The Surf Window

El Confital

Canary Islands, Spain

Reef breakAdvanced

Gran Canaria's most coveted left-hand reef, a long, fast, hollow left over a sharp volcanic shelf at the northern tip of Las Palmas, producing some of the best barrels in the Canary Islands.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size4-10ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

October–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Sharp volcanic rock reef

Shape

Fast, mechanical left, hollow and barrelling

Length

100–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced–Expert
  • •Why: Sharp volcanic reef, fast wave, and a critical take-off make this unforgiving for anyone below advanced level.

Hazards

  • •Sharp volcanic rock reef, serious laceration risk
  • •Fast, hollow barrel with limited room for error
  • •Sea urchins on the reef
  • •Strong current on bigger swells

Local Tips

  • •Access from the northern end of Las Canteras beach, a short walk.
  • •The wave fires best on a NW groundswell with the NE trade winds wrapping around the headland to create offshores.

Location

Map showing the location of El Confital in Canary Islands, Spain

28.1397, -15.4393