Windsurfing in Costa Teguise | Lanzarote

Ok, so I might be slightly biased because I keep going back to Costa Teguise, or maybe that speaks volumes on it's own! If you want an all round great destination for windsurfing in the sun, with wind, Costa Teguise in Lanzarote has got to be the place.

What makes it so good for a windsurfing holiday:

* Just a 4 hour flight from London
* Year round sun
* Fantastic wind every day
* Wind picks up throughout the day
* Great choice of accommodation
* Fantastic range of kit available in resort

There are two real places you'd windsurf in Lanzarote, Matagorda and Costa Teguise, with the later being the best for anything other than the beginners. Costa Teguise is about a 15 minute journey north of Aricefie airport. The main town is centred around the bay which is hugely popular for it's windsurfing. This picture perfect bay is home to some of the best bars and restaurants as well as having an excellently maintained beach ideal for those 'non windsurfers' in your party. At the Northern end of the bay you have one of the best hotels on the island, the Gran Melia Salinas. Walk around the peninsular and you're just a short walk (5 mins) from Sands Beach Villas (book online) which is perfect for those wanting to have quality self catering. It's also where the PBA competitors stayed last time they competed in Lanzarote. Ideal also if you are planning to take your own kit with you.

At the southern end of the bay you'll find surf shops, mountain bike hire shops, lots of choices of accommodation and some great bars. Most importantly you'll find my personal favourite in terms of windsurfing kit hire locations. Windsurfing Club Nathalie Simon may look fairly inconspicuous from the front, but behind the scenes it hides a vast array of sails and boards to cater for all abilities and conditions. Hire kit by the hour, day or week it really is that flexible. Last time I went I actually opted to pay at the end of the holiday and simply added up the amount of time I used the kit. The longer you hire, the cheaper it becomes.

What's good about hiring the kit:

* Choice of boards and rigs
* Swap and change kit as and when you like
* All the latest kit
* Hire wetsuits and harness

If you hire kit from the southern end of the beach (my preferred choice) you'll have to carry board and rig to the launch area which may take you a few minutes. The hire centre at the norther west end of the beach is right by the beach so you'll have a 30 second walk :)

Why is Costa Teguise so good for windsurfing:

* Constant wind
* Sheltered bay for intermediate / less experienced
* Open water with great varied conditions for lots of fun - 'get some air'
* Warm water conditions
* Very popular location so there are lots of windsurfers to watch and learn from
* Great locations for apre-windsurf

Safety
The other great thing I found was that the windsurfing hire shops keep and eye on you and have their own safety boats. So what ever your ability you know you're going to get home safely. Plus because you're surrounded by other windsurfers there is a real sense of community and everyone will help each other.

Lessons
You'll also find that the windsurfing hire shops provide lessons either as part of a small group or a one on one basis. I personally like the one on one as it's great for improving technique. They will come out on the water with you, so whether your looking to perfect your water start or improve your carve gybe it's the perfect location.

Just Windsurfers
It's also worth pointing out that because of the layout of the bay and the off shore wind conditions you'll find it's just windsurfers enjoying the area. To me this was a real bonus, espcially as I'm use to sailing in Poole where you get windsurfers and kitesurfers fighting for space.

What it's not so good for?
Absolute beginners might find it a little bit daunting. Novice friends of mine felt a little bit nervous because of the swimming area which is roped off and inveribably you will keep drifting into.

My summary of Windsurfing in Costa Teguise
It's a resort which does exactly what it says on the tin. It's clean, its got luxury accommodation and cheap and cheerful. It's a short enough plane journey to be able to go windsurfing for a weekend and it's cheap enough to do it on a regular basis. Above all though it's sunny all year round and the wind blows pretty much every single day. It's a short hop from the airport and nothing costs a lot. You don't need to take your kit with you as you'll find everything you need there.

Have you been?
Let me know what you think? Are you going and want some recommendations? Let me know.

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