Surfing on Fuerteventura

All you need to know about Surfing, our surfcamp, the surf school and our surf lessons

 

All about Surfing

Here you’ll find everything you always wanted to know about surfing!

Welcome to our page about surfing. From A to Z, we would like to introduce you to our favorite topic. We explain everything to you: beginning at the history of surfing, about surf camps to surf lessons for old and young. Here you find tips about learning to surf and the equipment you need to ride waves.

Table of Contents

What is surfing?

was ist surfen

All about surfing

Where does this sport come from and what is its backround?

Nowadays surfing becomes more and more popular. Even though this sport has been practiced for hundreds of years, it is attracting more and more attention due to its proximity to nature and low material needs. No other watersport lets you experience the power of the ocean as intense as riding waves. You feel the power of the wave, the surfboard, how it glides under your body with your paddle movements, how you then stand up and ride the waves and savor them until the last moment.

Surfing is seen as the mother of all board sports.

Surfing has its origins in Hawaii. Back then the surf boards where made of wood. In Europe surfing started around the 1950s. A lot has happened on the surf market in the past 70 years and a lot has changed. Manufacturing methods, surfboard shapes and models, materials and much more have evolved. With the variety of surfboard shapes, different types of surfing and various techniques have also developed.

More information about surfing

A very popular surfboard model with advanced surfers is for example the small shortboard, a board that can be used for fast maneuvers and many tricks at the steep wall of the wave.

Also very popular is a longboard, a long surfboard, with which a more casual and relaxed way of riding – almost dancing on – the waves has developed and with it a smoother surfing style.

Before you can surf a tube like you have seen it in many surf videos, a long way lies ahead of you. At first you need to learn to surf in the white water. You start in an area where the wave is already broken and pushes its white foam towards the beach. In this area you learn your first steps as a beginner in the waves. At soft beach breaks you practice the surf basics: paddling, the take-off and gliding in the waves.

Before you ride green waves, you will learn all about surf theory: how waves are created (wave theory), how you can read them and how you can use the information to paddle behind the breaking waves to hunt for waves in the line-up. To get an overview of surfing, we have compiled all the important information for you here. Nothing stands in the way of your surfing experience!

The history of riding waves

die geschichte vom surfen

The development of surfing from the beginning until today

Surfing was a big part of the Hawaiian culture. It was integrated in the society and the myths of the islands. Chiefs demonstrated their power through their surfing skills and the status of a citizen was defined by how well he could handle the ocean.

The origins of surfing in Polynesian culture date back to around 2000 BC with the beginning of the migration of people from Asia to the East Pacific regions. The first Polynesians reached Hawaii in the 4th century B.C. Those who made the arduous journey from Tahiti to Hawaii were characterized by an extraordinary understanding and boundless love of the sea. They brought their customs and traditions with them to Hawaii, including riding waves.

The history of Surfing on Hawaii

In 1778 when Captain Cook arrived with the Discovery on Hawaii, surfing was already a big part of the Hawaii’s history. Places were dedicated to legendary surfing events and special rituals were developed to christen new boards, to promote the swell and to encourage the men and women who dared to take on the big waves.

The history of surfing: the beginning of commercialisation

In 1915 the world heard for the first time about Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who was not only three-time world champion in the 100 m freestyle but also one of the best surfers of Hawaii. He was travelling the world as a popular actor and used his fame to make surfing more famous. In 1915 he was for a swimming event in Australia, where he spontaneously shaped a board out of pine wood. He presented it at Freshwater Beach in Maly under the watchful eyes of many locals and – just like that – single-handedly laid the foundation for the “surfing superpower Australia”.
In the 30s, 40s and 50s, ever faster and lighter boards were developed for surfing.

Era of modern surfing

In 1946 the boards were no longer simply shaped from wood, but Bob Simmons made a foam-filled board with balsa rails and a plywood deck. Shortly after that Pete Peterson went one step further and developed a fibreglass board which barely weighed more than 12 kg.

At the beginning of the 1950s Jack O’Neill made the first Neoprene wetsuit. Back then there was a surfing boom in California. Hollywood got in touch with the water sport and produced surf movies like “The Endless Summer”. Together with this boom surf fashion came around: everyone wore board shorts and listened to song by the Beachboys.

Where dozen people surfed before, now thousands gather. Surfboards are made from plastic, are mass fabricated and shorter than ever, far away from the old Hawaiian roots. Now there are dozens of surf magazines, videos, movies and websites about surfing worldwide. A million-dollar market developed which spans all around the globe.

Surfing with FreshSurf

surfen bei freshsurf

Why should you learn to surf with FreshSurf?

