Fuerteventura Surfing and latest surf blog with John Simpson
Richie Moore
A big hello and welcome to all you "swell searchers" and "thrill seekers" alike, and welcome back anyone that had caught John Simpson's words of blogged wisdom last autumn and were looking for whats new on The Rock.
I, Richie, have taken up the blog spot from John (who I have got to say, did keep his blogs to himself a little, more inclined to surf than type, once again highlighting surfers inability to multi-task, and the importance of making the right sacrifice...), and will be bringing you little slices of island life from the surf.
So what is new with Fuerte surfing?? Well, the summer is definitely back, so "hasta luego" to the winter swells. I think all I want say about this winter is that if you didn't catch any of the action, you seriously want to start making excuses and making dates to go A.W.O.L. next winter(not wanting to rub it in!!!). So what can we expect from the coming few months... well, WIND to be honest, and bloody loads of it!!! (but we'll come back to that later).
And waves??? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Theres always a wave to be ridden on this crazy rock, and although the more notorious "North Shore" reefs are usually out of action this time of year, the sand based beach breaks start to turn it on instead, and offer great conditions for the less experienced.
These can be found down both east and west coasts, mainly in the north, although little gems can be sought out all down the west all the way to Cofete..
The secret for summer surfing here is as follows:
1. Transport, either hire a car or jump in with a surf school. You gotta be mobile
2. Local knowledge(although from some locals, this can be vague to the point of misdirection!!)
3. Patience, changing tides can play a crucial factor at many spots.
4. Dawn missions, beat the breeze!
5. Accept the trade winds, learn how to fly a kite and take your surfboard out on a new kind of adventure?
Surfing is a really accessable sport for all, but if you're not confident going it alone, taking a family, or would just like the chance to meet and surf with others, then I would thoroughly recommend one of Corralejo's surf schools, of which there are many!! (check for insurance, yours and theirs!!)
And thats it.. what are you waiting for??? Grab ya board and get paddling!!!
If you would like any further advice on anything surf on Fuerte, would like to comment, share photos etc, drop us a line or quick note at
richieontherock@hotmail.co.uk.
Thursday 13 Nov
Well winter has finally arrived! After a very long (and very windy) summer the winter swells have started to push in and we are finally getting some waves worth writing about!!
Since my last blog (back in June!) we´ve had a summer consisting mainly of windy days at El Burro on the east coast, there were a couple of days when the waves pushed to head high and over, but as is always the case from june to september when the wind picked up the windsurfers packed the point and made surfing a survival game! Not too disastrous though as the next beach along, Drop Beach, provided some fun waves. The good thing about the summer surfing on fuerteventura is that expectations aren´t very high, so just to get in the water on a 30 degree day to cool off and have a bit of a paddle is satisfaction enough!
September arrived, the wind completely backed off and we got our first sessions on the North Shore, with El Hierro having some good 4 to 5ft days. After the long summer this was a welcome relief to everybody. At the start of October the Canarian Surf Association held its annual competition at Hierro and congratulations go to Ben Davison for winning the masters event and keeping the flag flying for the non-canarian locals. The last day of competition would prove to be the last day of good waves for the rest of the month, with October proving to be unusually windy. Great news for Steve and the windsurfers (check out his blog for a more detailed report) but highly frustrating for the surfers amongst us.
This last couple of weeks however have given us some great days in the water. Lobos has finally started to break and the last few days have been good with head high waves on the peak. The swell hasn´t been big enough yet for the wave to link up all the way down the point and spread everybody out, so the crowds have been a real issue, with tempers getting frayed amongst the locals and tourists. Unfortunately, with the increased popularity of surfing in recent years this is a problem that will only get worse, but if you´re patient and respectful everyone can get their waves.
With the north westerly swell other spots have thrown up some good waves also. El Hierro was 4 to 6ft and clean and Majanicho gave a couple of mellower days for the long boarders and beginners.
Lets just hope that these conditions continue for the rest of winter!!
Hi and welcome to the first surfing blog on Fuerteventura.com.
With the increased popularity of surfing over the past few years Fuerteventura has become a major destination for surfers of all ages and standards. With the pounding winter swells that hit our north shore between october and april surfers are able to find waves for all levels, from the epic, shallow barrels of "The Bubble", to the long mellow rides of "Generosa".
If reef breaks and heavy waves aren't your cup of tea
just yet then don't despair, during the summer months the island serves up some of the best conditions to learn a sport that once bitten by you will never be able to let go of. The extensive beach breaks provide perfect conditions and warm water that offer fun and safety to everyone. There are a number of surf schools located in the north of the island, the
Quiksilver surf school being one of the longest established. There really is no substitute to having instructors showing you the basics, helping you progress and passing on invaluable local knowledge of the waves.
Corralejo in the north of the island is the town to be in for surfers. Numerous spots are accessible from here, as well as the town itself offering plenty of surf shops and bars to meet all your needs. Whether you need to buy a block of wax from Christian at Kings, have a coffee and a chill out with myself at Citrus or have more than a few post surf drinks with Danny at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, you'll find everyone laid back and happy to help on the "Isla Tranquila"!
Keep smilin while your surfin!
John.
I'd like to dedicate this blog to the memory of Tam Martin, a good surfer and friend who will always be missed. RIP.
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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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