El Quemao
El Quemao is 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. The Canary Island setting offers mild water and consistent winter swells, but earning respect at El Quemao takes time and commitment. This is European barrel surfing at its most intense.
El Quemao surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 6.1m
- Ideal size
- 3.7m - 5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is El Quemao?
El Quemao is a reef break in La Santa, Lanzarote, Spain, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind El Quemao?
El Quemao means 'the Burnt One'. It was named after a bar owned by a man with severe burn scars, a hangout for the pioneer surfers of Lanzarote's north coast. The Quemao Class contest honours David 'El Fula' Infante, who died surfing the wave in 2009.
What swell works best at El Quemao?
El Quemao picks up swell from the W round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 6.1m, with the sweet spot around 3.7 to 5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at El Quemao?
A SE wind is dead offshore at El Quemao, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at El Quemao?
El Quemao is at its best around high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf El Quemao?
The most reliable run of swell at El Quemao comes Oct to Mar. Winter (Oct-Mar). Needs NW swells.
How cold is the water at El Quemao?
The water at El Quemao averages around 20°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is El Quemao good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: shallow water at low tide, heavy localism and sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to El Quemao?
The nearest airport on our list is ACE, then it's roughly a 20-minute drive. Paddle.
What other surf spots are near El Quemao?
The closest breaks we track are La Santa Right (0.4 km), Famara (9.6 km) and Ghost Town (13 km), handy when El Quemao isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Winter (Oct-Mar). Needs NW swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Santa Right
🏋️ La Santa sports hub • Lanzarote quality • Dawn patrol essential
Famara
🏔️ 6km beach break • Cliff backdrop • Lanzarote's surf hub
Ghost Town
👻 Abandoned development • Radical left barrels • El Quemao's neighbor
San Juan
⬅️ La Santa zone left • Consistent hollow • Technical paddle-out
Chickens
🐔 La Santa option • Hollow but forgiving • Named for farm chickens
Los Lobos
🐺 Canaries' longest wave • 500m rides • Boat access island
Plan a trip around El Quemao
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