Fuerteventura surfing

In the eighties Fuerteventura was discovered as a surfers' paradise. That´s why Fuerteventura is also called the "European Hawaii".

The best surfspots can be found in the northern part of the island between Corralejo and El Cotillo. There you can surf the so called "Reefbreaks", where the waves break on the rocks. Other kinds of waves you can surf are "Beachbrakes".
Another well known surfspot can be found to the south of El Cotillo. Because the best northern surfspots can only be reached through dustroads it is recommended to use a four-by-four to avoid damaging your (hired) car. You should also bring enough food and drinks with you because you won´t find any shops or restaurants there.

Those who want to learn to surf could rent a board, just start trying, but it´s better to take at least a few surfing lessons. With the instructions of an experienced surfing teacher you will learn a lot faster than when you try to find out everything on your own, and besides he will know the best surfspots and can give you inside information on, for example, dangerous currents. There are one day courses but you can also sign up for a surfcamp where you get several days of surfing lessons. You are provided with a board and a wetsuit, taken to and from the surfspots and it´s usually fully catered. The paddling through the waves is physically demanding so you should be reasonably fit. So exercise and swim a little bit before you take surfing lessons!

Briefly, the theoretics of surfing are like this. First you have to get behind the breaking waves. To do that you can take the board sideways and push it throught the waves. But when the water gets deeper you will have to lay yourself on the board and start paddling. If you´ve managed to get behind the breaking waves you can try to catch a wave. For beginners the waves that have already broken, the white water waves, are the best ones to surf because all the powers of the wave are released in them and therefore it´s easier to ride. When you want to ride a wave that didn´t break yet you will have to paddle first to catch some speed. After you´ve got enough speed, you should try stand up on the board. That should be done quickly and in one fluent movement. But make sure you choose the right position on the board. When you are standing too close to the top of the board it could dive, and when you are too far on the back end you will fall off the board. But if you jump up quick and on the right place on the board you might surf the whole wave until you reach the shore. On paper it looks easy, but it´s actually very difficult and you will need a lot of practise!

At first you´ll spend a lot more time in the water than on the board. But don´t let this put you off. Because riding a wave is a great feeling and a few good rides will make up for all the effort.

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