When it comes to surfing, one of the most important things you have to take into account is your level. This is no different in Gran Canaria. That’s why I crafted this blog, helped by some friends who are local experienced surfers: to help you find the best spots in Gran Canaria according to your experience!
One of the most important things about this blog is that you won’t read any information copied and pasted from other blogs. Maybe I can use some as a resource, but I definitely wanted something authentic and I’m going to stick to that idea.
Whatever you will find here it’s genuine stuff… Maybe not always my own experience, but in case I need some help, I will contact local experts before start writing.
This is the case. I haven’t surfed in my life. Not a single wave. But after some time around digital nomad circles, I have found out this is one of the activities most demand. So I contacted a couple of friends and asked them to help me with this blog… and in the process, help you with the search.
First Rule: Stick To Your Level
I already talked about this in the first paragraph, but I think it’s worth repeating it! Before choosing any spot to surf, I would recommend you to find out what’s your real level.
If you are going to surf a wave that’s it’s too much for you, you’ll probably not enjoy the ride it and you’ll probably put yourself in danger. And that’s not all: you will probably spoil other’s surfing time. So… so that’s why I would tell you to be sure the place is for you.
Imagine you have recently got a driving licence. Would you start with a Ferrari in Monaco GP? Don’t think so. This is something similar!
Surf in Gran Canaria For Starters
You will find a lot of information about every single spot that I’m going to mention here, so I will just focus on the names and divide them into levels. We (my surfer friends and me) will select 3 spots on every level. Of course, there are many others, but I just wanted you to have some info to start.
La Cicer/Muellitos
These are probably the best spot to start with. They are both in Las Palmas so you won’t need any media transport to reach them (in fact, if you’re staying by The Lofito, you can reach both spots by walking).
Also, there are plenty of rental shops and surf schools if you need some help. Take a look at 3RJ Surf Time or University Surf School, just to mention a couple (I don’t have any benefits, it’s just an honest recommendation from my surfer friends).
La Laja
Another recommended spot in Las Palmas if you are a starter. It’s by the other side of the side (in the southern exit) so you’ll have to take a bus if you want to reach there if you live in Las Canteras area.
The advantage of surfing in La Laja is, in fact, its distance from the city centre, which makes it more genuine: as a general rule, you will find fewer surfers and the great majority will be locals.
If you consider yourself a starter but you want to avoid overcrowding in the sea with students from schools, then go to La Laja and avoid La Cicer.
Maspalomas
If you are staying in the south of Gran Canaria, you’ll probably want to stay there. Then, you should try Maspalomas! I would not even be considering it a surfing spot, but the beach has some good waves to start with.
Intermediate Level: Where To Surf in Gran Canaria?
All guides are focused either on starters or experts, but what if you are not a novice but you won’t consider yourself an advanced surfer? Well, we try to solve this question for you.
Los Enanos
This spot is located in the North of Gran Canaria. Not far from Las Palmas (there are plenty of buses during the day and it won’t take you longer than half an hour to reach there). There are other alternative spots around Los Enanos you might want to try: El Puertillo, San Andrés or Quintanilla. Up to you!
Boquines
Another spot in the North of Gran Canaria for intermediate level. It’s in the same area than the other spots we’ve mentioned above. Best in mid tide, can be a crowded place sometime with local surfers.
Spots Whose Level Depend On The Conditions
There are some other spots in the North of Gran Canaria whose level depends on the day: well, they might be for starters (not usual to be honest), intermediate or experts depending on the sea conditions.
As far as you’ve got to trip into them around half an hour, maybe it’s better to check before driving. Which are these spots? Boquines can be included into this option, but I’d rather put it into the intermediate level, but also El Altillo, La Caleta, El Picahcho, El Alto (right wave) or El Roque.
Surf in Gran Canaria For Pros
If you are an experienced surfer, you will be probably looking for the best spots to surf in Gran Canaria. And I want to be clear about this: this section has been specifically designed for those surfers with top level. If you don’t reach it, you’d better try other sections.
El Confital
It’s one of the gems in the city of Las Palmas. Located at the end of Playa de Las Canteras (eastern end), it’s linked to the city via a non-asphalted path. You can reach it on foot or by car if you’ve got transport.
It was once considered one of the top waves in Europe and hold surfing contests, but in the last few years has lost part of its fame. A long right break which makes it really palatable for local surfers who don’t want to go far from the city.
La Guancha
La Guancha, Bocabarranco, El Agujero, El Frontón… These fours spots are close from each other and all of them are excellent options for surfers (and bodyboarders). El Frontón is a world class wave, especially among bodyboarders, so that’s why I decided to talk about La Guancha.
El Agujero does not need any publicity (well, maybe this is not he goal of this post), but La Guancha can be considered more a hidden gem as it’s rarely crowded. It’s more difficult to reach this area with public transport, but you can.
El Lloret
If El Confital was the northern end of Las Canteras, El Lloret is located on the western end. The fact that is near to areas for beginners like La Cícer may lead to confusion: don’t get tricked by the ubication as El Lloret is only for proficient surfers.
In fact, El Lloret is and exposed reef break and the waves are really near to the rocks. Any little mistake and you can have a terrible accident. And no one here wants that!