El Médano - Playa del Cabezo Kitesurfing Guide (Granadilla de Abona (Tenerife)): Winds, Quiver & Local Tips

Technical Spot Specifications

Verified Data

Favorable Wind Northeast Trade Winds (Alisios 20–35 kt) side-onshore; powerful & constant

Hazardous Wind Severe onshore storm surges; dropping wind near the rocky shoreline

Water Conditions World-class wave arena: steep, hollow Atlantic waves breaking over volcanic reef

Sea Bed Volcanic rock reef plate (lajas) and dark sand; reef booties recommended for novices

Rider Level Advanced to Expert (home of the PWA Wave World Cup; heavy reef & waves)

Safety & Rescue Local rescue boat active during peak competition days; self-rescue skills essential

Best Season Year-round (the epicenter of hardcore windsurfing and wave kiting in the Canaries)

Summer Regulations Dedicated wave arena; beginners and bathers strictly directed to South Bay

Recommended Kite Sizes & Quiver

For ~75 kg rider

Moderate Trade Winds (18 – 23 kt)

7m – 9m

Carving clean wave faces with directional surfboards.

Classic Cabezo Trade Winds (24 – 30 kt)

5m – 7m

The standard condition: radical wave riding, aerials off the lip, and high-wind control.

Nuclear Alisio (+32 kt)

4m – 6m

Radical wave sessions for seasoned pros with small kites.

Spot Guide & Local Knowledge

Playa del Cabezo, situated just north of El Médano town, is an international icon of high-wind wave riding. Sede of the annual PWA Windsurfing Wave World Cup and training arena for world-class wave kiters, this spot is synonymous with hardcore Atlantic power.

The volcanic wave arena

The Trade Winds blow side-onshore from the left with raw energy, while ocean swells hit the volcanic reef shelf (known as 'El Búnker' and 'La Roca de Godfrey'), producing steep, hollow, punchy wave faces. It is a world-class playground for aerial maneuvers, vertical snaps, and big boosts off wave lips.

Respect the reef

Unlike the forgiving sandy bay of Playa Sur, El Cabezo’s shoreline and seabed are dominated by volcanic rock plates, black sand pockets, and sharp barnacles. Timing your entry and exit through the narrow sandy channel is an essential skill.

Hardcore surf community

The atmosphere at El Cabezo is pure adrenaline. You will share the water with international pro riders, wave champions, and passionate locals who live and breathe high-wind wave sailing.

Safety precautions and local advice

This spot is strictly for advanced riders with solid wave experience. If you crash your kite on the volcanic reef during a high tide set, gear damage is very likely. If in doubt, stay in the safer, sandier South Bay.