The Windsurfing

The small town of Tarifa has been a Mecca for European windsurfers for decades – it is the gateway to extreme wind systems, has 12 windsurf beaches all within an hours drive and has a vibrant atmosphere on and off the water.

The Levante is the summer wind from the east, which is accelerated as it squeezes through the straits of Gibraltar resulting in a 25 – 30+ knot wind.

When the wind changes to westerly, the Poniente, it is lighter and, combined with a southerly swell, gives epic wave riding all along the south west coastline. There are over 12 beaches to windsurf, the main 3 are Valdevaqueros, Las Dunas and Caños de Meca.

Valdevaqueros is the main beach that you come across as you head out of town. It is very long and wide with a gradual shelf offering shallow water for 20 yards or so. This beach works best in Poniente winds.

Las Dunas is the continuation of Valdevaqueros and lies in the shadow of the huge sand dunes. It is again a very wide sandy beach with a gradual shelf with shallow for 20 yards or so. Las Dunas is used by many as in the Levante wind, there is some shelter on the beach.

Caños de Meca is a favourite wave spot, 40 kms north west of Tarifa. It’s perfect when the wind is too strong in Tarifa as the wind has usually abated slight by the time it reaches this beach.