Surfing is certainly one of the greatest water sports. The indescribable feeling of gliding over the water and feel the energy of the nature can be quite addictive. If you ever get the possibility to ride a wave, you’ll never want to do something else. Surfing casts a spell over you and you want to experience it again and again. The team of FreshSurf wants to share this passion of ours with you and experience the joy of surfing together with you.

If you want to learn to surf but don’t have a clue yet about it, you will need a patient teacher. That’s why a professional surf school like ours is the best place to learn to surf. When trying by yourself lots of things can go wrong: currents can pull you out to the sea, your board can hurt you if you don’t have it under control and you also don’t know the rules of surfing. But how do you recognize a good surf school?

  • Qualification of the surf instructors. They should have a life guard certificate and be licensed surf coaches.
  • Surf lessons instead of surf guiding. A surf guide will only give you an introduction to the spot thinking you already know pretty much know how to surf. Only surf lessons help you to learn how to surf, because there surfing is taught in theory and practice.
  • Small groups – the less surf students one instructor must take care of, the better is the individual feedback for every single one. We teach with one surf coach for 5-6 surf students.

Our passion for surfing and our experience in teaching how to surf

For more than 15 years we offer high quality surf vacations and surf trips in our surfcamp on Fuerteventura to a very good value for money.

Top surf school and licensed surf coaches

In our surf school on Fuerteventura, we are focusing on small groups, your safety and a lot of fun.

We work together with professional and licensed surf coaches, who are all trained lifeguards as well. The quality of our accommodations, the decoration and our services are our top priority. With our great selection of different forms of accommodations we can guarantee that you will find a surfcamp that meets all your needs.

Beginner surf lessons

surfen für anfaenger

Learn to surf together with other beginners

Everyone can learn to surf! In our FreshSurf surfcamp on the Canary Islands we offer you professional surf lessons with licensed and highly motivated surf instructors. Our surf lessons for beginners are rich in variety and guarantee you a great start into this amazing sport. We will get you on the board focusing on safety and a lot of fun. With individual tips and feedback you will quickly make your first steps on the surf board. To guarantee an individual and personal experience, our surf instructors teach in very small groups of 1 teacher per 5 students (max 6).

You can learn to surf best on small waves, that break gently, roll slowly towards the beach and bring a sufficient amount of white-water with them. For example at the Atlantic coast of France, Spain, Portugal or the Canary Islands you will find such conditions.

In our surf school we show you in small steps in theory and practice the most important techniques and familiarize you with the most important skills. We will teach you the basics of surfing in our theory surf lessons and give you individual tips and hints for your next wave.

What is important to us is theory about surfing like safety, wave formation, wave forecast as well as knowledge about the equipment, right of way and much more.

In our surf lesson for beginners you will learn how to find the right position on the surfboard after a safety briefing and familiarization with the sea and the equipment. You learn how to move the surfboard correctly and how to paddle. After paddling for the first time comes the take-off: getting up on the surfboard and then you will keep improving and ride your first waves in the white water soon.

Which mistakes should I avoid as a beginner and what do you focus on as a surf school?

  • Wrong position on the surfboard: beginner surfers tend to lie too far in the back of the board. Like that it’s much harder to paddle because the nose protrudes too far out of the water. You are lying in the right spot if you can just touch the tip of the board with your hand and outstretched arm and the nose is just a little way out of the water.
  • Not perfect paddle-technique: when you learn to paddle, you can make many mistakes. You paddle too slow, too fast, too wild, not constant enough, don’t go far enough down into the with your arm or you lie on the board like a wet sack. It works best like that: Tense your body, keep your feet together and paddle deeply, evenly and with powerful strokes from a hollow back.
  • No gliding phase when paddling for a wave: hardly paddle, take off and then sinking – that will happen quite often to you, if you start to paddle too late. Rather do a few paddle strokes extra when going for a wave until you feel the wave catching you. Only then it’s time for your take-off.
  • Errors during the take-off

    Surfing for intermediate or advanced surfers

    surfen intermediate surfkurs

    Improve your surfing skills

    While there are heaps of surf schools for beginners, the offers for intermediate or advanced surfers are hard to find. It is not easy to find a suitable surf lesson. Advanced surfers usually know what they are doing and are fine surfing by themselves.

    But even then, it is worth it, asking experienced surf coaches for some feedback and advice. A professional surf coach with a trained eye can help you with specific to significantly improve your technique and take it to the next level!

