El Hierro (The Bubble)
El Hierro, also known as The Bubble, is the heaviest wave in the Canary Islands—a shallow, hollow right that has been compared to Pipeline. The wave breaks over volcanic rock just below the surface, producing thick, grinding barrels that close out violently. This is a wave for professionals and experienced chargers only. Multiple serious injuries have occurred here.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 30°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 150° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jun 20 – Sep 7) — expect extra crowds
Access: Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro (The Bubble) works best on a low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
Offshore wind at El Hierro (The Bubble) blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 150° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro (The Bubble) wants N swell (315° to 30°) between 1.5m and 3.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The main season at El Hierro (The Bubble) is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter N-NW swells. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous.
How do I get to El Hierro (The Bubble)?
Fly into FUE, then allow about 60 minutes by road. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
What kind of wave is El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro (The Bubble) is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter N-NW swells. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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Los Lobos
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La Santa Right
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El Quemao
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Famara
🏔️ 6km beach break • Cliff backdrop • Lanzarote's surf hub