El Quemao is the "Pipeline of Europe"—a thick, square-barreling left that breaks over ultra-sharp volcanic lava reef in La Santa, Lanzarote. The wave produces some of the heaviest tubes in the Atlantic, with a reputation for serious consequences over the brutal reef. Localism is extreme and deeply ingrained. The Canary Island setting offers warm water and consistent winter swells, but earning respect at El Quemao takes time and commitment. This is European barrel surfing at its most intense.
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Paddle
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions