Windsurfing vacation in Gran Canaria
After 22 years, Arne Wolf returned to the Canary Island this spring. Is the island still a dream destination for windsurfing?
During the freezing winter in northern Germany earlier this year, we were in the mood for a warm-up. What could be better than a trip to the Canary Islands? We sent an inquiry to Pozowinds—and received confirmation for the period from March 15 to March 25, 2026.
Yeah—for me, it meant returning to Gran Canaria after 22 years! The anticipation was high. The closer our departure date got, the more frequently we checked the weather forecasts. The Canary Islands had been experiencing strong northeasterly trade winds for several weeks, and we feared that after such a long period of steady wind, a lull might set in.
In the spring (March–May), wind is usually present on Gran Canaria, but still variable (approx. 60–80% probability). In summer (June–August), the steady northeast trade winds dominate almost daily, with a wind probability of about 90 to 100%. Southwesterly disturbances are rare and tend to occur outside the summer months.
The northeast trade winds died down just in time for our arrival. In addition, warnings had been issued for severe weather and hurricane-force storms in the Canary Islands. We were nervous and didn’t know what gear to pack. We left the typical 3.0-meter sails for Pozo at home and opted instead for sails ranging from 4.0 m²2 to 5.7 m²2. To be on the safe side, we took the 100-liter waveboards along with the 80-liter ones.
During the evening check-in at the airport, there were issues with oversized luggage. We were told that only one sports bag per person was allowed.
After a long back-and-forth, the airline finally offered to let me book an additional golf bag allowance for 50 euros so that all the bags could come along. Since no one was available at the call center at that hour, I reluctantly agreed. The airline’s website states clearly:
“What happens if my luggage is heavier than allowed?” If your sports equipment weighs more than 32 kg, the standard fee for an additional checked bag applies (provided it remains within the 23 kg limit). If an additional checked bag is not sufficient, you can alternatively book an additional sports bag for up to 32 kg. – Source: eurowings.com
I had a 32-kg sports bag (surfboards) and a 23-kg checked bag (sails). Eurowings confirmed this booking with me afterward and apologized for the inconvenience. For the return flight, my booking noted that my checked baggage consisted of two oversized bags. In the future, I will always have this noted through the call center before the flight—this tip can help avoid trouble.
Upon arriving in Gran Canaria, we still had some wind from the northeast on Sunday afternoon, March 15, and were at least able to enjoy a first session in Pozo Izquierdo.
We checked into our accommodation, got our gear ready, and headed straight out onto the water—4.0 m2 / 82 l for Claudia and 4.6 m2 / 88 l for me. We surfed until sunset as the tide went out.
The accommodations at Pozowinds are really great—the view of the bay is unbeatable, the balcony is spacious, and the kitchen is well-equipped. Plus, the entire team is very friendly and helpful. Pozowinds also runs a gear rental service at very fair prices.
Since there was no wind the next morning, we drove around to various spots, including Castillo del Romeral and Ketchup—unfortunately without any wind or waves, so we could hardly get a sense of what they were like.
The Spanish weather forecast predicted hurricane-force storms from March 17 to March 21. Storm Therese had arrived, and as soon as we turned on the GPS, warnings about possible road closures popped up. Tuesday, March 17, thus promised to be a fantastic day for surfing, with strong southwesterly winds and waves up to three meters high. We packed the car and drove to Salinas de Tenefé.
Once we arrived at the “beach,” we spotted many familiar faces; everyone from amateurs to pros was there.
After a quick greeting and spot briefing from local hero Björn Dunkerbeck, who had just come out of the water, I rigged up a 4.6 m2 / 88 l. The waves had serious power. After getting washed out, my gear was in a bad spot and a wave snapped my mast. Claudia, on the other hand, was able to confidently ride through the shorebreak on a 4.0 m2 / 82 l and came back with her gear intact.
After my mast broke, I at least had time to take photos of the locals. Liam Dunkerbeck Morales E11 showed off spectacular cutbacks and aerial 360s, Marino Gil Gheradi E959 jumped meter-high front loops off the lip, and Josep Pons E209 and Moritz Mauch G103 demonstrated the highest precision in meter-high waves. The session lasted until sunset—what a fantastic atmosphere!
On Wednesday, March 18, we met Josep Pons E203, who took us to Castillo del Romeral. Josep is a sports scientist and professional windsurfing coach. He trains both amateurs and pros. Josep is extremely friendly and knowledgeable—highly recommended! (https://www.instagram.com/josep_e203)
The spot featured smaller bump-and-jump waves and a more relaxed entry point than Salinas. We rigged up a 3.4 m2 for Claudia and a 4.6 m2 for me. The southwest wind was strong but gusty: sometimes overpowered, then weak again. Still—turquoise water, flying fish, and pure sunshine—a delight after the gray winter.
Thursday, March 19, brought rain and choppy winds. After hours of driving back and forth, we decided in the late afternoon to go for a session at Castillo del Romeral. We used the 5.2, but a thunderstorm with torrential rain put an end to the fun. Later we learned that many pros had crossed over to Fuerteventura—there were mast-high waves there.
After a two-day break in Salinas, we were highly motivated again on March 20. High tide, powerful waves, strong currents—not for the faint of heart. Filmmaker Blas Herrera Trujillo https://www.instagram.com/kuaki5056/) was also there, and Jens Hogenkamp showed up unexpectedly—I’d thought he was in Hawaii. We were thrilled to get out on the water together! Claudia rigged up a 3.4 m2 and I a 4.0 m2. 35 knots, massive waves, and strong currents really put us through the wringer. I was washed onto the rocks by a two-meter-high wave; Claudia fared little better. The second session in the evening went much more smoothly, but we were done for the day.
At the end of the day, we sat exhausted but happy on the rocks—and watched Liam Dunkerbeck (E11) and Daida Ruano Moreno (E64), the “Queen of Pozo,” perform at the evening show on the water. Spectacular!
March 21 brought extreme gusts—they even knocked over the La Windsurfista statue along with its mast. We ourselves were dealing with bruised toes and thighs and decided to take a break. Instead, we took a trip to the Barranco de Guayadeque—a gorge up to 400 meters deep with cave dwellings, a rock chapel, and quaint restaurants. A worthwhile detour—pure nature, history, and Canarian culture.
On Sunday, March 22, we hit the water again—light southwesterly winds, moderate waves. Daniel Dunkerbeck (E-1111) was already training, while Björn gave tips from the shore. We used a 4.6 m2 and 88 l for Claudia and a 5.2 m2 and 100 l for me. At first, there was only real pressure in the gusts, but around noon the wind picked up briefly—and we had three-quarters of an hour of pure fun.
On March 23 and 24, the storm’s aftermath was clearly visible. In the mountains, numerous hiking trails and roads were closed, some ending abruptly in dead ends. Waterfalls cascaded down staircases, flooded valleys, and landslides lined the roadsides—nature had really done a number on the area. The beaches of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas were also flooded. Broken palm trees and washed-up plastic trash dominated the scene. We decided on the spot to do a beach cleanup—the trash bag filled up quickly.
All in all, it was a successful trip: wind on 7 out of 10 days—which matches the winter statistics exactly at 70% wind availability. We would have liked a bit more northeast wind and better weather, but the southwest wind had its charms too.
We’ll be back—and a big thank you goes out to the crew at Pozowinds!
May 13, 2026 © DAILY DOSE | Text: Arne Wolf | Fotos/Grafiken: Arne Wolf, Robin Heymans / Unsplash | translation: DE