    Fault analysis, motivation and expansion of your skills and abilities

    At FreshSurf Surfschool on Fuerteventura we support our intermediate surfers in showing them their most common mistakes. We advise you on the choice of the right board for you and prevent you from switching to a shortboard too soon. Our surf coaches will concretize your training goals with you and work on the right positioning in the line-up and your choice of waves. We show you errors in your paddle-technique and your take-off and explain general mistakes in surfing.

    Our professional surf coaches will correct your stance on the surfboard and try to teach you positively and mentally. We show you tricks how you can push your surfing skills by yourself, how to correctly assess your surfing level and

    Surf lessons for advanced surfers

    surfen fuer fortgeschrittene

    Perfect your take-off and practice different take-off variations

    Surf lessons are not only meant for beginners, but also for advanced surfers. We would always recommend private surf coaching if you are categorizing yourself in this area. In these 1-on-1 lessons the focus is always on you, you can work on your individual skills and expand your surf knowledge. The private surf coaching is about your deficits and your needs. You have the absolute attention of one surf coach. Here you can work individually on certain aspects of your surfing.

    Bring your Surfing to the next level

    Surf classes for intermediates are exactly what you need, if you are already able to paddle, can master the take-off and the parallel ride in green waves and want to take the next step. Together with your surf coach you will assess your current surf level and decide on new goals. Through intense and individual monitoring, you can strategically improve your technique of surfing and try your first maneuvers. Whether you want to try cut-backs, bottom-turns or top-turns. With a private surf coach, you make sure to progress.

    Surf lessons for the whole family

    surfen fuer familien und kids

    Get into the water with your whole family and practice this amazing water sport together

    Whether as a child, teenager, in your mid-forties or as a best ager: surfing is a sport for the whole family. In our family surf camp we offer lessons for the whole family and a great selection of activities for children and teenager. As sportive and active family who wants to learn surfing and enjoy a great surf vacation together, you’ve come to the right place. Children from the age of 6 years can start catching waves with us under the condition that they are good swimmers.

    Planning a surf vacation for the whole family usually challenges the parents quite a lot. The children want to be taken care of, the parents want to learn to surf as well and have some time to relax and reset. You want to do activities and trips together, the holiday home should be comfortable, close to the beach but not too expensive. And you don’t want to be standing in the kitchen all the time to prepare meals. That’s why a surf vacation in a family surf camp is the perfect solution!

    Surf trip and relaxing beach holiday in a great environment

    In our surf lessons for children or families professional surf coaches supervise both parents and children in their first attempts at paddling and standing on the surfboard. They meet the different needs of everyone and teach surfing to the children in a playful manner. We have surfboards and wetsuits for both young and old in stock and are customized to suit all requirements. It is important to us to always focus on safety and fun during our surf lessons for children.

    Depending on the age and the surfing level we have suitable surf lessons for anyone. If you want to paddle together with the whole family into the sea, the children are integrated into the surf lessons for adults. Sunbathing, paddling, surfing!

    Where can I surf best?

    wo kann man am besten surfen

    Which places are best suitable for surfing and where are the best waves?

    What do you imagine when you think of the perfect place for surfing? Perfect waves, constant conditions, dreamlike beaches and landscape from paradise? Whether on the mainland in Europe, on the Canary Islands or even further away in Indonesia, on the Maldives or in South America: As a surfer you are spoilt for choice and numerous places to choose from. There are so many great places on the world for surfing, that the choices seem unlimited.

    When choosing a suitable destination for your next Surftrip many criteria’s have to be met: weather & wave forecast, time of the year, is there a rain or dry season and the kind of waves you prefer to surf (beach or reef breaks)? What is your surf level? If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to get in touch with us. Here you can find more information about our surfcamp on the Canary Islands.

    Which are the best places for surfing?

    surfen auf den kanaren

    Which locations are best suited? Where are the best waves?

    The Canary Island and with it Fuerteventura are among the most popular destinations for water sport enthusiasts. This applies to all surfers, no matter if beginner, intermediate or advanced surfers. Why is this? There are many different spots to choose from and with the warm climate our island Fuerteventura is a dream destination for surfers.

    Surfing on Fuerteventura

    surfen auf der insel fuerteventura

    Learn to surf with us in your homebytheocean

    Fuerteventura is also called the Hawaii of Europe. The Canary Islands, the islands of eternal spring, offer you great waves in an indescribable atmosphere. Good surf conditions await you all year round and a relaxed atmosphere to relax and recharge. If you are keen for adventure many far-off surf spots are waiting for you and sometimes you can be all alone in the water. The Canary Islands offer you perfect conditions for surfing all year round and FreshSurf is at home here on Fuerteventura.

    Whether Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife or Gran Canaria, every island is different and offers waves for every surf level.

    From perfect waves at beach breaks to fascinating pointbreaks that break above lave reefs. The Canary Island and especially Fuerteventura offer you dream beaches, clear water, an interesting volcanic landscape and delicious food.

    Fuerteventura is just 4 to 4,5 hours by plane away from Germany and especially during the winter months you can dive into a completely different climate zone. Fuerteventura welcomes you with sunny weather on most days, warm temperatures and is therefore a perfect destination for surfing.

    Our favorite waves for surfing on Fuerteventura

    Which surf spots are popular with the local surfers? Which waves are the favorites of the tourists?

    To show the most popular waves, you should always mind & respect the locals. YOU are just a visitor and should behave accordingly. We start with one of the most popular but also most “fought for” surf spot which is only a short boat ride away from Corralejo.

    Los Lobos

    A unique attraction, which attracts many surfers from the whole world and is possibly the surf spot who offers the best wave quality on the island. Lobos is a perfect, right wave, which breaks long enough to try all maneuvers along the wall of the wave. The mountain of the island Lobos offers protection from wind from north and north-west. If the waves get big you can surf on 3 peaks that line up at the foot of the volcano.

    At the upper end of the volcano is the “main peak” – El Pico. This sport works most continuously during the winter season. When the swells are stronger, the locals show courage and skill by descending steep walls and even riding tubes.

    “media montaña” lies in the middle of the volcano and you have to do the take off right at the rocks. The wave is very steep and you have to ride a high line first to get into the more open parts of the wave afterwards, where you can do some great maneuvers.

    The third peak – el Marrajo only works at mid tide with rising water. This peak is the calmest of the three and the localism is not as strong as on the other peaks. If the conditions are right, all three peaks are combined through one wave which makes it the longest right wave in Europe.

    Lobos is only for advanced surfers. On one hand because of the rocks that come out of the water just a few meters away from the line-up and on the other hand because of the strong localism which regulates the spot.

    If you don’t surf that good yet, it’s better to stay away for now or just take a boat to the harbor of Lobos and spent some time on the little island to hike, relax or watch the other surfers.

     

    El Hierro

    Consistency and extremely good quality make El Hierro to one of the most surfed waves of the island. The wave has two peaks, that break over a volcanic relief several meters deep. The main wave, a left one, is very fast, hollow and of mid-long, which makes it ideal for radical maneuvering. The wave breaking to the right is shorter, but it also forms tubes of good quality. Even though the entry to the water is not too complicated, you should take into consideration to bring reef booties, to avoid getting hurt on the volcanic underground. To get into the water you must jump from a rock into the water, which is between Hierro left and Bubble right. With a higher tide and little white water, you can also walk over the reef and cross the channel left of Hierro. The spot works best with swells from north or north-east.

    The surf spot El Hierro is located at the beach of El Hierro, one of the most beautiful beaches of Fuerteventura. Almost 1 kilometer wide, it is one of the best places to spend long days at the beach and alternate between surf sessions, picknicks or barbecues. Along the beach you will find many small stone bays that can protect you from the wind.

     

    La Derecha de los Alemanes

    At the Beach of El Hierro is a wave, which is called the “Right of the Germans” thanks to all the Germans in the water during the past years. Compared to the other spots close by (El Hierro & Bubble) this wave is surfable for both intermediates as well as advanced surfers.

    The wave is quite a long right wave if you take it from the main peak. It is separated into various more or less fast parts. With less strong swells longboards dominate the line-up and ride smooth lines along the wall of the wave. On days with stronger swells the wave is quite like the waves of El Hierro.

    Getting into the water is easy: Without having to jump you can climb directly into the water over the rocks of the left side of the bay and paddle in a wide arc into the line-up.

     

    The Bubble

    Along the beach of El Hierro “Bubble” is one of the fastest waves of the island. After a very steep take-off you find a steep wall in front of you, which will tube quite fast. You should be an advanced surfer who controls his board very well, to take the wave. Here, you will find great localism and you should be prepared to be shouted at. If you see that there are already dozens of surfers in the line-up it’s best to stay outside and look for a different surf spot.

    To get into the line-up, you must jump from a rock, which is between the left side of Hierro and the right side of Bubble.

    El Cotillo

    For Surfer, who are looking for a place to surf on Fuerteventura for medium or advanced level, El Cotillo and Piedra Playa is the perfect place. Here you can meet up with friends and spent a day full of challenges and adventures in the water. During the summer months the beach is a great spot for surf beginners if you ignore the ongoing trade winds.

    During autumn and winter Cotillo is a safe number for great surf sessions with small wells up to 2m and offshore winds. But take care, the waves are fast and have a lot of energy.

