Surfing Waves

Hi all,

Every year I'm trying to combine a family vacation with surfing. My wife and kid don't surf. She doesn't like it, he's too young (2). It's important for us to combine surfing time, family time and a good time for my family while I'm in the water.

Basically, what I'm looking for is a combination of:
- relative good chance for good waves (august/september) for my skill level: learning to go from surfing ahead of the wave to surfing down the line
- beach break
- sandy beach
- in a city / town / village: no need to travel to the waves by car

Good examples are Honolulu, Lahaina (Maui) Rio but we also had a great time in a smaller town Les Sables D'Olonne (France). It was basically looking from the hotel/appartment window to the beach. If there were waves I'd go in for a bit (wife and kid would enjoy themselves on the beach or they went shopping) and if there were no waves, we'd do something as a family on the beach or somewhere else. Perfect.

For this year we're looking at the Canary Isles, I've checked this site: https://surfing-waves.com/atlas/euro ... lands.html but I couldn't really find anything. Am I missing something? Or should I look for another location?

Also, I know it's not, how to say this, the "core thought of a surfer" , but are there any sites or lists with many of these "surfing in the city" spots together? (worldwide)

Thanks for all replys!

Although I have never surfed there myself, I have seen plenty of people surfing in Calleta de Famara (http://www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/desti ... -de-famara), and overall, it seems to be one of the best places to surf in the Canary Islands.
Plus, Lanzarote is a pretty relaxed island compared to the rest of the archipelago, with the most beautiful natural scenery too. Calleta is a pretty relaxed place, with a few surfing schools, but definitely not a crowded place and very suitable for beginners/intermediates.
Famara It is not a luxurious village (rather the opposite), but if you're looking for a laidback atmosphere, fresh fish and seafood, for a reasonable price, this is an awesome place, far from the touristic crowds.
On shitty weather/wave days, there is plenty to explore in the island, that will keep you occupied for quite a few days!

Raiz wrote:Basically, what I'm looking for is a combination of:
- relative good chance for good waves (august/september) for my skill level: learning to go from surfing ahead of the wave to surfing down the line
- beach break
- sandy beach
- in a city / town / village: no need to travel to the waves by car

Good examples are Honolulu, Lahaina (Maui) Rio but we also had a great time in a smaller town Les Sables D'Olonne (France).

Just to clarify,
1) At what beach break did you surf at when you stayed in Honolulu ?
2) At what beach break did you surf at when you stayed in Lahaina, Maui ?
3) What type of board and what length do you normally ride ?

Hi waikikikichan,

1: Waikiki Bay, the part with some surf schools where you can get lessons
2: I'm not sure what it's called, but here it is on Google: https://www.google.nl/maps/place/Hawa%C ... 7818?hl=nl
(I hope it works, it was near Goofy Foot Surf School)
3: I'm currently on a beginners board, BIC 7'6 mini noserider

Raiz wrote:what I'm looking for is - beach break
Good examples are Honolulu, Lahaina (Maui)

Both the waves in Waikiki ( Honolulu ) and Lahaina ( Maui ) are REEF breaks, NOT Beach breaks. So you may be confused on what a beach break is. Maybe you're are wanting waves that break closer to the shore/beach, so as not to paddle too far out ?

waikikikichan wrote:Both the waves in Waikiki ( Honolulu ) and Lahaina ( Maui ) are REEF breaks, NOT Beach breaks. So you may be confused on what a beach break is. Maybe you're are wanting waves that break closer to the shore/beach, so as not to paddle too far out ?

Well yes and no. I mostly meant waves that break close to the shore indeed. However, I did also mean beach break so it's more fun for my wife/kid to be in the water, walking on sand, not having to wear shoes or something because of sharp reef/rocks and stuff that lives in between.

But you are right, I was totally wrong about these 2 Hawaii beaches

Glad you clarified that. But there are Reef Breaks that have a sandy shoreline ( like Waikiki which you experienced ). Japan is mostly beach break and I feel it's more dangerous for kids playing near the shore and for riding longer boards when the waves get head high.

Canary Islands are great for surf. The best one is Fuerteventura, it's called the Hawai of EU.
Check village El Cotillo. It's on the north. There is a sandy beach with beach break. I do recommend rentacar because island is worth of seeing.

I've surfed in Fuerteventura back in 2014. The North zona of the Island is a perfect surf spot.
El Cotillo, as said before, it's a beatifull small village but I think Corralejo would suit more to your needs. Combining surf and family activities. Corralejo is a touristic spot so it doesnt have the beauty El Cotillo has but it does have more facilites.
I hope my answer, though a bit late, comes In time for you.