Surf spot guide · Gran Canaria, Spain
Europe's premier right-hand reef barrel - wedging, hollow tubes over shallow uneven reef in Las Palmas, with fierce localism.
High Waves
Large waves up to 2.1m expected at El Confital. Peak conditions around 9:00 PM.
Exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Strong currents and large waves present. Warning valid until 9:00 PM.
El Confital is a right-hand reef break sitting at the northern tip of Las Palmas peninsula, widely regarded as one of the best right tubes in Europe. The wave breaks over a shallow, uneven reef and produces thick, wedging barrels with fast walls that can run 200 to 500 metres on a quality swell. The takeoff is critical and abrupt, demanding fast commitment on overhead-plus NW to W swell. At its best the wave dry-sucks over the shallow sections, producing the kind of square-lipped barrels that made it an APB bodyboard contest venue and a WQS circuit stop. Mid to high tide is the usable window; low tide exposes too much reef. An easterly trade wind is the ideal offshore. Localism is real, though reputedly less aggressive than its 1990s peak - observe the lineup before paddling out and respect the pecking order. The surrounding headland landscape is striking and increasingly threatened by urban development.
You’re seeing the next 3 days. A free account opens all 14, which is the difference between checking tomorrow and planning a trip.
One of the most consistently busy lineups in the Canary Islands. Locals have strong ownership of the peak and visiting surfers are expected to earn waves. Crowds build quickly when conditions are good.
Consequential European right-hand barrel with a strong local pecking order
Gran Canaria
Hollow a-frame reef peaks off Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas, firing on NW swells at mid to high tide.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria's most popular beachbreak: punchy a-frame peaks at Las Palmas, surfable year-round for all abilities.
Gran Canaria
Fast, punchy right pointbreak over boulders in Las Palmas, firing on overhead NW swell with long walls up to 200m.
+9 MORE →Observe before paddling out - read the local hierarchy and wait your turn on the peak
Commit to the takeoff immediately, the wave sections fast and hesitation leads to a reef encounter
Time sessions for mid to high tide on an overhead-plus NW or W groundswell
An easterly trade wind is your offshore - calm mornings before the wind builds are often best
Booties recommended given the shallow, urchin-covered reef sections
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Located at the northern tip of the Las Palmas headland, accessible by road with free parking nearby. Short walk down to the reef from the road.
Open in Maps