    To get to this beach, you must drive to El Cotillo and turn left onto a gravel road just before getting to the village. Once you followed this road for a little while and the ocean is in front of you, you can choose one of the many bays of the beach of El Cotillo for your surf session.

    Best season and temperatures

    surfen saison und temperaturen

    The right season to surf – waves, wind and constant surfing conditions

    The ideal season to surf on the Canary Islands is from October to April. During that time the waves get bigger and the swells more constant. You can find constant surfing conditions for every level on the island. The local trade wind softens down most of the time and the waves are the perfect playground for experienced surfers as well as beginner surfers. You will find many powerful and clean waves thanks to the many reefbreaks on Fuerteventura!

    Climate & temperatures on Fuerteventura

    Fuerteventura has pleasant temperatures all year round! In summer it can be up to 30 degrees and in July, August and September you often feel like you’re in the tropics due to the high humidity. Even in the coldest month, January, temperatures still rise to 20 degrees. The average water temperature throughout the year is between 18 and 22 degrees, which is pleasantly mild all year round and surfing is possible without too much neoprene.

    When is the nicest time on Fuerteventura?

    The best conditions are from end of May to the beginning of November.  Especially from July to October is the best time to travel to Fuerteventura. Because of the long, warm summer days the Atlantic ocean is the warmest in September and October with a water temperature of 23 to 24 degrees.

    Where is it warmest on Fuerteventura?

    Generally, it can be said that the middle of the island between La Oliva and Antigua is the warmest place of the island during the day. That is simply caused by the distance to the ocean, since the sea breeze won’t get there and the sun can heat up the lava stones really quick.

    There are also differences in the sunshine on the island.

    How warm ist he water on Fuerteventura?

    We reach the most pleasant water temperatures from July to November with 23-24 degrees. During the winter months the water temperature can still be 21 degrees. The lowest temperatures are around 17 to 18 degrees.

    The best weater

    What is the best weather for surfing?

    surfen wetter

    Which are the best conditions to learn to surf?

    The best conditions to surf are a windstill day or just a little bit of wind against the direction of the waves. The waves should be between 0,5m and 2m depending on the level of the surfer. With sunshine its even nicer in the water, but you can also surf with colder temperatures or in rain.

    Every surf spot is different and has its own special features which are determined by its orientation.

    Surfing in summer or in winter?

    Here on Fuerteventura you can surf all year round. In winter, as well as in summer, you can jump into the ocean, regardless of the weather. Therefore the weather does not have a big impact on surfing on Fuerteventura. Our goal is always to find the best conditions on any given day. Sure, it can happen that the waves are too big or the wind too strong, but then it’s still possible to practice on surfskate boards or devote yourself to surfing in some other way. On our surf school blog we report every week about the surf lessons and the conditions of the past week. Like that you can always be up to date and read about the changes of weather and the surf conditions.

    The theory behind surfing

    Expand your knowledge about riding waves

    surfen surftheorie

    What can you learn in theory about surfing?

    Surfing is explained on many websites, blogs, guidebooks and books and is a science for itself. The more you get to know the vocabulary and everything revolving around the topic, the faster you will progress as a surfer.

    About the rules of right of way to an introduction of the equipment

    Under the following link we prepared some interesting theorie parts of surfing and hope, they can accompany you in your surf career and help you to progress in your surfing.

    Surfing in a Surfcamp

    Learn to surf with like-minded people and new friends

    surfen im surfcamp

    What is special about a surfcamp?

    Participating in a surfcamp means adventures with passionate surfers and is so much more than just learning to surf.

    Surfcamps offer you the possibility to experience the adventure of surfing in an organized manner with a wide range of activities related to this sport.

    In the past years this kind of tourism has become a popular option for enthusiasts of adventure tourism. To understand what a surfcamp is and what it consists of, its best to experience it by yourself.

    In a surfcamp you will experience a kind of crash course about the culture of surfing and the lifestyle that comes with this sport. You’ll get to know various surf spots, learn to read waves and weather better, internalize the rules of surfing and so much more. All that together with like-minded people in a relaxed holiday atmosphere. In a surfcamp you meet people with a similar taste and hobbies, with whom you can exchange experiences and who will enrichen your holiday.

    What does a surfcamp offer?

    In a surfcamp you have the opportunity to practice many activities around the ocean and in nature. A well organized surf camp offers its surf lessons always to the best possible times. In a surfcamp you have always a contact person in in a team of qualified and educated staff. You will find a lovingly furnished accommodation where everything is ready for you to enjoy your surfing holiday. You can find more information on our surfcamp here on Fuerteventura under the following link.