Canary Islands: Nikodem Merlak reports from the Big Day on Tenerife - with Gallery

On 21 January 2025, the north coast of Tenerife enjoyed the rare pleasure of a good swell. Nikodem Merlak, who was born in Poland and now lives in Tenerife, was there and reports on the extraordinary day. "The swell and waves that day were the biggest we've had in the Canary Islands so far this winter," he says. "The entrance is full of rocks and cliffs, you have to jump down to get into the water," he says, describing the spot near Puerto de la Cruz. "Then you have to go out to the point where the big waves break. The wave itself has enormous power, it's very powerful! The spot is really tricky. You have to be fully focussed, you can break a lot, and without a board, the way back takes much longer."

Nikodem reports on the Big Day: "There was a very light offshore wind that day. With my Goya Custom Quad 88l board and a Banzai Pro Carbon 11 sail in size 5.3, it was more of a float and ride. But you have enough power on the wave." The most important thing at the spot is to choose the right waves, the bigger the wave, the safer it is. "Conditions like this happen once or twice a year, but these are the days we wait so long for to surf in unique conditions."

Nikodem Merlak has been living on Tenerife for three years, last year he got a taste of the World Cup in Pozo and at his home spot El Medano. "I decided to surf more and improve my level, which was the reason for my decision to move here permanently." Nikodem is a Goya team rider and organises wave clinics for Polish windsurfers. He also distributes the colourful, mineral sun protection products from Surf Stick Bell on the Canary Islands.