Finding a location with World Class windsurfing conditions for both slalom and wave sailing, only 10 minutes from a major international airport with daily flights across Europe and warm weather and constant wind all year around is a rarity. In fact it’s what makes Tenerife my year-round go to destination for windsurfing in Europe. It’s warm, windy, reliable, easy and fun!

Windsurfing:

Boasting 300 days of wind per year, there’s few places more consistent than Tenerife, yet the variety within the bay, means there’s really something for everyone and every level in El Medano. For those searching for bump and jump heaven, the South Bay is for you – a choppy beach break with some fun kickers and a slow and safe introduction to sailing on the sea. On the lighter days it’s a freeride paradise, and as the wind kicks in, there’s no more perfect way to learn to play in the waves. Stepping it up and for those wanting to ride waves for the first time, the Harbour Wall – El Muelle – is for you. It’s a reef break, but about as safe as they come as the strong current pulls you out of the break and into the bay in a matter of moments. Additionally, the nature of the break means that you dictate the pace and difficulty of your session – the more radical you want to go, the deeper into the section you position yourself, yet its equally easy to stay on the edge of the break and take a slow introduction to the spot.

Finally, for the pros out there, Cabezo is the place to go. A tricky and rocky spot, that once tamed can be endless fun. You definitely need to know your way around the rocks so be sure to speak to someone on the beach before you head out and always be aware of Godzilla, but in reality its a great spot for anyone looking to progress their wave riding and take on a new challenge.

To get you on the water with the best possible equipment, there are two windsurf schools located in South Bay – Duotone Pro Center Tenerife (DPC) and Tenerife Windsurf Solution (TWS). DPC, is a Duotone/Fanatic center stocked with all the latest gear from windsurfing, winging and kiting – whatever you need to get you on the water whatever your sport of choice. TWS is a dedicated windsurf center with gear from all the top brands – the perfect opportunity to test lots of different gear and work out your favourite! What is guaranteed at both centers is lovely staff, a great vibe and everyone is always willing to help you get the most out of your session!

WINGING:

When it comes to winging, DPC really have the ultimate setup – with a fully stocked trailer and a van ready to go, they organise sessions to the local harbour which is a wing beginners paradise to get you on the water in the safest and easiest way. Once you’re ready to take on the bay, you can also launch straight from the center and enjoy perfect conditions with rolling swell for riding and jumping. Whatever your wing level, Duotone Pro Center Tenerife will be able to ensure you have a great time on the water with the best instructors and all the latest toys from Duotone and Fanatic.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

When there’s no wind in El Medano, you are luckily situated on probably the most exciting island in the Canaries and there is really something for everyone. Rent yourself a car (or a bike for the cyclists amongst us) and head out and explore. If you’re into the more tourist based attractions then Las Americas is probably the direction you will head with a huge shopping mall – Siam Mall and a big waterpark – Siam Park. My favourite no-wind activity however is to head up the Teide – the volcano which stands in the middle of the island. Towering at 3,715m, even driving up to the outer crater is an amazing adventure through all the different climates. Whether you want to drive up, or take on the 3000m challenge and cycle up, on thing is for sure, it is a completely breath-taking activity. I will never forget the first time I went up there and feeling like I was on Mars. It is my absolute must-do activity on the island and one that I make sure all my friends do when they come to visit!

The thing that always blows me away is how diverse Tenerife is! Whilst most people come for a beach holiday, the huge array of natural beauty is incredible. Whether you want to explore on foot or by bike, the two rural parks are packed with trails and have some of the most breath-taking views I’ve ever experienced, and as over half of the island is protected, this natural beauty is here to stay!

If you’re a true water-baby like me, then when the wind isn’t blowing you will be pleased to know there is almost always a swell running so you can get in the sea and experience the huge variety of surfing conditions across the island. Whether you want to stay local and head to Las Americas or adventure to the north of the island and into the luscious green landscapes around Bajamar, there is always a wave to catch and fun to be had on the water.

Finally if you want a full day off from being active and a truly magical experience, head to the southwest coast of the island, jump on a “blue label” boat and see the immense colony of whales and dolphins up close. **The blue label system is important as it is ensuring that the operators are carrying out their activities sustainably and responsibly!

FOOD:

When it comes to food, there is so much on offer in El Medano that you can really cater to all tastes. Whether, like me, you are gluten free, or have other dietary requirements, the restaurants in town are incredibly accommodating and there is something for everyone. My absolute favourites are:

• Favourite Cafe: Ubuntu – great food, great wifi, great coffee, great vibe!
• Favourite Restaurant: Barrio Cabezo – the tuna tataki with Canarian potatoes is just heaven
• Tapas: Cuaderno de Bitácora – lots of options and sharing plates
• Burgers: Lille or Burger Cafe (both have Gluten Free options)
• Going out with a large group: Stanza Fusion Pizza Sushi – sounds like a weird mix but the sushi is good and I’m told the pizza is too – works for everyone, especially hungry slalom sailors who need a pizza with their sushi!
• Other favourites include: Malavida (Mexican with AMAZING Strawberry Mojitos), El Platano Azul (Moroccan) and Santa Chihuahua (Sushi & more with amazing cocktails)

ACCOMODATION:

When it comes to places to stay, Medano4you.com and ApartmentsMedano.com offer plenty of houses and apartments right on the beach. One for the wave sailors – if you’re planning to bring your own gear and sailing in Cabezo, make sure you speak to these guys for the ultimate Cabezo experience with a private garage under your house where you can leave your gear rigged straight in front of Cabezo! If you’re basing yourself in the South Bay, the Hotel Playa Sur has recently been renovated and I’ve heard really good reviews recently so worth checking that out too.

In terms of other useful tips:

• Car Hire – you don’t need to hire a car, however if you want to get out and explore the rest of the island then it is highly recommended. Everything you need like pharmacies, supermarkets and even doctors are available in El Medano though and everything is walking distance.
• Taxis – on the topic of transport, getting a transfer from the airport is easy by taxi, even if you have a board bag. If you come with multiple bags, it might be more difficult, but one or two board bags can normally fit within the larger taxis at the airport and transfers cost around €15 each way for the 10 minute journey.
• Supermarkets – there are lots of small supermarkets in town where you can get everything you need
• Equipment storage – available at TWS but worth booking in advance as it gets booked out pretty quickly. Lots of apartments have storage areas within them though so be sure to ask when you are booking.

For more information about the island, check out https://www.webtenerife.co.uk

If you have any further questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or send me a message and I will do my best to answer them!