Text: Arne Wolf
During the icy winter in northern Germany at the beginning of the year, we felt like warming up. What could be better than a trip to the Canary Islands? We made an enquiry with Pozowinds - and received a confirmation for the period from 15 to 25 March 2026. So after 22 years, it was finally time for me to go to Gran Canaria again!
The anticipation was great. The closer we got to our departure date, the more frequently we checked the weather forecasts. The Canary Islands had already been delivering a strong north-easterly trade wind for several weeks and we feared that there might be a break after such a long period of constant wind. In spring (March-May), the wind on Gran Canaria is usually present, but still changeable (approx. 60-80 per cent probability). In summer (June-August), the stable north-easterly trade wind dominates almost daily, with a wind probability of around 90-100 per cent. South-westerly disturbances are rare and tend to occur outside the summer. Of course, the north-easterly trade winds left just in time for our arrival. There were also warnings of thunderstorms and gale-force winds in the Canary Islands. We were nervous and didn't know what to pack. We left the typical 3-metre sails for Pozo at home and instead opted for sails between 4.0 m² and 5.7 m². To be on the safe side, we also took the 100-litre waveboards with us in addition to the 80-litre waveboards.
Trouble at check-in - with a happy ending and a tip for next time
When I checked in at the airport the evening before, there were problems with the bulky baggage, I was told that only one bag of sports baggage per person was allowed. After a lot of back and forth, the airline finally offered me the option of booking an additional golf bag for 50 euros so that all the bags could be carried. As no one was available in the call centre at this time of day, I was forced to agree. The Eurowings airline website clearly states: "If your sports equipment weighs more than 32kg, the normal price for an additional suitcase will apply (if it remains within the 23kg limit). If one additional suitcase is not enough, you can alternatively book additional sports baggage for up to 32 kg more."
I had a 32 kg sports baggage (surfboards) and a 23 kg hold baggage (sails). This booking was subsequently confirmed to me by Eurowings and they apologised for the inconvenience. For the return flight, it was noted in my booking that my checked baggage consisted of two bulky bags. In future, I will always have this entered via the call centre before the flight - this tip can help to avoid trouble.
The north-easterly trade wind said goodbye just in time for our arrival. There were also warnings of thunderstorms and gale-force winds in the Canary Islands
Storm Therese approaching the Canary Islands
When we arrived in Gran Canaria, we still had some wind from the north-east on the first afternoon and were able to enjoy a first session in Pozo Izquierdo. We checked into our accommodation, got the equipment ready and went straight out onto the water - 4.0 m² and the 82 board for Claudia and 4.6 m² with 88 litres for me. We surfed until sunset as the tide was running out. The accommodation at Pozowinds is really great - the view of the bay is unbeatable, the balcony is spacious and the kitchen is well equipped. The whole team is also very friendly and helpful. Pozowinds also offers equipment hire at very fair prices. As there was no wind the next morning, we travelled to various spots, including Castillo del Romeral and Ketchup - unfortunately without finding any wind or waves.
The Spanish weather forecast announced hurricane-like storms for 17 to 21 March. Storm Therese was there, and as soon as we switched on the sat nav, warnings about possible road closures appeared. Tuesday 17 March promised to be a great day of surfing, with strong south-westerly winds and waves of up to three metres. We packed up the car and drove to Salinas de Tenerifé. When we arrived at the beach, we saw many familiar faces, from amateurs to professionals. After a brief welcome and spot briefing from local hero Björn Dunkerbeck, who had just come off the water, I rigged my 4.6. The waves had a lot of pressure, after a wash my equipment was in an unfavourable position and a wave broke my mast.
Dunkerbeck, Mauch, Pons, Gherardi - all the big names at the start
Claudia, on the other hand, was able to take off confidently through the shorebreak with the 4.0 and came back with her equipment intact. After my mast break I at least had time to take photos of the locals. Liam Dunkerbeck showed spectacular cutbacks and 360s, Marino Gil Gheradi jumped metre-high front loops off the lip, Josep Pons and Moritz Mauch demonstrated maximum precision in metre-high waves. The session lasted until sunset - a fantastic atmosphere! Great shots from this day can also be found on my Instagram profiles arne.photographed and arne.surfs.
On Wednesday we met Local Josep Ponswho took us to Castillo del Romeral. Josep is a sports scientist and professional windsurfing coach. He trains both amateurs and professionals. Josep is extremely friendly and competent - absolutely recommendable! The spot presented itself with smaller bump-and-jump waves and a more relaxed entry than Salinas. The south-westerly wind was strong but gusty - sometimes overpowered with 3.4s to 4.0s, then weak again. Nevertheless - turquoise water, flying fish and pure sunshine - a pleasure after the grey winter.
Thursday brought rain and rough winds. After hours of travelling back and forth, we decided to have another session in Castillo del Romeral in the late afternoon. The 5.2 was used, but a thunderstorm with downpours put an end to the fun. We later learnt that many pros had crossed over to Fuerteventura - where the waves were as high as a mast.
After a two-day break in Salinas, we were highly motivated again. High water, powerful waves, lots of current - not for the faint-hearted. Filmmaker Blas Herrera Trujillo was also there, and Jens Hogenkamp, an acquaintance I had assumed to be in Hawaii, turned up unexpectedly. It was great to get out on the water together! Claudia rigged 3.4 m² and I rigged 4.0 m². 35 knots, massive waves and strong currents demanded a lot from us. I was washed onto the rocks by a two metre high wave, Claudia fared little better. The second session in the evening was much more pleasant, but we were through. At the end of the day, we sat on the rocks, exhausted but happy - and watched Liam Dunkerbeck E11 and Daida Ruano Moreno E64, the "Queen of Pozo", at the evening show on the water. Spectacular!
The windsurfer statue in Pozo fell victim to the storm
21 March brought extreme gusts - they even tore down the famous statue La Windsurfista including the mast. We ourselves were struggling with bruised toes and thighs and decided to take a break. Instead, we took a trip to the Barranco de Guayadeque - a gorge up to 400 metres deep with cave dwellings, a rock chapel and quaint restaurants. A worthwhile detour - pure nature, history and Canarian culture. On Sunday, it was back on the water - light south-westerly winds, moderate waves. Daniel Dunkerbeck was already training, while Björn gave tips from the shore. At first, the wind only really picked up in gusts, but from midday the wind freshened up briefly - and we had three quarters of an hour of pure fun. In the days that followed, the traces of the storm were clearly visible. Numerous hiking trails and roads in the mountains were closed, some suddenly ending in dead ends. Some waterfalls tumbled down steps, flooded valleys and landslides lined the roadsides - nature had done a great job here. The beaches of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas were also flooded.
Broken palm trees and washed up plastic rubbish dominated the scene. We decided to do a spontaneous beach clean-up - the rubbish bag was quickly filled. All in all, it was a successful trip: seven out of ten days were windy - a 70 per cent wind rate in winter is not bad. We would have liked a bit more north-easterly wind and better weather, but the south-westerly wind also had its charms. We'll be back - and a big thank you goes to the crew from Pozowinds!
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
