Overview
El Quemao is a fast, pitching, hollow reef wave in front of the harbour at La Santa on Lanzarote’s north shore. It is known as Pipeline’s Atlantic sister, with powerful lefts and occasional rights breaking over a short, shallow, jagged lava reef.
The left is the main wave. On a westerly swell it becomes more makeable, while the rights can close out hard onto the sharp lava reef. The water can look Caribbean-like, but the wave is heavy and serious.
When It Works
El Quemao works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft and can break up to around 10 feet. It is a fall-to-spring spot, with spring, autumn, and winter listed as its season.
Swell from southwest to northwest can work, with west as the optimal swell direction. North and northwest swell are also noted for the spot.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is southeast. An east to southeast wind is the workable wind window.
Mid to high tide is the main tide window, and a rising tide is better.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave. Shortboards and guns are the listed board choices, and paddling is not too bad, but strong paddling skills are still needed.
When it is on, the lineup is busy and packed with strong stand-up surfers and bodyboarders from the islands. It is one of the most photographed waves in the Canaries and also one of the most localised, though it can have quieter moments on less epic days.
The main hazard is the ultra-sharp lava reef.
Access
Access is simple. The wave breaks in front of the harbour, with free roadside parking and a surf shop nearby.
