Pozo Izquierdo Kitesurfing Guide (Santa Lucía de Tirajana (Gran Canaria)): Winds, Quiver & Local Tips

Technical Spot Specifications

Verified Data

Favorable Wind Northeast Trade Winds (Alisios 25–45 kt) nuclear strength accelerated by Gran Canaria relief

Hazardous Wind Severe South (S) storm surges; offshore gusts inside the harbor

Water Conditions Steep wind chop and powerful wave ramps; world-renowned Big Air and wave jumping

Sea Bed Round cobblestones (callaos) on the beach and volcanic rock reef in the water

Rider Level Expert only (one of the windiest and most radical spots on the planet)

Safety & Rescue No rescue boat. Cobblestone beach (callaos) and strong shorebreak; small-kite expertise and booties essential

Best Season May to September for nuclear Trade Winds (frequently exceeding 35–40 knots)

Summer Regulations ⛔ Kiting FORBIDDEN in El Arenal (main windsurf bay). Kiting PERMITTED 600m south at Salinas de Pozo (Tenefé)

Recommended Kite Sizes & Quiver

For ~75 kg rider

Moderate Trade Winds (22 – 27 kt)

6m – 8m

High-power cruising and jumping off steep cobblestone-driven waves.

Classic Pozo Alisio (28 – 38 kt)

5m – 6m

The true Pozo experience: launching into the stratosphere off steep ramps.

Nuclear Pozo (+40 kt)

4m – 5m

Extreme conditions for world-class pros; maximum concentration required.

Spot Guide & Local Knowledge

Pozo Izquierdo, situated on the windswept southeastern coast of Gran Canaria in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, is internationally celebrated as a high-wind proving ground and the historic arena of the PWA Windsurfing World Cup.

MANDATORY SPATIAL ZONING: El Arenal vs. Salinas de Pozo

Visiting kitesurfers must observe the strict local division to avoid fines and conflicts: 1. Main Bay (El Arenal / CIW Center): Strictly reserved for windsurfers. Kitesurfing is NOT permitted in the main bay directly in front of the International Windsurfing Center. 2. Pozo Kite Beach (Salinas de Pozo / Salinas de Tenefé): Located roughly 600 meters south of the town, this is the designated arena where kitesurfers launch and ride.

Technical conditions at Salinas de Pozo

Salinas de Pozo benefits from the identical extreme Venturi wind funnel created by Gran Canaria's volcanic mountains, with Northeast Trade Winds (Alisios) screaming at 28 to 45 knots almost daily from May through September. The shoreline consists of rounded volcanic stones (callaos) and basalt rock shelves. Steep, hollow wave ramps offer explosive springboards for extreme Big Air boosts and radical wave riding.

Safety precautions and local advice

Strictly for advanced to expert riders. Heavy shorebreak breaking onto rounded cobblestones at high tide demands decisive water entries and landings. Small kites (4m to 6m for average weight) and reinforced reef booties are strongly advised.

Logistics, Parking & Access

Directions (Google Maps)

Parking Paved and dirt parking lots directly overlooking the beach at Arenal / Pozo Izquierdo.

Freshwater / Showers Public beach showers and wash facilities near the Centro Internacional de Windsurfing.

Services & Kite Centers Centro Internacional de Windsurfing (CIW), Pozo surf shops, local tapas bars, oceanfront apartments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pozo Izquierdo

Insider answers from local riders

Is Pozo Izquierdo really the windiest place in Europe?

Expert only. Winds routinely average 30 to 45 knots with cobblestone entries at Salinas de Pozo.

What size kites are used in Pozo?

Very small kites: 5m, 6m, and 7m are the standard summer sizes for an adult rider.

What is the beach surface like?

The shoreline is made of rounded volcanic stones (callaos) that give way to volcanic reef and sand in the water.

Can kitesurfers launch in front of the Windsurf Center?

No. The main bay in front of the CIW (El Arenal) is strictly reserved for windsurfers. Kitesurfers must launch ~600m south at Salinas de Pozo (Salinas de Tenefé).