For decades, Lanzarote has been one of Europe’s premier surfing destinations. People travel from all over the world every year in search of its waves, yet they often overlook something important: before it was a tourist destination, this place was—and is—home to many people who have spent their entire lives surfing here.
One reason Lanzarote retains such a strong local surf scene is that many of its breaks remain relatively uncrowded compared to other European destinations. This is something we should all strive to preserve.
After years of surfing on the island, here are a few tips I always share with guests at Garage La Santa.
Surf with locals
This is probably the best advice I can give you.
Not only will you improve much faster, but you’ll also learn the nuances of each wave and the best times to surf based on wind and tide, all while learning how to navigate the lineup respectfully.
The island is home to excellent professionals whom I always recommend, such as José María from Surf Training, Borja Padrón, Franito Sáenz, Luis Díaz, and Manuel Lezcano. Beyond being talented surfers, they know Lanzarote’s coastline inside out and can recommend the right spot for your skill level and the day’s conditions.
Give back to the local community
Travel is also about where we choose to spend our money.
If you come to surf in Lanzarote, try to ensure that part of your trip directly benefits the people who live here. Book lessons with local instructors, rent gear from local shops, buy boards made by island shapers, or hire local photographers to capture memories of your trip.
If you’re looking for water photography, I recommend the work of Germán Abreu or David Toribio—two photographers who know the island’s waves perfectly and have spent years documenting the local scene.
Choose easy waves for the first few days
Even if you are experienced, I always recommend starting with more accessible waves to understand how the ocean behaves in Lanzarote.
Famara offers plenty of options for all skill levels, as do spots like El Muelle or El Papelillo when conditions are right.
Don’t rush to surf the most famous waves. The island has been here for thousands of years, and the waves aren’t going anywhere.
If you want to surf at La Santa
La Santa is home to some of Europe’s most famous waves and a local community with deep surfing roots spanning decades.
If you have the skill level to surf here, talk to the locals first. Ask about the best times to go, how each wave is breaking that day, and the best way to paddle out without disrupting the regulars.
A five-minute conversation often opens more doors than simply paddling out assuming everything works the same way it does back home.
Don’t try to position yourself at the peak
When you arrive at a new wave—especially if it’s your first time surfing it—avoid paddling straight to the peak.
My advice is to paddle out calmly, position yourself further down the line, and take some time to observe how the spot works and how the regulars organize themselves.
Say hello, chat with the people in the water, and show an interest in understanding the place before trying to catch the best waves. That small gesture often makes a huge difference.
Avoid paddling out in large groups
Whenever possible, paddle out alone or with just one other person.
Large groups draw a lot of attention, create more pressure at the peak, and completely change the vibe of the lineup. If we all do our part, it will be much easier for locals and visitors to share the water respectfully.
Respect the lineup etiquette
It may seem obvious, but problems often start right here.
Respect each surfer’s turn, don’t paddle inside to steal the position, and take a few minutes to observe the conditions before entering the water. Often, understanding how a break works is far more important than catching just one more wave.
Rent and buy gear from local businesses
I always try to recommend businesses run by locals.
If you need to rent gear, La Santa Pro Center is a great option.
And if you’re thinking about buying a surfboard, it’s worth checking out the work of Yeray García from JFB Shapes. His boards are designed specifically for Lanzarote’s waves, and he has been a fixture of the local scene for years.
One final piece of advice
Surfing has taught me that a wave never belongs to the person who gets there first, but rather to the person who understands the place they are in.
If you come to Lanzarote with respect, patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll discover much more than just good waves. You’ll discover a community that has spent years looking after this corner of the Atlantic, making it possible for us to continue enjoying it today.
Let’s all do our part to ensure it stays that way for many years to come.