LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA

Surfing as we know it today expanded in the Canary Islands in the late 1960s. Due to the islands' unique geography, there has always been a strong connection with the sea, not only for subsistence but also for leisure. In some parts of the islands, people already "played in the waves" using old pieces of wood (called Panas) from the hulls of old fishing boats or disused vessels.

There are documented instances of surfing, even in its early stages, such as that practiced by the famous British writer Agatha Christie, who spent long periods in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 1927 onwards, a fact echoed in her biography.

The first record of continuous surfing in the city dates back to 1963, when the legendary Australian surfer Peter Troy passed through Las Canteras Beach during his tour of the islands. His forays into La Cícer had an impact on an entire generation of local surfers.

Among the locals, Ulises Betancor is the first bodyboarder in El Confital. He started in the 70s with his first chest boards (panas), precursors to bodyboarding. His workshop became a meeting point for pioneers.

Currently, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is open to the sea on both sides, making it an ideal platform for surfing. Local surfers and visitors from all over the world highlight the strength and quality of the waves that can be caught both in El Confital bay and in La Cícer, with heights of up to four and five meters.

Today, there are practically more than 20,000 surfers and bodyboarders , including residents and visitors, who ride the waves of Las Canteras Beach and the famous left-hand barrel of El Confital. It is important to note that both beaches are located in El Confital Bay, a special marine conservation area since 2013, integrated into the European nature network.

The main surfing areas in the municipality are concentrated around Las Canteras and El Confital, although the waves in Lloret, very close to the Auditorium, are also quite popular.

The beginner area is located in La Cícer, the only area of Las Canteras not protected by La Barra. The open sea reaches this coast, and surfers enjoy catching some of the most spectacular waves. Although some surfers like to catch the waves behind La Barra, the more experienced prefer those of El Confital bay and, above all, those of Punta de Las Monjas, whose waves are internationally renowned.

An entire infrastructure of shops and schools has developed around the world of surfing, with its epicenter in the Guanarteme neighborhood, the closest to La Cícer on Las Canteras beach, where you can feel the surfing atmosphere on every corner.

Along Las Canteras beach, it's possible to practice all activities related to gliding on the water, such as surfing , bodyboarding , and paddle surfing . Paddle surfing can be practiced both on and off the beach from La Barra, depending on sea conditions.

In the south of the city, it's also possible to catch waves. Just ask those who dare to face the waves on the beaches of San Cristóbal or La Laja, where the Atlantic Ocean unleashes its fury. In these areas, it's the local surfers who usually glide, performing magical maneuvers that enchant those who watch them from the shore.