El Confital
El Confital is Europe's hidden gem—a world-class right-hand barrel breaking over volcanic reef on the northern tip of Gran Canaria, visible from the city of Las Palmas yet somehow remaining relatively uncrowded. When solid north Atlantic swells sweep down from winter storms, this wave produces powerful, hollow tubes that rank among the finest in Europe. The volcanic reef bottom creates predictable, mechanical sections that reward skilled tube riders. Accessible by a short walk from the city, El Confital offers genuine big wave surfing with urban convenience—a rare combination anywhere in the world.
El Confital surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 340°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.8m - 2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Confital?
The El Confital profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.8m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Confital?
The El Confital profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at El Confital?
The El Confital scoring profile favors swell from W (270° to 340°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf El Confital?
The main season at El Confital is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May. Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
How do I get to El Confital?
The spot profile lists LPA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. Walk from Las Palmas city. Northernmost beach of Gran Canaria.
What kind of wave is El Confital?
El Confital is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Best September-May. North Atlantic winter swells.
Getting There
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