Cons
- Unpredictable Strong Winds
back to top
Autumn/Winter
Swells come out of the Atlantic hitting the West and North coast with regularity. Occassionally large swells can wrap around to the island's North East and South coasts.
Your biggest consideration at these times will be swell size, wind directions and the size of your balls.
As the swell wraps around the North, wave height diminishes slightly. So if El Hierro is maxed then there will be surfable waves at other spots further East such as El Muelle (The Harbour) or even Punta Elena (Rocky Point).
When everything is maxed head to Flag Beach at mid to high or El Burro (Glass Beach) where occassionally the point can be small but fun.
back to top
Spring/Summer
Traditionally the Sailing season, has now seeing the explosion of Kite Surfing.
The Atlantic swells are often affected by a dominant high pressure system with a low over the african mainland heralding the North Easterly Tradewinds.
This season's surfing is not nearly as consistent as Autumn/Winter but there are still fun waves to be had predominantly on the East coast and at times the Cotillo region.
Best for surfers who want a quick, warm, easy destination. Water Temperature can reach 22 degrees Centigrade.
back to top
North Coast Surfing
Some of the best surf areas on the island are to be found along the dirt road known as the North track.
This road starts near the Bristol Playa Apartments in Corralejo, continues to the lighthouse near El Cotillo taking just over an hour to drive.
The track is not the best of surfaces and beyond the small village of Majanicho it isn't really suitable for small cars. So if you're sensible you'll hire a 4WD jeep.
Another thing to remember before you set off along the North track is that there are no shops etc, so be sure to take a good supply of water and some food!
back to top
Rocky Point - Punta Helena - Corralejo
Right hand reef break.
One of the island's most popular breaks. When the other breaks start to close out it can get a bit crowded.
El Muelle - Harbour Wall - Corralejo
Left hand reef that wraps around for a long fast ride, occassionally barrelling but beware - at certain times the barrel section is very powerful and shallow.
back to top
Bristol - Shooting Gallery - Corralejo
Left hand reef.
Fast and hollow.intense at low - a little more forgiving at high. Very popular local spot with a small take-off area so either come early or mind your manners.
back to top
Generosa
Left hand reef with a long wall - not too intense unless it's huge. At high tide there are occassional fun, fast rights to be had - Kick out before you hit the rocks.
Suicides
A fickle and seldom surfed reef breaking in shallow water. Well named as mistakes can be costly. It's to the right of Mejillonas.
Mejillonas - Mechihonas
Big wave spot with shifting peaks and heavy hold downs. Picks up more swell than most of the north and only shows its true colours on a decent swell.
Majanicho
At the end of the road from Lajares lies the small fishing village of Majanicho. To the right of the village lies a long righthander. Best at low to mid tide. Easier at high tide.
Also popular with windsurfers when the wind is up.
back to top
El Hierro
Divided into 3 wave spots :
1. El Hierro Derecha - The Bubble
Possibly the most well known and photographed of Fuerteventura's waves.
An intense hollow right hander with excellent right hand barrels and short intense lefts. Powerful and shallow. A true board snapper.
2. El Hierro Izquierda - Hierro
A long powerful left with two peaks helpful in spreading the crowds. On the right swell and wind one of the finest fun waves to be had. Breaks in reasonably deep water. Good at all tides.
3. Derecha de Aleman - German Rights
So called because of the popularity of the german surf schools. another long right breaking in two spots which occassionally link up to give a long fast ride - excellent at low to mid tides - similar to Majanicho.
back to top
El Cotillo
South of the village of Cotillo lies a long sandy beach, with many varying peaks. Typically with many beach breaks, the sandbars play a major role in the quality of the wave. Worth a look when there is no wind or its blowing an Easterly.
back to top
Esquinzo
Further South from Cotillo lies a beach at the end of a gorge - quite difficult to find but worth a look. Works under similar conditions to Cotillo but has consistently better sandbars. Do not leave anything in your car.
back to top
surf
report © magicseaweed.com
Summary Chart
Wave |
Photo |
Direction |
Type |
Level |
Rocky Point |
|
|
|
inside -all
outside- skilled
|
Harbour Wall |
|
|
|
|
Shooting Gallery |
|
|
|
|
Generosa |
|
|
|
|
Suicides |
|
|
|
|
Mejillonas |
|
|
|
|
Majanicho |
|
|
|
|
El Hierro |
|
|
|
|
The Bubble |
|
|
|
|
German Rights |
|
|
|
|
Cotillo |
|
|
|
|
Esquinzo |
|
|
|
|
Please note that we have only
listed the popular waves - in part to keep some places as
'special' for locals.
The more adventurous can find many more on their own eg
on the North coast there are more than 30 surfable waves. |
About The Author
Nick Ajose has been a travelling surfer for a number of years and has spent many winters surfing in Fuerteventura while earning a crust in Corralejo's infamous Oink Bar (now known as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
Nick's often up at sunrise checking the surf and taking the opportunity to capture some stunning sunrises like the one here.
Want to have your picture or video featured in our Fuerteventura Surfing section? send us an email
If you'd like to feature your business in Fuerteventura.com please contact us to find out how easy and economical it can be.
Now it's even easier to find that bargain flight to your favourite holiday island using our simple Flight Search
Azul Fit offers wellbeing experiences including: Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, circuits, Massage & Spa treatments, Personal Training and more! Check them out on our sports page.
The Google Earth option requires a plug-in and IE has some problems with it - if you have Firefox you'll find it works fine.
The Places page gives access to all our place pages
Surfing en español
What a mixed bag of fun and games that festive season was, we got the lot!
With S.W. wind coming up the west coast, a lot of the surfing was kept towards the N.E. corner of the Island. As you moved further round towards the east coast, the surf started to drop off quickly to the point of mirror flat water at the south end of the Corralejo dunes. It was here a lot of the surf schools took advantage of the more sheltered breaks, although we did make a few trips up to the north west for some action off the inside reefs there that get protected from the big stuff!!
I'm glad to say that as all the decorations get put away, and memories of a Crimbo pudding (that actually tasted nice??) fade with 2009, the Fuerte sun is back, the surf is ever calling and it's time for a sneaky paddle before work.
Site Hosted by Goalie Host
Versión Española
Deutsche Version
Versione Italiana
