Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:47 am
In this post you will find the best surf spots in the Canary Islands for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the Moroccan Coast. It is “The Land of Eternal Spring”, with warm sunny weather all year. For that reason, it is a trendy holiday destination, especially among Europeans.
The surf in the Canary Islands is spectacular year-round. The waves are bigger during winter, but summer is also consistent on the southern beaches. Most of the touristic scenes and the famous surf spots are situated in the Islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Although some of the breaks offer powerful and challenging surf, there are also beginner surf beaches in the Canary Islands. Therefore, any surfer at any skill level can have a great time here on a surf trip.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in the Canary Islands for beginners:
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
The Island of Tenerife is the biggest one in the Canaries and also the most touristic one. Its diverse coastline is well exposed to swells from the Atlantic Ocean, and the waves here are very consistent. The island’s North Shore receives big swells, especially between September and April, and the surf conditions can be pretty aggressive. However, there are several great beaches for novice surfers, with soft breaks and user-friendly waves. For example, Puerto de la Cruz is a perfect place for newbies. The shape of the rocks here creates a shelter from wind and swell, so the waves are always mellow. For that reason, it is a popular surf beach among beginner and intermediate surfers.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Tenerife, please click here.
La Tejita, Tenerife
Unlike the North Shore, the South part of Tenerife offers smaller surf. For that reason, it is more recommended for beginners. Don’t get it wrong, the waves here are still consistent but not as aggressive as in the North. Moreover, this is where most of the tourist scene of Tenerife is centered. There are several good surf spots for all skill levels in the area, but the best one for novice surfers is La Tejita. You will find this spot next to the town of El Medano in a small bay. In this beach break, you can ride small waves over a sandy bottom, and it is considered one of the best beginner surf beaches in the Canary Islands.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Tenerife, please click here.
Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a beautiful island with a round shape, right in the middle of the Canaries. Just like in Tenerife, you can find here a tremendous touristic scene and epic surf conditions. Playa del Ingles, on the island’s South Shore, is a very popular beach among tourists and surfers. The surf here is beginner-friendly, with mellow waves and a soft sandy bottom. During summer, the water temperature here is perfect, and the surf conditions are the best. Due to the popularity of this beach, it is always full of surfers, and many surf lessons take place here.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Gran Canaria, please click here.
Famara, Lanzarote
The Island of Lanzarote is not as touristy as Tenerife or Gran Canaria. However, it is much more authentic and definitely has its own magic. The black sand beaches here and the wild landscape make it one of the most unique places you will ever surf. Generally, the waves in Lanzarote are aggressive and suitable for experts only. In fact, Lanzarote is where massive barrels crush over volcanic shallow reefs with great power. Sure, it can be heaven to some surfers, but hell for others. And yet, even here, there are good opportunities for novice surfers. For instance, Playa Famara is one of the best beginner surf beaches in the Canary Islands. Longboarders, beginners, and even kids can play around with the soft waves here. Moreover, the long beach strep in Famara offers many different peaks, so you can get away from the crowds if you want a peak for yourself.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Lanzarote, please click here.
El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
The Island of Fuerteventura is the second biggest one after Tenerife. Its name means “strong winds”, and when these winds align with the swell at the right angle, you can expect incredible surf conditions. El Cotillo is a great beginner surf beach in the northern part of the island. Actually, it is the surf capital of the Fuerteventura, with various surf rentals and surf schools. Although the winter here can be pretty challenging, the summer waves are perfect for beginners. For that reason, El Cotillo is the most popular surf beach in Fuerteventura.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Fuerteventura, please click here.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in the Canary Islands, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to the Canary Islands.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in the Canary Islands, click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to the Canary Islands?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the best surf spots in the Canary Islands for beginners. It doesn’t really matter which island you go to, the surf is terrific in all of them. The great weather, the variety of surf spots, and the consistent waves make the Canaries one of the best surf destinations in the world. As a novice surfer, you can practice on the right beaches and improve your skills drastically. Then, if you feel you are ready, these islands offer some world-class waves as well.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in the Canary Islands, or the one about surf resorts in the Canary Islands.
