El Medano, located in the south of the island of Tenerife, is one of the most Windsurfers and kiters like a colourful dog. In recent years, however, more and more wingfoilers have also been coming here. This is partly due to the impressive wind quota, but also because of the excellent infrastructure.
Many European airports fly to the holiday island all year round and you can do your first spot check as soon as you land at Tenerife South Airport, as the airport is only a few minutes away from El Medano. There are numerous accommodation options on site, in the town itself virtually everything is within walking distance and when walking through the streets of the small town it quickly becomes clear that this is an absolute stronghold of water sports: surfers characterise the townscape, there are several surfing stations and shops and the wind howls unmistakably through the streets.
The fact that El Medano has such a good wind quota is due to the trade wind, which blows extremely reliably, especially in the summer months. With a wingboard, you can increase the water time to almost 100 per cent in the summer months: "Actually, you only need two Wings 3.5 and 4.5 square metres here. If you also want to take the few weak wind days with you, one size larger can also be useful"explains Phillip Kümpel, who has been a regular guest on the island in recent years. Anyone coming to El Medano should be prepared for wind conditions of 15 to 35 knots.
On the other hand, Tenerife also offers plenty of alternative programmes away from El Medano, allowing you to skip a light wind day and explore the island. A hike up Mount Teide, the over 3,700 metre high volcano that towers prominently in the hinterland, is just one of many highlights. While the south is rather flat and dry, the north of the island is characterised by extensive forests and mountainous terrain - ideal for hiking and biking.
Wingfoiling on Tenerife - the spots around El Medano
The area around El Medano is the first choice for wingfoiling on Tenerife. The main spot here is the Playa del Medano at the southern end of the village. Here, you enter over sand, although some shore break can make launching difficult. As soon as you get going, you share the spot with windsurfers and kiters, but the bay still offers plenty of space. Depending on the wind strength, chops form in the front area and long swell waves further out, which are suitable for downwinding and jumping. There are several surf centres on the beach where you can hire the latest equipment and take courses, and there are also cafés and restaurants right on the waterfront for refreshments between sessions.
One bay further upwind is another spot, Cabezo, which, however, requires a higher level of riding ability. This is mainly due to the fact that the waves here are significantly bigger and have a real surf character. The partly rocky entry and the rocks downwind are not a place where you want to experiment with wings and foils - for this reason, it is mainly experienced windsurfers who are on the water here. Further upwind, at the Playa de la Jaquitayou are usually more relaxed on the water. As soon as you've escaped the lee of the hotel, you'll find steep swells to ride outside.
If you want laboratory conditions for learning and practising, you will need a hire car and the ride-sharing service of some surf centres. Ten kilometres north of El Medano, there is a surf centre at Playa del Medio a harbour pier that guarantees absolutely flat water. The wind is also a little lighter here, which is not a disadvantage on days with a strong trade wind. Only surf shoes are recommended because of the stones on the shore!
All in all, the south of Tenerife is a very wind-safe spot for foilers. However, you should be past the absolute beginner stage, as the wind can be strong and some of the spots have a surf-like character.
